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According to Wikipedia, A pool cue is a long stick used for playing billiards or snooker. The primary purpose of a pool cue is to hit balls into pockets, an essential piece of equipment for any pool or billiards table.
The history of Pool Cue is dated back to 1600’s when the players used to lay the ball near rail. The large head of mace makes it inconvenient to play and hence they use the handle to strike the ball. ‘ The handle is to ‘queue’ meaning ‘tail’ that derived the word ‘Cue’ – According to Billiard Congress of America
Another definition that i found on yourdictionary for cue is, “It is a long-handled rod with a tip that is used to shoot the ball when playing billiards”
Choosing the best Pool cue is always tedious with the overwhelming choices in the market. From different sizes to varied finishes and tip sizes, it becomes difficult to choose the right Pool Cue. Here is a video that explains the core difference between an expensive pool and an entry level pool:
Here is how you can shortlist the best Pool Cue with the following considerations:
The first option is to purchase an American-spec cue or an English-spec cue. It’s entirely dependent on the type of American or British pool player. The equipment, games, and the cues themselves are different.
Pool cues in the US come with more extensive, comprehensive tips that enable players to strike harder and enjoy quicker, more powerful shots that roll farther. It is ideal for big American table pools with wide pockets and quick nylon cloths. Also, American pool balls are more significant – and heavier than their British counterparts.
The British pool cues have smaller tips and are made to play the more thoughtful eight-ball game on a small British game table. In this case, the power of the shot isn’t as important as control and precision.
Also Read: What Color is The Cue Ball In Pool
Length
A standard length for a cue is the equivalent of 57 inches, and it is a good fit for adults and is also appropriate in adult sizes. However, great for smaller or younger players can be Cues that measure 48 inches. Owing to different lengths, often players look for the right length of pool cue.
For children, the ideal length is 36-inch cues. But these are usually not useful to adults unless they play at tables in tight spaces. Sometimes, a 36-inch cue could be used when you don’t have room to use your standard cue of 57 inches.
One Piece, Two Piece Or Three Piece?
The majority of billiard cues are either one or two pieces. There is a belief that single-piece cues are best for performance in games since they do not have moving joints or moving parts within the shaft, which means that the power of your shot is transferred cleanly and straight from your hand to the ball of your cue.
But, thanks to modern cue-making methods as well as the usage of top premium materials, this idea is no longer valid. A decent two-piece or three-piece cue can perform precisely like its single-piece counterpart, and professional players frequently play with them in significant games.
The primary advantage of the two-piece Billiard cue is its portability, and it is easily removed and put into smaller bags or cue cases. This makes it much easier and less intrusive to carry around and less noticeable to thieves (for instance, if you need to put it in your vehicle).
The cue joint joints of today are constructed from metal and are precisely machined to ensure a solid fit. Once tightly tightened, there will be no reduction in shot force, and the cue stays straight.
There are a handful of 3 piece pool cues around. These usually include the main joint in the middle of the cue and the other on the butt. It is typically done to have a shorter (around 8 inches) section easily removed to allow clearance in tight places.
1/4 Joint, 1/2 Joint
Specific cues are available in two pieces but have the joint in the three-quarter point rather than the half position. This 3/4-joint cue design was first used in snooker, where extended lengths could be affixed to the cue to be used on full-size snooker tables. Later, the design was introduced in pool cues, and the detachable butt area aids players with little room around their table. They’re also more mobile than a single-piece.
Butt Extensions
Many pool cues are equipped with a thread on the top of the butt, which lets you put in an extension of the butt. They are typically heavy wood that can add a bit of reach to your cues – most butt extensions are less than 10 inches long.
Specific pool cues have butt extensions as well, and they are in no way a part of the cue’s total length. If it’s listed as a 57-inch cue with a 9-inch extension, the cue will measure 66 inches long when put together.
Weight
The primary factor to consider when selecting the weight of your cue is not shot strength. However, it is balanced. The cue’s weight plays a significant role in determining how the cue will feel on your fingers and how it matches your style of play. Use the filters available on our website to view the weighted light, medium and heavy cues. Generally, most cues are weighed between 16-18oz. It is a great starting point to test with.
A cue with weight is made stronger by adding weight to it. Pool cue using a sturdy hardwood for an area called the “butt. An ebony is a well-liked option since it is a highly dense wood that can hold plenty of weight. With the correct amount of ebony inside the butt of the cue, the snare can be constructed to have light, medium, and heavyweight.
Specific cues that are less expensive don’t have the hardwood ebony or any other in the butt, but instead use an insert composed of a hard substance, like lead.
