How To Choose A Good Cue Stick
In general, it’s not easy to tell if you would like a cue stick just by reading about it. Even the terms that different people use to describe these characteristics (hard, soft, harsh, stiff, forgiving, well-balanced, etc.) are subjective and difficult to quantify. Some of the important things can be quantified (length, weight, balance, shaft taper, shaft diameter, and squirt), but they’re not the entire story. And if you are a beginner, or seriously working on your game for the first time, you can expect your own preferences to change as your game matures.
As a beginning billiards player, most of you might only be using cue sticks provided by the billiards place where you play. However, if you want to really improve your game you need to have your own cue so you won’t have the problem of having to adjust to the length of the cue or the weight of the cue or the diameter of the cue tip. It is important to take note (while you still don’t have a cue stick) the type of cue that you feel better with. Experiment with different cue sticks. Examine the weight, the length and the diameter of the tip. After you’ve decided on what is most comfortable to you then you are ready to buy one.
There are some points to consider buying your own cue. First, make sure that the pool stick is straight and not crooked. Although most of the production cues are not crooked, it’s always good to check just in case. You can do this by rolling the cue stick on a flat surface, if it is crooked then you will notice it right away. Another way of looking at the stick is to look at the butt end of the cue while pointing the other end downwards then roll it a few times and you should be able to notice if it is crooked or not. Second, the weight of the cue stick. Typically, a cue stick weighs between 18 to 21 ounzes. Find out what weight is comfortable for you and stick with it. Third, the length of the cue stick should be dependent the length of your arm. Longer arms, longer stick. The length of production cues typically starts at 57 inches.
If you would like to customize it a bit, getting a two part cue will add about $40 to your price. You can go further and add leather grips and other decorations. Rule of thumb is that if you pay more than $100 for a cue stick, you are paying for brand name and ornamentation, not so much quality. A good tip is that it’s more important than the cue. Stay away from a cue that’s more than two parts, has a screw-on tip, is painted in festive colors, or is made in Taiwan. Made in Japan is OK, and the Adam line, which is made there, is one of the best. Get the best cue tips you afford, because the return on the money you spend is greater there than anywhere else. Look for good construction over great looks. Be sure to compare the cue sticks before choosing the one that just “catches your eye.” The weight and the length should be comfortable to you. You’ll be using this stick for ( hopefully)years to come, so be sure your investment is just right for your style of playing.
