This is a guest post by Akaash Prasad of Qstix.com, if you would like to have a guest post of your own featured on this blog then please contact me.
When choosing pool cues there are a number of things to take into consideration. The most important ones, however, are price, design, weight/size/balance, taper and purpose.
Price
When considering the price of a cue, you should also consider your skill level. In general, the newer you are to the game, the less money you should spend…
- Beginner: $100 (£60)
- Intermediate/League Player: $150 – $300 (£90 – £200)
- Advanced Players: $300 – $500 (£200 – £325)
- Professionals/Collectors: $500 or more (£325+)
Design
The design of your cue is really a matter of personal preference. Within a designated price range, the quality and performance of a pool cue don’t vary a great deal, so choose a design that matches your style!
Weight, Size and Balance
The best way to critique the size and weight of new pool cues is to try them, take a few test shots and see what feels comfortable as you go through the motions. There are a few good rules of thumb to help narrow the field, however:
- An ideal weight is generally 19 or 20 ounces.
- The heavier the cue the harder it’s going to hit, which is useful for breaking purposes; but using it to break on a regular basis can dramatically reduce the life of the cue.
- The length of your cue is normally relative to your height. If you’re shorter, your cue is likely to be shorter as well.
As for the balance of a pool cue, the balance point should be where your back hand naturally falls when you pick it up. To find the balance point, follow these steps:
- Place the cue in the pocket between the thumb and index finger of your back hand.
- Adjust the position of the cue so that it is close to balanced.
- Grip this spot with your back and take a few practice strokes. It should feel smooth and natural.
Taper
Pool cues with a European taper get subtly smaller the entire length of the shaft. Ones with a pro taper begin getting smaller just ten or fifteen inches from the tip, and are recommended for home players.
Purpose
If you’re looking for a well-rounded cue for an all-purpose game, a well-constructed stick with a reputation for durability and longevity will suffice. However, if you are seeking to improve a specific area of your game, consider a shaft designed for just such a purpose.
About the Author
Akaash Prasad is the Manager QStix, a leading online pool accessories and billiard supplies retailer. QStix offers a large selection of billiards equipment including pool cues, pool cue cases, custom pool cues and many others. QStix has all the billiards supplies you need in one place to make the buying process as easy as possible.
