Deciding on the pool cue that is right for you is one of the trickiest decisions you can make-no kidding. With so many brands, materials, tips styles, variations, and cost differences, making such a decision can be overwhelming. If you’re a newbie in the game of pool, and you’re considering buying a pool cue, there are a few things you’ve to get right about the varieties, styles so you choose the best.
This guide will help you understand the subject and make it easy for you to choose
How will you use the cue/ Purpose?
Before you buy a pool cue, you’ve to ask yourself, of what use is it? There are cues for playing while others are for breaking or jumping. The focus here is for the first-timers, and therefore it would be critical you learn the difference between break cues, jump cues, playing cues, and jump-break cues.
Jump cues
These are made specifically for jumping the cue ball. They are usually shorter in length than the standard ones, at about 40′ long, which is the minimum length allowed for tournament play. They’re also pretty lighter and weighing about 10 ounces. The light short cue makes it easier to get to a proper position to accomplish a jump shot. You definitely won’t need to perform jump shots often, but a jump cue is such a saver any time you need it.
Break cues
These are made, as per the name, for breaking. They’re longer than the jump cues at 58,” and they come equipped with a phenolic hard tip. It can be heavier than a standard pool cue, and most of these start at around 20oz and move up to 27oz.
Jump break cues
This is a combination of a break cue and a jump cue and comes in 3 pieces but screwed together as a standard 2-piece cue. You can also use it as a jump cue by simply attaching the butt end to the shaft as in a 2-piece.
Playing cues
This is what you will most likely use in any place. You’ll use this more often than any other, and thus you need to get it right.
Most of these cues come standard with a medium tip, great for overall playability. The playing cues come in various weights, materials, and lengths.
Which cue material is best for you?
Here, you have a few choices of professional pool cues to make; fiberglass, graphite, aluminum, plastic, and even hybrid. As a beginner, your preference should be on fiberglass, graphite, and wood. Aluminum and plastic may not be worth the money you’ll use on them. They may be worthy for a child’s play but not you.
Necessary tips
Most of the playing cues come standard and have a medium tip, and fine for most players. However, depending on the style you prefer or the purpose you intend to use the cue for, you’ll need a soft or hard tip.
Hard tips
These are usually made from phenolic resin or some hardened leather and are commonly used on break and jump cues. They are typically known for transferring most power from your cue to the cue ball, so vital for producing a good break or making a cue ball jump without mushrooming or wearing down.
The soft tips
If you’re looking for ultimate cue ball control, then this is the best option. Again, if you plan to play with a lot of English, you’ve to invest in an excellent soft tip. Soft tips are great in absorbing more energy when making contact with the ball and thus produce more spin.
There are so many things that come with pool cues can say, but your choice will often depend on your preference. It may take you some bit of time and trial and error here and there before you get the right one.
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