Billiards Pool Stick Tips

No matter how well you aim, a great billiards game suffers if you don't pay attention to the cue stick, the tool by which each shot is taken. There's the tip, which makes direct contact with the cue ball, the shaft and the butt.

  1. Why Tips Matter

    • The domed tip is the most important part of any cue stick. Like the head of a golf club, a cue tip's condition and how you use it make a great impact on what happens on the table. The tip controls spin and how the ball moves across the table.

    Tip Maintenance

    • Tip maintenance is a top priority for sound play. Maintenance requires players to ensure that the tip maintains a rounded shape and a well-defined point.

      Chalk is used to help with maintenance. Chalk serves two purposes. It provides a barrier between the cue tip and the cue ball, which reduces wear on the tip. Additionally, chalk's abrasiveness helps to keep the tip formed.

      As cue sticks are used, tips lose their curved, domed shape. The collision with the cue ball and misuse of the cue can cause parts of the tip to swell or dent. Harming the symmetrical curvature of the tip causes the ball to react erratically and influences how well a player can use spin to control the game.

      Therefore, it's imperative to make sure a cue tip maintains a balanced, evenly rounded form. When chalk alone isn't enough, the task requires use of a knife, razor or similar tool to remove small bits of tip. A special shaping tool is also employed to help with returning the tip to its normal curved dome. Sandpaper also works well for shaving off bits of tip.

    Protecting the Shaft

    • Anyone who has played the game of pool probably has watched someone roll a cue stick across the table. This is done to determine whether the shaft is straight. Exposure to water, misuse and aging can cause a shaft to warp, and that reduces the accuracy of the shot.

      To ensure accurate shooting, be sure to store the cue stick in a dry place, preferably inside a case, which can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Clean your cue stick's shaft after each use to remove build-up from chalk and other substances. Use a dry cotton cloth. For tough jobs, a damp cloth is necessary, but the moisture must be removed from the cue stick after cleaning.

    The Butt End

    • The butt end of the stick requires the least maintenance. Its primary use is to provide weight, which adds to the power of the shot. A good butt is straight and without warping or splintering. A rubber ring on the end of the butt keeps the end of the stick from being damaged.