What Size Pool Cue Do I Need: {Step By Step} Guide 2022

what size pool cue you need

What is the difference between a standard pool cue and a long stick? What size pool cue should I get?

A pool cue is a device used for striking balls during a game of billiards or snooker. The length of the cue determines the distance at which the ball is struck.

Short sticks are usually used for beginners who want to play table games, and long sticks are better suited for experienced players who prefer to play longer shots. A good tip on choosing the right pool cue will help you make an informed decision.

Use a 120-121 cm (48 inches) pool cue for:

  • 7 feet table in an 11.3 x 14.5 feet room
  • 8 feet table in an 11.7 x 15.3 feet room
  • 9 feet table in a 12.2 x 16.3 feet room

A 52-inch pool cue is great for:

  • The 7-foot table in an 11.9 x 15.1 feet room
  • The 8-foot table in a 12.3 x 16 feet room
  • The 8.5-foot table in a 12.5 x 16.3 feet room
  • The 9-foot table in a 12.8 x 17 feet room

Use a 58-inch pool cue for the following pool table and room sizes:

  • The 7-foot table in a 12.9 x 16.1 feet room
  • The 8-feet table in a 13.3 x 17 feet room
  • The 8.5-feet table in a 13.5 x 17.3 feet room
  • The 9-feet table in a 13.8 x 18 feet room

Of course, the room sizes above are the ideal measurements. You can have a larger space for the specified pool table sizes but certainly not smaller than the ones.

Cues for the pool are available in various lengths, but the standard is the 58″. For most players, the one-inch 58″ cue will work. However, those who are over and below the normal height could require a different length cue is the best choice.

Other common lengths of common pool cues include the 48″ and 52″. Jump cues generally range from 40 to 40″ while shorty cues can be as short as 24″ and are ideal for playing with children or in tight spaces.

As I mentioned using an unsuitable cue or one not the appropriate length for your needs can hurt your game. The issue is that many beginners don’t know what length is appropriate for their needs. There are many aspects to consider when purchasing your cues, but length should not be ignored.

How can you tell which length cue will work most suitable for you? Let’s take a look now.

How To Select A Correct Length Cue

There isn’t a scientific method to determine which cue length is ideal for each individual. In most cases, the decision to choose a length depends on the height, arm length, and individual preference.

For taller players like me (6’1″), a 58″ cue is perfect. Let’s say that you’re 7ft tall and have very lengthy arms, or you’re below average height and shorter arms. The odds are that a “58” cue isn’t an ideal choice for you.

One way to figure out the cue length that’s best for your situation is to test with a handful of cues with different lengths before you buy. If you’re unsure where to begin, take a to the size chart for pool cues below to determine what length of the cue is suitable for your size.

Also Read: What Is A Hybrid Pool Cue?

Recommendations for Taller Players

If you’re taller than 6’4″, the longer cue will likely make you feel more comfortable. However, there are not many options for cues more than one 58″ long.

Another option can be the Extension. It simply screws into or slides over the bottom of the cue based on the model you choose and offers 3″-12″ of grip length.

The other extensions are placed on the other side of the butt or shaft. The two styles are the same and are an excellent alternative to spending enormous money on getting a custom cue.

One of the top ones I’ve come across includes the 12″‘ cue extension made by VGEBY (Amazon). It simply slips onto the back of the cue, making it fast and simple to put off and on. It’s also made from aluminum, making it extremely strong yet lightweight. If you’re interested in it, click the image above or the link below to check it out on Amazon.

If you don’t have the money to purchase a custom-made cue but aren’t keen on extensions, then you can look into this Extreme Extra Long Cue (Amazon). It’s about 62″ long with a 31″ shaft and a 31″ butt. The shaft is constructed of hard rock maple, and the entire cue weighs 19 ounces. It comes with a case, so you can carry it around without fearing that it will be damaged.

So, What’s The Ideal Cue Size for You?

Let’s take a look more in-depth with regards to the cue’s size.

If the above measurements are confusing and you want to make it easier, simplify finding the ideal cue by selecting your favorite pool game. What’s your perfect game of pool? Do you prefer an eight-ball or nine-ball pool? Perhaps you like snooker better. It will narrow your search considerably and allow you to begin playing the game using the correct cue size. Be aware that the typical length of a cue for the pool is about 1.42 to 1.49 meters or 56-59 inches.

1. Eight-Ball Pool

If you’re mostly playing an eight-ball game, the stick you’d normally use is 1.39 up to 1.44 meters, or 55-57 inches. Some manufacturers will provide approximately 58 inches, and professional players choose 56- and 57-inch cues as they believe they are the best dimensions for the cue ball.

The most commonly used material to make cues is North American Ash, Rosewood, and Sycamore. There are cues with various designs, including joined and full length. You can pick the length of the shaft and the butt of the cue, and this depends on your preference. Certain cues are extended, while others feature a narrow butt.

However, the size of the tip can affect the experience of playing. The correct tip can allow you to aim better and take the ball. In certain situations, tips are the reason why you are miscuing the ball. It is possible to find the 8mm the 13mm point, and it isn’t easy to locate 8mm-tipped cues. However, you can buy one that measures 13mm.

2. Nine-Ball Pool

Nine-ball pool players employ the 1.44 meters (57 inches) cue stick. You might wonder why this length isn’t identical to the above eight-ball pool, and one reason is that the balls’ diameter is slightly larger. Additionally, a nine-ball game is similar to an athletic game, requiring an extended cue to ensure you can get your cue from one end of the table to the next.

It’s very easy to miss the mark during a nine-ball game, and this is why a well-informed technique is vital to follow. A good diameter should be between 11-13 millimeters; this size range is compatible with the length required for the pool cue with nine balls.

As previously mentioned, the pool game is very fast, and the pocket size is larger than the eight-ball game. Many professionals and serious players choose to customize their cue that goes beyond the tip.

3. Snooker

If you’re more of a snooker or snooker player, you might want to choose the 1.44 up to 1.49 meters (57 up to 59 in) cue for pool. Professionals generally use between 1.44 and 1.47 m, but certain players prefer a larger stick that can reach 1.49 meters.

As with all cues, you can customize the snooker stick you use, especially regarding the shaft and the butt length. Choosing a stick that permits you to make jump shots is important.

Cue tips are typically 9.5mm in diameter and easy to pick. However, selecting the right cue for the table’s size is important. Snooker tables typically range from 10×5 inches or 12 inches x 6 inches, and they are larger than the tables for the pool. The extra length also means that pocketing balls require greater speed and force when hitting them.

The increased force required implies that the ball can travel further than you would like it to. It is why ball size, tips, and table measurement must be considered when determining the right cue size for snooker players.

As you will see, what dimension of your cue depends on the pool table, your game, the size of your room, and, of course, how you feel about it. It is possible to purchase an additional cue or customize your current cue stick.

If your game isn’t performing as well as you’d like, it might be time to review your cue to determine whether it’s the best option for you.

Conclusion

For most new players selecting the right length, the cue doesn’t rank high on the priority list. Most of us want to play games and have a great time, however, using an unsuitable cue for height may adversely affect your game.

Knowing what length of the cue is appropriate for you is essential if you’re trying to improve your game to improve your skills.

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