How do you buy a good cue?

How do I know what pool cue to buy?

What makes a good cue?

A good-quality, brand new pool stick should be almost flawless, with little to no change in smoothness between the tip, ferrule, shaft and butt. We've all seen the local pool hall hero come into the bar and roll all the pool cue sticks on the table to ensure they get the straightest one.

How much should you spend on a pool cue?

Beginner Pool Cues Cost $60 - $200

The quality of the materials used makes the $100 price point a great place to start when setting up your budget. Cues in this price range will come with a Hard Rock Maple shaft, professional taper and a good, layered tip.

Do expensive cues make a difference?

Players need to know this – pool cue price does not equal quality. Paying more for a cue does not exactly mean you will play better. We have all gotten stuck in this mindset before, simply because we have been conditioned to believe this our whole lives. Some cues are identical, even though they cost different amounts.

Buying a Cue - what to look for when purchasing a cue

What pool cue do most pros use?

PROFESSIONAL billiard players TRUST their game to Predator more than any other brand, including many WORLD CHAMPIONS ★ and top ranked players.

What cue tip do most pros use?

Medium-hard tips

This is the most common cue tip, and it gives players a good balance of cue ball control and consistency. Medium-hard tips also require less maintenance than soft tips.

What is the most popular pool cue weight?

What is the Most Common Pool Cue Stick Weight? Majority of cue sticks measure around 59 inches and their weight ranges between 17 and 21 ounces. 19-ounce cue sticks are the most common.

Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pool cue?

In general, a lighter cue will allow more control over finesse shots, and a heavier cue will allow more cue ball (CB) speed with less apparent stroke effort. A heavier cue might also be easier for some people to keep on line during the stroke, but this is a very individual thing.

What size pool cue is best?

If you are mostly playing an eight-ball pool game, the stick you would generally use is about 1.39 to 1.44 metres or 55-57 inches. Some manufacturers provide up to 58 inches. Professional players opt for between 56 and 57-inch cues because they believe these are the perfect sizes for the cue ball.

Is a nickel or dime cue tip better?

– Nickel or dime radius only makes a difference on very small diameter tips. – On very small tips it's better to have a dime radius than a nickel radius. from Patrick Johnson (in AZB post): To avoid hitting on a tip's edge, it should be shaped to a curvature radius less than its width.

What is the best cue?

What is the best cue weight for beginners?

Length & Weight

Cues usually weigh 18 – 21 ounces. For a beginner, we would recommend about 20 ounces.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive pool cues?

There is a big difference in the manufacture process. Making a Hand-spliced cue is a longer process and often involves extra splicing and includes more exotic woods. The cheapest cues that many suppliers sell are not spliced at all and are in fact painted to look like they are spliced.

Does a nice pool cue make a difference?

If by chance you wish to up your pool/billiards/snooker game, you might want to consider buying your cue. Can a cue make a difference? Absolutely. As is the case with other activities such as bowling, golf, frisbees and darts, using better equipment will usually result in more proficiency at the designated game.

What weight cue do professionals use?

Select the Right Cue Stick Weight

While professional billiards players tend to use pool sticks that weigh about 19 ounces, it is a better idea for beginners to use pool sticks that are a bit lighter (around 15 ounces) while they are still learning how to pocket those tough shots with ease.

Are pool cues better with wood or carbon fiber?

Compared to wood and other materials, a carbon fiber shaft can last a lot longer. You won't have to worry about dents or scratches. It is also less prone to reacting to atmospheric changes, whereas a wooden shaft can shrink and expand due to temperature or humidity. A carbon fiber cue shaft is easy to maintain too.

What is the average pool cue?

Pool cues average around 59 inches (150 cm) long, are commonly available in 17–21 ounces (0.48–0.60 kg) weights, with 19 ounces (0.54 kg) being the most common, and usually have a tip diameter in the range of 12 to 14 mm.

How often should you change your cue tip?

When or how often should you replace a cue tip? Usually, a tip is replaced either when you want to try something new or if your current tip has worn down too low, where there is almost no tip material left on the shoulder of the ferrule.

How do I know what size cue tip I need?

It should always be the same diameter as your shaft – no smaller. A smaller tip will give you more control over spin, but may also cause more miscues. A larger tip will give you less spin control, but a more powerful, consistent shot. With American cues, the standard size is usually around 12 or 13mm.

Are graphite pool cues better?

Advantages of a carbon-fiber (AKA graphite) shaft include: It is smooth and has very little friction, especially with an open bridge. It stays cleaner than a wood shaft, which can be difficult to keep sealed, clean, and smooth (with no scratches or dings). It is easy and safe to clean with a damp towel.

Does a good pool cue matter?

A pool cue stick is so important to the game that most high caliber pool players will invest a great sum to obtain not only one but several individually customized billiard cue sticks, bringing even more firepower to the game. The first six to ten inches of the shaft is like the trigger on that rifle.

Is a longer pool cue better?

players about 6'4″ and taller really need a longer cue.

And some short players play with a longer cue so they can reach more shots without the mechanical bridge. If you find yourself often gripping the bumper at the bottom of your cue, you may need a slightly longer stick. …

What size cue for my height?

Cue length and size is not as complicated as many believe. We recommend a cue length between 57” to 58” for most players and many players of all heights agree on this length. For players taller than 6'4” or those who just enjoy a longer cue, we recommend considering a cue with an extension piece.