I've just started shooting pool and I want to buy a cue stick. Should I spend $300 or just get one for $50?

Question

Will the more expensive stick allow me to shoot better?

Answer 1

i brought my cue for 40 bucks and have won plenty of games with it, so it doesn't matter how much the cue costs.

Answer 2

As a beginner, the price of your cue stick does not matter much, so go for the $50 one.  With the money you save, you can also get an inexpensive hard case to keep it in.

Some other tips:

- talk to the old guys at the poolhalls to see what they recommend, especially when it comes to brands

- generally, some brands are better than others

- a good cue stick is one that "fits" you; the shaft won't feel too thick or thin, and the length will correspond to your height

- avoid cues that are too light (<18 oz) or too heavy (>20 oz), unless you have shopped around and are very comfortable with your selection; I started playing with a 21 oz cue, then later switched to a 18.5 oz one and realized that I had a lot more ball control

- stay away from sporting goods stores, unless you are on a small budget, or only aspire to be a casual player

- expect to get a decent cue stick for $50-150; more than that, and you are paying for fancy extras or for things that you may not really take advantage of as a beginner

- you can find some deals online, like at Mueller's http://www.poolndarts.com but it might be best if you were to buy from someplace where you can see the goods first hand

Answer 3

of course anyone can shoot with a "chalked broomstick"..haha...you won't miss any balls using it cuz the tip's so big (that sounds nasty, ew)..lol..that ur aim is good...duh...but go with straight...you're a beginner, you'll hit the stick on the rails, drop it accidentally & stuff...so you wouldn't wanna ding up a nice one...save the extra money for instructional videos, cue stick care kits (silk, ding removers) etc & a pool table...then when you hit it pro, like Straight & Johnny, that's when u can get that nice Schon or Balabushka :)...DreO

Answer 4

Depending on your pocket-book, my philosophy is...Buy the best (up to what you can afford) and you will never be dissapointed.

Answer 5

You can play as well with a $20 one-piece bar cue as you can with a $10,000 collector cue.  As a beginner, you haven't had the time to become exposed to different cues to figure out what works best for you.  Start off cheap, like around $100.  Remember that the most important part of a pool cue is the tip.  A straight shaft is important, but not as important as the condition of the tip.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 6

Good advice Straight -Real good

Answer 7

The tip is the most important thing, followed by a straight stick. A good player can play with a chalked broomstick so the quality is not nearly as important as becoming familiar with what you have. Go with the cheaper one, assuming it's straight and you like it. Play with your cue ONLY and you will learn how to use it proficiently. Until you really get into the details of playing you won't be able to appreciate a more expensive stick.