Just starting out, how does one choose a pool cue for himself?

Question

Just starting out, how does one choose a pool cue for himself?

Answer 1

By weight...whatever feels comforable to you.  I prefer 21, but try playing with each, and see if you have a preference.

Answer 2

Pool cues come in many weights, lengths, taper and balance points. Only experience, gained by playing, will allow you to know which pool cue you prefer.

Answer 3

Make sure it is long and thin with a pad at one end!!

Answer 4

First of all, if your just starting out you don't want to spend a whole bunch of money on some fancy cue. You can get a decent quality cue for less than a hundred dollars nowadays that will work just fine. Spending a bunch of money doesn't necessarily get you a better playing cue , just a fancier one. After you've been playing for awhile if you decide to get a little more serious about it then you might want to get a more expensive stick. Most pool cues are between 18 and 21 ounces. I would recommend starting off in the middle , 19 or 20 ounces , or try some other peoples sticks and see what feels good to you before you buy one. A pro taper 13 millimeter shaft is also a good place to start. A thinner shaft is not more accurate , A thicker shaft is actually better for accuracy when playing with standard size pool balls. If your playing snooker or another game with smaller balls then you might want to go thinner but 13 mm is good for pool. An irish linen wrap is nice , nylon gets a little slippery and leather can be a little pricey so I would recommend irish linen. Make sure you have a good leather tip on your new cue. LePro is a good common leather tip that comes on a lot of new cues. There are a lot of good leather tips. As long as it is leather and at least medium hard you should be just fine. Take care of the tip by scuffing , shaping and burnishing . You can learn the proper way to do this from several different sources. Just google'' pool cue tip care '' and you will find them. The joint of the cue , where it screws together, should be either wood to wood or metal to metal, you don't want wood to metal because it is a very weak joint and you will end up with a crooked cue stick. Check to be sure that the shaft is straight. you can do this by sighting down the shaft or rolling it on a smooth surface. It should roll smoothly with no bouncing or wobbling. Now do the same thing with the stick screwed together. Again it should roll smoothly. Remember, don't spend a whole lot of money. Get a good straight cue with a leather tip , linen wrap, and a waterproof or hardshell case and you will be set to go. Good luck to ya!

Answer 5

the others that answered are correct,

however depending on the game you playing will play part in the CUE you want to use.

if your playing straight billiards you'll want a thin shaft cue

this creates more accuracy on hitting your cue ball with the right masse.

more over if your playing 9-ball or 8-ball a thicker shaft would be more wise even though its less accurate.

weight and length are your options and preferences. start with a heavy and work lighter.