What Size Pool Stick Should I Use?

Billiards is a sophisticated and relaxed game of skill that has been played in America in one form or another since the late 1500s. There are a variety of games one can play with a pool table and a set of billiard balls, but you're not going to be very successful unless you're holding the right stick.

  1. Length

    • Length is one of the most important factors in determining what pool cue, or stick, is right for you. One-piece pool cues are typically 57 inches long, with 2-piece sticks at 58 inches long. Pool cues can be specially ordered, with lengths ranging anywhere from 48 to 61 inches. Short players normally prefer a longer stick to help them reach across the table, while taller players may find a short stick easier to handle in a cramped pool hall or bar.

    Weight

    • The weight of a pool cue should always be considered before deciding on the one that's right for you. Standard pool sticks weigh 19 ounces, though exceptions are not uncommon. In fact it is quite typical to see diehard players carrying sticks anywhere from 17 to 21 ounces.

      You may also see a local pool shark carrying two sticks, as a heavier stick is better for breaking the billiard bills at the start of a game. A heavier stick may also be used in cases where extreme precision is required because heavier sticks move slower and are generally easier to control than lightweight sticks, which are better suited for quick, assertive cue strokes.

    Cue Extensions

    • Sometimes, no matter how long your pool cue is you just can't make your shot comfortably. Depending on the exact location of the other balls on the table, you may not be able to position a bridge comfortably, either. Because of this cue extensions, which attach to the butt of the pool stick, have began making their way into pool halls all across the country. This can allow you to make shots without having to stretch too far, and you may be able to get away with using a shorter stick than you normally would thanks to the ease of the extension. Extensions really pay off for children or during games where space is limited

    Children

    • A good size for a child player is a length of 48 to 52 inches and a weight of 16 to 18 ounces.