If the D-23 and its colored rose hinted at a new art direction the company was taking, the E series was the destination. Launched in 1990, the E series included an extensive selection of cues with a wide variety of representational, inlaid art. Some of the more interesting examples included cats, hot-air balloons, a dragon, and a penguin wearing a rad pair of shades.
One of the more unusual cues in the series is the E-J5. The cocobolo sleeve of the E-J5 features three connected ovals, each with a unique teddy bear inside. One is outfitted as a sheriff, another wears a red tie, and the last wears a top hat and bowtie.
The bears, like other artwork in the E series cues, posed a bit of a challenge to create. While most inlaid artwork is cut flat and rounded after it has been inserted into the cue, the width of the bears required them to be cut to match the radius of the cue.
The E-J5 was one of a series of cues dreamed up by Jim McDermott’s daughter, Phyllis. She was eager to attract more women into the sport, and created a handful of cues for that purpose. Although the E-J5 doesn’t appeal to everyone, it’s hard not to appreciate the impressive handiwork and thought that went into it.
I’ve been playing billiards most of my life. My three daughters saw this cue, and they all fell in love. My youngest being 13 is on the look out for her own cue. I think she found it. On the mark!
I have this cue and and love it. It’s currently my main player. Interesting read on the inlay of the bears. I think the butt may have been “sized up” to accommodate the size of the inlays. This thing is a club. The largest, from a diameter standpoint, cue I’ve ever held. It doesn’t fit into some of my tighter cases. Having said that it hits a ton and sits center hole right next to a $2000 early 90’s Schon that rarely gets used. Thanks!… but I’ll play the McDermott!