Also Read: What is Low Deflation Pool Cue?
Tips
Most of the time, you’ll typically play with the tip attached to the cue you choose initially, but when it comes time to replace the tip, you can play around with the size and toughness. You may also opt for one with specific tips depending on your preferences.
Tips for Glue-On or Screw-On
Most billiard cues have glued-on tips, and they are simple to replace if they wear out and are a good choice for performance for professional players. They also make great personal cues that are appropriately taken care of.
Specific cues that are less expensive use screws-on tips rather than. These are made faster and simpler to replace, and they are great for public cues at pubs and nightclubs.
If you’re purchasing an instrument for your personal use, we’d typically suggest glue-on tips.
Tip Size
The length of your shaft could affect how you play, and it should have the same diameter as your shaft, not smaller. A shorter tip gives you more control over the spin; however, it could also trigger more errors. A larger tip gives you less control over the spin, but it will provide you with a more robust, consistent shot.
For American cues, the average size is usually twelve or thirteen millimeters. However, British alerts’ normal size is 8-9mm. Start with tips this size and try different sizes for tips as you improve your skills.
Tip Hardness
The most common rule of thumb is that a more brittle tip will transmit more force to the ball. A more robust tip is ideal for breaking, jumping, or long shots. However, the harder tip will give insufficient spin control and is more likely to trigger errors—specific tips comprised of more dense materials like phenolic resin.
A soft tip allows the player to employ more spin techniques and advanced control methods. However, it takes a bit of strength from your shot, and the soft tips are typically constructed from soft leather.
Most players play with moderate tips, which is an excellent compromise in every aspect you play. As you gain experience, you might want to play with two cues for the game: one with the hard tip to break the power and the other with a soft tip to ensure precise control.
What exactly is the Splice?
The splice is in which the shaft of the cue is joined to its butt. In this splice, two pieces of wood are joined. The shaft is generally the maple or ash species, and the butt is typically heavier than the shaft, for instance, ebony.
It’s also a well-known aesthetic feature that provides cue makers a reason to personalize the look of the cue by using exotic timber splices, pinstripes, and beautiful veneers. There may be decals or paint designs instead of less expensive cues.
Hand or Machine Spliced?
There’s plenty of discussion about the best way to go about it: hand-spliced or machine-spliced. It is a way to determine if the splice was created and joined by hand or using a machine.
Modern cue-making technology has made it possible to connect splices by hand. Using a machine to splice isn’t always an issue, particularly when it comes from a trusted brand. However, for certain people, the feeling of having the cue spliced, finished, and done by a craftsman’s hands is well worth the price of an extra.
Storage and Care
If properly cared for, your cue will give you many years or even years of fantastic games.
It is best to store it in a vertical position on the form of a cue stand or similar and keep it safe from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures (so away from the radiator). It will stop the cue from fading and warping. It is also possible to store the cue in a specific cue case in which you can support it throughout the entire length.
Each year or once, You should treat your cues with Linseed oil. Wipe the cue clean with a damp cloth and apply oil in a thin layer with a paper towel. Let it sit overnight before rubbing off any excess oil at the beginning of each day.
Do not use sandpaper or abrasives for your cue, and it will harm the sealer.
Tip Replacement
If your cue tip has been damaged, it is time for a replacement.
How can you substitute the cue tip?
- Select a cue point of similar dimensions to replacing cue tips.
- Cut the tip-off of the cue with an abrasive knife. Cut straight up to the ferrule.
- Clean and lightly sand the underneath of the cue tips, and then apply the cue cement.
- Put it on the cue on the other side of the ferrule and press it down to squeeze out the air. Keep it in place for approximately 15 minutes.
- The cue tip can be shaped using a Cue Tip Shaper. Remove protruding bits, and then shape the tip to fit your preferences.
A Pool Cue to give as a gift
Pool cues are excellent gifts. Suppose the recipient is an experienced professional who is a regular participant in tournaments or an avid amateur with an at-home table and an entertaining family. In that case, a cue will fit their needs well.
The most crucial factor to know is the game they are playing the most – American and British pool. A standard-length cue of 57 inches will best serve most adults, but the 48-inch cue is suitable for the majority of adults as well as older children. If they are traveling to play in a public area, a 2-piece or 3-piece cue could be suitable. However, if you play in your home, then a single piece might be the most suitable.
Conclusion
When you’re buying a new pool cue, there are several things you need to consider. First, how much do you want to spend? Second, what kind of player are you? Third, where will you play? Fourth, what type of game are you going to play? Finally, what brand do you prefer? These questions will help you make the right choice when purchasing a new pool cue.