How do you choose the correct cue stick for someone?

Question

I was told there are certain specifications you must have before choosing a cue stick for a particular person. Like Height, Weight. I'm need to know because I'm buying a cue stick for my father for Fathers Day, and I plan on getting a rather expensive one.

Answer 1

You hear stuff like this about pool cues, puppies, and the like...I agree with not getting a puppy as a gift, but really, you're probably not going to go wrong with a pool cue.  By rather expensive, do you mean $150? $600? $1000?  If it looks pretty (inlays and not...decals, or whatever), and it'll take a Predator shaft (most will) just in case he doesn't like the shaft that comes with it, he'll love it.  Weight...somewhere around 19 oz. is good for everyone, I think.  I haven't paid attention to weight since I was 18 and playing with a house cue; I don't even know how much mine weighs.  Height...the normal one (Straight will tell you if he answers, otherwise I might look it up...you will probably not have a choice...I think sometimes they make longer shafts, but other than that...).  Truth is, whatever you get, he'll get used to it.  It'll do fine.  If you don't mind, though, would you tell us what cue you're thinking about? Thanks.

Hmm...the thumbs-down.  Don't know if someone really thinks it was a bad answer or is just going around clicking.  If you're a terrible player, no pool cue in the world can make you good, and vice versa.  Earl Strickland plays with a CUETEC!!!  This is a gift, and he's going to be able to play with whatever you get him.  More expensive cues have better weight distribution in the butts and more detailed inlays, but a less expensive cue with a good shaft (i.e. Predator) is fine.

Hey Johnny, did your daughter get you something with a s***w-on tip?  :)

Call me biased, but I don't know anyone who's going to turn down a Schon...I just don't buy that there isn't something you can get him.

Answer 2

What cue are you buying? Most custom cue makers are 3mths to 3yrs of advance order. If you are going with a production cue go buy the least expensive junker you can find and give it to him with an attached note: This is what I wanted to get you only you have to help me pick it out.

Who knows he may even spring for lunch while you look. But seriously ask him for his input.

Luck

K

Answer 3

May want to settle for a gift cert kid i have some very nice sticks that people have bought for me and i just cant play with them and feel bad if they ask how i like them kinda blows the surprise but let him pick it out then he gets what he wants

MY daughter came in a room I was playing in and I was 3 shots from the set .She asked if i liked the stick she bought when she saw i was shooting with my fishing pole .Uh OH yeah love it. i had to shape up on the 9 pretty good then used the new stick to make it ( D-near missed it ) 0K SEE I JUST MADE A $ 2 K SHOT WITH IT then ,ok ill take it back.

                                  Later Johnny

Answer 4

Go with him to where he shoots and see what he selcts for himself and ask him why? Is it tip, (always my choice as I use a lot of english) weight, shaft diameter, or what? When he answers go to the supplier, pass on the information, and buy what you can afford that meets his specs. No matter what you buy, if it misses the mark, he can take it back and have it customized to fit his ideal for $50 or so. He will treasure it as it was a gift from you!

Personally in my playing days, I used a 19¼ ounce with a tapered, (thin) shaft and weighted one inch ahead of the wrap as the balance point. Smooth the shaft with "Scotch Brite" and a tip rasp (shaper) and in any case and he will be a proud Papa! I was.... I ultimately ended up with a cue now appraised at $600 that I don't use anymore as the result of a stroke, but I dont think I will ever part with it.

Answer 5

a cue is not something i would want someone nto buy for me ! you need to have a cue that u feel comfterble with and feel u can play with ! if u want to but him a cue ! take him to you local billiard supply and let him choose ! the weight of the stick is not something that goes by a chart it goes bye personal preferance !!! good luck