Wrap or No Wrap...what's your preference?

Question

Just wondering how people feel about this. I like the feel of an irish linen wrap but I'm looking at a cue that doesn't come with that. The cue I'm considering is the Predator SE-15 which has an octagonal handle instead...simple and distinctive. I've known of linen wraps getting damaged and coming loose and I figure the texture is conducive to retaining grunge. So...just putting it out there to get a feel for what other people prefer.

Answer 1

I have been playing since the early 1960s.  Then it was a 21oz. 1 piece Dufferin. Now I have Meucci (covered wrap ) Cuetec (no) Huebler (yes).  I also have 8 other cues all of which have wrap.  If you are worried about grunge be sure to wash your hands often. I don't have a grunge problem.  A good stick has good wrap, my Heubler is over 25 and the wrap is still intact.

Answer 2

Funny thing is, I really don't notice either when I play!  I don't have a preference.  Many people these days use a "sneaky pete" which looks just like a house cue with no wrap...and they clean house.  

What matters most to me is the tip and the way the stick hits, and of course the cue needs to be straight.

Answer 3

I've been playing with the same cue (McDermott D-25) for over 20 years and it has a leather wrap.  When I play, I don't even know I have the cue in my hand - this is the comfort level that everyone seeks.  Find a cue with whatever wrap feels good to you and you will eventually not even notice it in your hands.  BTW - I have never had any problems with this wrap - it's original.

Answer 4

i like the wrap just cause of the consistant hand placement (im tall with long arms back of hand is always at the edge, that said i also have a non wrap cue that I use often.  honestly dont notice much of a difference.  main difference in the non wrap cue and the two wraped is that i like the tip on the non wrap,  if it was the other way around doubt it would matter much to me .

Answer 5

I have a stack leather wrap on my playing cue but don't feel it adds (or subtracts) anything to performance. I just like the feel. My break cue has no wrap for the little bit of extra grip you get, but I don't feel it's that much of an issue on a playing cue that no wrap is better or worse.

Answer 6

no wrap definitely. a wrap just gets in the way and don't feel right. besides, most of the time they offer no functional purpose. most of them are slippier than no wrap and harder to clean.

Answer 7

I shoot with a Jacoby cue with no wrap and I love it.  My personal preference is no wrap, and I would go as far as saying that I hate cues with wraps.  I just hate the way it feels in my hand.  Everyone is different and likes different things, but for me I'd never trade my cue for anything or shoot with a wrap.  Good luck, and keep rackn em up!

Answer 8

Actually I have a number of cues, and half of them are wrapped, and half aren't.  I find I play with the wrapped ones more, but then of the 4 without, 1 is a Schmelke breaker, 1 is a cheap jump cue, 1 is a Meucci sneaky pete, and another is a cheap Stealth, that I bought one night for next to nothing from a guy who needed the money, and it was a nice solid hitting cue that felt pretty good in my hand.  Wrapped cues are 2 Joss's, a Schon, and a Diamond.

As far as texture goes, the Diamond is over 20 yrs old and in desperate need of a rewrap (it made 2 trips to the gulf with me when I was in the navy during the 90s and it took some heavy abuse), the stealth, is kind of interesting, I call it a giant d***o because of the way it's ribbed down the butt of the stick, fun to loan to lady friends.  the rest of the non wrapped sticks are just plain jane.

Bottom line, if you like it, it hit's well and is in keeping with your personal game, go for it.  Only thing is, you may want to look at the tip, I personally usually change my tips when I get a stick, but that's because I like the Moori Medium tips.  A buddy of mine has been talking up some tip that he's switched to and I may try that next time I change tips, can't remember the name right now though.