What to Know When Selecting a Pool Cue

by Caitlin
Pool playing

A  pool cue is a tapered sporting stick mainly used in the games of pool, snooker and carom billiards and is used to hit cue ball during play. There are different types and brands of pool cues in the market to choose from, e.g., English cues, American cues, and Ramin cues. It can be difficult for a novice player to pick the right stick compared to an experienced player; hence some guidance is needed. We look at essential tips to consider when choosing a pool cue. 

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Pool Cue

Many people playing for fun don’t pay much attention to pool cues as long as they can hit the ball. If you’re playing professionally and looking to improve your game, you must have the right pool cue. Experiment with different sticks to identify the perfect one for you.

  1. Length

Pool cue length should be straight and fit the length of your arm, comfortably controlling your game. There are different lengths, but a standard stick is 58 inches, which is suitable for 5’8 to 6’5 players. Taller players need a unique cue that can go all the way to 61inches while kids do good with 48 to 52 inches cues.

  1. Weight

The most weight of the stick is in its rear end is usually thicker than the shaft. The weight majorly depends on your comfort level, but most pool cues range from 17 to 21 ounces. It is rare to find kids participating in pool games, so most players select sticks with weights of 19 and 21 ounces. However, for short people, a lighter or forward weighted cue would be ideal for them to get the perfect shot. Some players choose to use different cues with different weights to perform various shots.

  1. Type of Wrap

Cue wraps materials are usually Irish linen or nylon, which have a pleasant feel and leather. Both linen and leather are useful if you perspire a lot as they absorb sweat well. Some don’t come with any wraps and are not the best option as they offer no grip and tend to slip after a bit of use. The wrap part is where you come into contact with the pool stick, so its essential to get what suits you to avoid any mishaps during the game.

  1. Pool Cue Tips

The tip is the part of the stick that comes into contact with the ball. They vary from soft to medium and hard. Soft tips give an added feel through the shot. It is ideal for spinning the ball but tends to misshape and wear out faster. Hard tips last longer, while medium shots are more standard and can be used to take across all shots if need be.

  1. Casing

A good quality case is vital to ensure the safety of your stick either when lying around or during transportation. The cases are either hard, which protects the cue from any impact that can break or dent it, or soft. They vary in terms of budget, i.e., the soft casing is cheaper than the hard one. 

Conclusion

Limit your options by setting a budget for your pool cue to make it easier for you to select one. Test the feel of the cue before buying and make sure it matches your preferences.

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