Tips on Buying Pool Cues

If you have ever used a warped, half-broken pool cue at a bar or billiards room, you can understand why getting your own cue would make a huge difference in your pool game. The good news is that there are many choices for beginners looking to buy their first cue for less than $150. Many options will impact the price and quality of a cue.

  1. Pool Cue Parts

    • There are three main components to a pool cue: the tip (which makes contact with the ball), butt (where the player grips the cue) and shaft (the middle section). Some experts have said that the only part of the cue that matters is the first 10 inches--the butt is often more important for aesthetics than making shots.

      You will want a smooth, straight shaft that easily slides through your fingers while taking a shot. Durability is also a consideration---most good cues are made of a sturdy wood such as maple, although fiberglass and graphite are also used. Most tips are made of leather, but of different softness levels. Harder tips last longer and provide more consistency, but some players feel softer cues provide more touch and better control.

      Another crucial part of a pool cue is the joint -- the screw that connects the butt and shaft. The weight of the joint and material used determines how much energy is transferred through the shaft and therefore how much power a cue provides.

    Different Weights and Lengths

    • Most pool cues weigh between 18 and 21 oz. As with many elements of a pool cue, the weight is a personal preference---it gives a certain "feel" that is unique to each player. Many professional have been leaning toward lighter cues in recent years.

      Pool cues come in different lengths as well. A general rule is that people with longer arms will benefit from longer cues. In addition, longer cues can provide more power during breaks and create more spin on the ball.

    Specialty Cues

    • Some players have special cues they use for break shots, both to increase the power of their shot and give more life to their primary cues (breaking can be especially taxing on cues). These can be heavier than normal cues, although some players also change the joint of their stick to make it heavier or lighter when switching from breaks to regular shots.