What should I look for in a pool cue to consider it a general purpose cue?

Question

The only pool cues in my price are some of the players pool cues. What features should I look for such as wood, joints, shaft, weight, etc. to use the cue for breaking and in-game use?

Answer 1

the only thing i guage my cue stick is how it feels in my hands. my faverite stick is a mc durrmont.

Answer 2

I think I answered this a few weeks ago:

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 accout while you're looking for your cue.

Answer 3

It is really a dealers choice as long as it is straight with a good tip and feels right to you

My main stick is a players sneeky pete " With a little work done to it" but I think I paid $65 for it

I have signature sticks that cost $Ks and never shoot with them I just like my Pete and it doesnt draw attention like one of the others will.

Answer 4

The main thing you want to consider is the quality of the wood used, and how long the shaft has been treated.  Most low quality cues rush the shafts and cues out and they end up warping.  No sense in spending $80 on a cue when its going to be junk in a month, when you could spend $70 or so more and the cue will last you a life time.  You want to look at it like a 1 investment.  If you look into the lower end Vikings or McDermotts you will be able to find something you like a low price with a life warranty on defects.  Stay way from cues made in china.  I do use a players hustler to break with, but guess what happened... The shaft is warped a bit.  Not enough to effect my break, but if I was shooting with it would be different story.  As for joints, weight, you'll have to find what feels right for you.  Everyone is different.  1 thing though... Don't ever put a soft tip on your cue unless you plan on taping every shot.  1 stern shot and you tip will have a flat spot. Good luck, and keep rackin em up!

Answer 5

When looking for pool and snooker merchandise i came across an excellent website:  www.sporting-web.co.uk

I would consider purchasing any of there cues as there some of the best!   i have bought 3 of them myself!!!!

They have an excellent selection of  sports equipmet at discount prices with a super fast delivery!

Good luck!

Answer 6

It's difficult to assess the quality of a pool cue just on specs alone. I don't know how much you're looking on spending, so I can't speak to that. I haven't tried a Players cue, but I'd probably stay away from it unless it's your very first cue and you don't want to make a better investment now. You may feel the need to upgrade in a year or two though. Everything else is feel and personal preference. I play with a 19 oz and break with an 18 oz. I have a friend who prefers all his cues at 21 oz or more. There are specialized break cues which have phenolic tips to give you more power on the break. Playing cues will have leather tips (of varying hardness and quality), but you can just as easily break with a leather tip just fine. Again, it's mostly personal preference, so go down to a pool hall, get in good with a few guys, and see if you can try some stuff out.