Pool Cues buying guide

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Contents

1 The Anatomy of a Pool Cue
2 Types
3 Cue Maintenance
4 Cue Accessories
5 Related Guides

Pool Cues Buying Guide

So you've decided to become a master at the game of billiards and you're looking to pick out a top pool cue. Pool cues are complex pieces that are essential to the game. Each part of the cue is made out of various materials, so you could end up with a pool stick made out of wood, steel, graphite or even fibreglass. Below, everything you need to know about picking out the perfect cue.

The Anatomy of a Pool Cue

Tip : The tip of the pool cue, or the end of the stick used to hit the cue ball, is typically made of leather, and the diameter can range from 10-14 millimetres. The area that holds the cue tip in place is called the ferrule, which is the white area pictured above. It is usually made of a resin material that is resistant to cracking and protects the cue.

Joint : This is the area that connects the tip of the cue to the butt or end by fitting it securely into the shaft. The joint can be made out of brass, stainless steel, wood, plastic, or even bone.

Butt : This is the wider end of the pool cue where most of the weight can be felt. The butt can be made out of various types of wood and is sometimes decorated with a pattern. The bumper is the rubber piece on the very end of the cue that protects it if the cue drops.

Types

There are three different types of pool cues most commonly used in the game that are all about 145 centimetres (57 inches) in length. There are also specialty cues used when taking certain shots during the game.

One-Piece Cue
These are the cues typically stocked in pool halls, and as the name suggests, they are one uniform piece. For strategy purposes, they decrease in diameter from the butt to the tip.

Two-Piece Cue
These are designed for more professional pool players as they are divided in the middle for ease of transport in a cue case.

Three- Quarter Two-Piece Cue
This is another type of two-piece cue that has a joint three-quarters down the shaft and is typically used by snooker players.

Jump Cues
These are shorter, lighter cues with a very hard tip that enable the player to easily perform a jump shot during the game.

Break Cues
These cues also have hard tips made of leather or phenolic resin that ensure the full force of the stick hits the cue ball during a break shot.

Cue Maintenance

After prolonged use a pool cue may need to be cleaned up in order to ensure that it's performing at the best possible level. Some clean-up tips for your cue from tip to bumper:

Tip: The tip may start to mushroom out after many rounds of play causing inaccuracy of shot. In order to fix this, the leather can be trimmed with a knife or a razor. The tip can then be re-shaped with tip shapers or sandpaper and finally roughened with a tip scuffer.
Ferrule: The ferrule always tends to have blue stains from overuse or misuse of pool chalk during the game. This problem can be avoided by chalking lightly or wiping down this piece with a tissue before the stain gets too dark.
Shaft: If the shaft gets stained from chalk use, this must be removed with care. For stains that are newer and have not yet had time to set, a damp cloth can be used to wipe it down and then it needs to be dried directly afterwards. For set-in stains you can use fine sandpaper, steel wool, or even a light vinegar solution to wipe down the shaft.
Joint: The joint can be ruined by moisture or grease, so purchasing joint protectors is a good idea. Otherwise, cleaning in-between the joint with wool wire can also help.
Butt: The butt end of the pool cue is usually protected by the wrap, but a dry or slightly damp wipe-down should get rid of most stains.

Cue Accessories

Bridges
For certain shots, a bridge can be used to support the cue stick on the pool table.

Cue Cases
These are a good way for the serious pool player to store their cue and protect it from the elements.

Joint Protectors
These are plugs that screw into the joint to keep moisture from damaging the cue.

Pool Chalk
This is used on the tip of the cue to increase friction during play and prevent slipping when aiming for the cue ball.

Related Guides

External Links

CueMuseum.com: This online museum has everything you want to know about the history of cues and then some.


Tip : The tip of the pool cue, or the end of the stick used to hit the cue ball, is typically made of leather, and the diameter can range from 10-14 millimetres. The area that holds the cue tip in place is called the ferrule, which is the white area pictured above. It is usually made of a resin material that is resistant to cracking and protects the cue.	Joint : This is the area that connects the tip of the cue to the butt or end by fitting it securely into the shaft. The joint can be made out of brass, stainless steel, wood, plastic, or even bone.	Butt : This is the wider end of the pool cue where most of the weight can be felt. The butt can be made out of various types of wood and is sometimes decorated with a pattern. The bumper is the rubber piece on the very end of the cue that protects it if the cue drops.