How do you test a snooker cue?

"The correct way to sight the straightness of a snooker cue is to hold the cue at the butt end and look down the length of the cue with one eye - like when you would shoot a rifle, then turn the butt of the cue 360 degrees while continuing to sight down the cue, you will then be able to tell if the cue is straight or ...

How do you know if a snooker cue is good?

If you like the look of the grain in ash then try look out for good quality ash. Look for things like a straight grain, arrows which point towards the tip and check the hardness of the ash. Maple cues tend to have microscopic grains, but look for a cue that has as few imperfections as possible.

What is the difference between a snooker cue and a regular cue?

The tip normally measures about 8-9 mm wide. Yes, American cues are usually a little thicker with a larger tip (12-13 mm) to accommodate the larger cue ball. Conversely, snooker cues are thicker and made sturdier with a tip that measures 9-10 mm. As for sturdiness, a cue's shaft is rated based on its deflection rating.

How can I tell if my pool cue is warped?

The most reliable way to check your cue for warping is to 'sight' the cue. We recommend dismantling a two piece cue and only sighting the shaft. Holding the cue/shaft slightly downward at eye level, look down the cue focusing your attention on the tip whilst slowing turning the cue 360 degrees.

Do snooker cues warp?

Most cues have some sort of warping, but not noticeable if they are good quality brands. If it does not affect your sighting on a snooker shot, then I wouldn't worry about it. Just take care of it and store it away from heat and moisture.

Snooker Cue Advice - Snooker Cue Tips

How do I stop my snooker cue from warping?

Moisture is one of the main causes of cue warping. Hard cases give better protection than soft cases. Store your case upright, not lying down. If it's a soft case, hang it on a nail in your closet.

Is it OK to use snooker cue for pool?

So if you're only casually enjoying English pool whilst focussing on your Snooker game, feel free to play English pool with a Snooker cue. There are marginal caveats to using a Snooker cue to play English pool - Namely a very slight loss of precision over shooting where an English Pool Cue would deliver.

Can I use a snooker cue for pool?

Additionally while the tip is only slightly smaller the difference in ball sizing means that using a snooker cue to hit pool balls increases your chances of miscuing and imparting unwanted spin on the cue ball (and ultimately object ball as well).

Is a heavy snooker cue better?

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.

How straight should a snooker cue be?

To check your cue for straightness. Close one eye and sight down the cue, from the end of the butt through to the tip (as if you are sighting a rifle) whilst turning the cue as you sight down it. The cue should look perfectly straight and not appear to turn to one side.

What cue tip do the 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. Most beginning and intermediate players will benefit from the medium-hard tip.

Can you straighten a bent snooker cue?

With the cue at a 60-degree angle to the floor, place the flat of one hand, palm down, directly on the bend. Press down on the cue, holding it still with your hand. The cue will bend easily into shape. Rotate the cue again and repeat, checking and adjusting until you have straightened the cue.

Are cheap snooker cues any good?

When you choose a snooker cue, don't be fooled by prices. Just because a cue is cheap does not mean it isn't any good. On the other hand, any cue over £100 or more is sure to be a quality piece of wood.

What size tip do snooker players use?

Snooker Cues:

You can get a variety of tip sizes from 9 to 10mm generally with the most popular being around the 9.5mm to 10mm and not many players using below unless they have had the cue for a long time.

What is the best brand of snooker cue?

Peradon cues are of the highest quality and Peradon have more experience than anyone and Peradon are the oldest cue makers in the world, so if they don't know how to do it no one does. So if you're looking to buy a quality snooker cue then you can't go wrong choosing a Peradon Cue.

How long does a snooker cue last?

If you are playing every day you might change the tip every three or four weeks but if there is a gap it could last longer. I've had the same cue for about the last three years or so.

Why is snooker cue so expensive?

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.

What is the best size snooker cue?

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.

Can you use furniture polish on a snooker cue?

Yes, furniture polish! Just spray a little along the cue and then wipe like you would a piece of furniture!

Is snooker much harder than pool?

The best pool players are very skilful but I'd argue that snooker is harder, given the size of the table. On a pool table the smaller surface area and closer proximity of the pockets means good eyesight is seldom an issue.

Should you rough up snooker cue tip?

The shorter a tip is cut (or worn down with use and shaping), the harder it will play. If a tip is not scuffed (either with a tool or with frequent chalking with a traditional abrasive chalk), it will not hold chalk very well, and miscues will be more likely. A harder tip might require more attention in this regard.

How tight should you hold a snooker cue?

You HOLD the cue, gently cradling it with your index finger or second finger, closing the hold with your thumb. ​The classic analogy is to pretend that the cue is actually a small bird. You want to hold it tight enough that it does not fly away, but you don't want to hurt or kill it, even through the entire shot.

How do you restore an old snooker cue?

Give your cue a good rub down with a paper towel using a suitable solvent. Common white spirit (mineral spirit) is fine. Take some 320 grit sandpaper (use good quality stuff like cloth backed aluminium oxide) and sand the whole cue, taking care to move evenly over the surface.

What are cheap snooker cues made of?

Good quality pool cues are customarily made from straight-grained hard rock maple wood, especially the shaft. Snooker cues, by contrast, are almost always made of ash wood, although one might come across one with a maple shaft. Maple is stiffer than ash, and cheaper.