Being a Straight Shooter With the Right Pool Cue
"Eight ball in the corner pocket." You line up your final shot, pull your pool cue back, and fire it forward. The cue ball careens across the table, glancing into the eight ball at the perfect angle, sending it smoothly into your chosen pocket. While being proficient at billiards involves years of practice, a knowledge of geometry, and keen focus, there is no denying that the type of pool cue you use plays a large role in how you shoot. Luckily, there are numerous pool cues available on eBay from a variety of sellers, from entry-level pool sticks to professional pool sticks that will help you go from amateur to adept.
What Should My Cue Be Made Of?
When deciding which pool cue is right for you, one of your first considerations will be the material of the cue.
- When it comes to the hardness of the pool cue material, the tried and true wisdom is that the harder the material, the more powerful your shot will be. On the other hand, softer cue materials provide better control and are better for those who are looking for precision.
- The two primary types of cue material used in pool cues are fiberglass and wood. While most professionals use wooden cues, fiberglass billiard cues generally last longer because they are resistant to warping.
- Many top-tier pool sticks offer a hybrid of materials in order to maximize power and control, and include a mix of woods, graphite, carbon fiber, and other materials.
Which Measurements Should I Look For In a Pool Cue?
Whether you're playing billiards or snooker, when it comes to matching the player to the cue, it's all about weight and length.
- Contrary to what many aspiring billiards players think, physical strength doesn't determine the weight of the cue you should use. Rather, cue weight is a preference issue about how much force you want behind each shot.
- Some cues offer removable weight bolts, which allow you to experiment and ultimately optimize your cue to find the perfect balance for the weight that feels right for you.
- On average, pool cues are usually 57 to 58 inches in length. The longer sticks allow for greater spin and ball control, but may seem cumbersome to certain pool players. For pool players who are taller and have longer arms, a longer cue is best.
What Are the Parts of a Pool Cue?
While a pool stick may seem like one object, it is actually composed of various parts.
- In general, the pool cue consists of two sections: the butt and the shaft. The butt is the heavier part of the cue, while the shaft is the top half and is slimmer, ending in the tip of the cue.
- In between the butt and the shaft is the joint, which connects the two together. While the joint may seem trivial, many players would argue that this is where you determine the feel of the shot.
- Metal, plastic, hardwood, and other materials all change the feel of the shot. Your personal preference determines which joint you choose.