Novice Pool Player, needs a good Cue?

Question

I am a Novice Pool Player. Going steady for the last 2 months, I would like to get better. I need a decent Cue.

I was looking on EBay, and I really do not know what type is good or what questions I need to ask.

Help?

** I am not going pro or planning on hustling. My Brother and I do this as a hobby. I just want a nice Stick to own so I can get used to how it shoots and gain better accuracy.

Answer 1

This is an answer I just posted to another question but I think it falls under the same category.

"I think you will usually find players use an 18 or 19 ounce cue to play with but use a 20 to 21+ ounce cue to break with. I learned with (and am still using the same cue 23 years later) a 21.3 ounce Mali and found the weight very comfortable to me.

We're talking about using a tool that is as individual as the user. I don't believe there is a "correct" weight to use other than trying out what is comfortable to YOU.

Don't consider just the weight of the cue either. Consider the kind of tip you will have at the end of the shaft. A soft tip is usually good for a soft shooter (which I think we should ALL be) and a hard tip is suitable for a hard hitting shooter. Look for a comfortable diameter in the shaft. Mine is an 11 millimeter but some players prefer a 12 or 12.5 millimeter shaft, while other players prefer the feel of a snooker cue. That's sort of like using a number 2 pencil to me but that's where individual preferences come into play. You may also want to consider the length of the cue as well. Those are just some things to take into account while you're looking for your cue".

I would suggest you go to a local pool hall and look at what they have available but for your first cue I would probably steer you toward a McDermott cue.

Answer 2

I just bought a mcdermott cue but i've been playing for around 2 years, if your just looking to improve your game a little i'd reccomend a players cue i have one that i bought off a guy for 50 bucks and it plays a lot better than any house cue.  if your going to go the expensive route go with mcdermott, mine was 343 from seyberts.com its the m72a i love the way it hits but try a couple cheaper cues before you go spend that kind of money on a cue.  If you really want a cue you can hold on to go to dickiecues.com he is a custom cue maker that i have known for the past couple years you should be able to get one of his cues for around 350 to 400 dollars and its a bargain i've never once heard a complaint about his cues

Answer 3

For english pool,try bluemoon leisure here:

http://www.bluemoonleisure.com/Nova%20Cu...

Make sure you get one with a tip size between 9.5mm and 10.5mm.

If its for american pool,anything will do as long as the tip is 11mm or bigger.

Answer 4

I'm thinking a Viking or McDermott would suit your needs.  They make the best cue for your buck on the low end side. $150-$200 range with life time warranties.  I wouldn't recommend paying less for a cue, especially if its not one of those 2 brands.  Look out for China cues.  Depending on how much you want to spend, I could recommend some higher end cues, but they can get costly fast.  Also as for what life said.  Don't put a soft tip on your cue, it will just flaten out and be useless.  Don't turn your shaft to 11mm, stick to around 12, but 13 (standard) I feel is too think.  Also, Using a heavier break cue does nothing to help you.  It will only help if you can generate the speed to move it.  That's kinda why you don't see baseball players using 75 ounce bats.  The more weight there is, the slower your stroke.  Good luck, and keep racken em up!

Answer 5

Try looking at www.pooldawg.com. They have all the choices you need to look at. They have good advice on the site too.