Shopping cart
Selecting the Best Cue - Tips
With so many different pool cues available to choose from, selecting the right one for you can be a challenge. You need to consider its weight, its straightness, and, of course, its tip. You should also make sure that you hold any cue in your hand you are considering purchasing before going ahead and buying it, and even trying it out on a table if you can.
Playing pool is, of course, among the more popular activities in pubs, so if you want to impress your mates, it is imperative that you start by choosing the right cue. Of course, pub sports and activities such as darts and dominoes do not require as much thought. And these days, pub-goers prefer playing online casino games and betting on sports online, thanks to that thing we carry around in our pockets called a smartphone. Sports betting takes up little time, and you can even place a bet or two between pool games. When the pool action begins, however, you'd better make sure you have the right cue at hand to give yourself every chance of winning. It is time to explore that cue selection a little more closely.
Pool Cue Length
The first thing to consider is the size of the cue; in particular, its length. The standard size is 57 inches, which is suitable for players between 5”8 and 6”2. For taller players, however, you should be looking for a cue up to 71 inches long. Users below the standard range should look for a cue that is either 48” or 52” long. You should also pick a cue that is straight, especially if you are buying a two-piece cue.
Weight
An average cue weighs between 17 and 21 ounces, although the perfect weight is somewhat subjective, as it depends on its level of comfort. A light cue is a good choice for short players, as it will make it more convenient when taking your shot. Regardless, it is wise for beginning players to start out with a 19-ounce cue; you can always adjust it later. Professional players, however, can be very choosey when deciding on the weight of their cue, and choose their weight based on how it will help them make any given shot. A heavy cue, for example, is appropriate for breaking shots, with lighter cues popular for when extra skill is required.
Cue Tips
As it is the part that strikes the ball, this is the most important part of the cue, and so you should choose one that will support how you play your game. Let us look at the different hardness options and offer you some insight so that you can make the right choice for you.
Soft Tips
Soft tips tend to compress when touching the ball, and so that extra time, no matter how short, affords you improved accuracy and control. One downside is that soft tips ask you to hit the ball harder, which might take away some of the very accuracy and control you gained from the extra time advantage. Soft tips also tend to easily wear out, although they are perfect for experienced players who like to put a lot of spin on the ball.
Medium Tips
Most cues with medium tips combine speed, control, and consistency. Unlike soft tips, they do not mushroom easily and are easy to maintain. They are ideal if you are a beginner, as when you improve your play, you can choose between a hard and a soft tip, based on your preferences.
Hard Tips
These are specifically designed for jumping or breaking. Unlike soft tips, they typically provide maximum energy when striking the ball. The downsides are that they are unsuitable for spin shots and are difficult to control. While many professionals opt for this kind of tip, they usually spend years practicing their craft, and so it is not a tip that we recommend for beginners.
Chat ()