Tips on choose the right pool cues

Before you make some decisions in life, especially where you’re spending some good money, you’ll need to do good research. And this process can be so tedious and sometimes overwhelming enough to make even a pro throw in the towel. 

But with the right tips, you won’t have to suffer such. Continue reading and find out the tips you need in choosing a pool cue.

The budget

For some, a pool cue of the size of a pocketbook will suffice. But the truth is, you don’t have to break the bank to choose a pool cue. When setting the budget, you’ll need to consider your skill level, so you determine the appropriate cost of the cue. 

Skill level

As a beginner, you can get a dependable pool cue in the range of $100. When you begin competing in tournaments, or leagues, you may want to consider upgrading to something a little more advanced. 

The pool cue length

This is, in fact, the first thing that you should be considering as you choose your pool cue-the length or size. Typically, a standard pool cue will be 58,’’ and it’s suitable for players between 5’8 to 6’5. However, if you’re taller than that, you’ll need a special cue up to 61’’. 

The weight

The weight of an average pool cue is about 17 to 21 ounces, but the ideal weight will depend on your comfort level. As a beginner, it’s good to start with a cue, say weighing 19 ounces, and adjust later. A pro player is a bit picky when it comes to weight, but all you need is a cue that will favor your shots. A heavy cue, for instance, is ideal for breaking shots, while a lighter one is great for skill shots. If you’re short, then you’ll be more comfortable with a light cue because it will save you from the struggle of having to lower the butt and raising the cue’s tip when taking a shot. 

Wrap type

Wrap type is the material covering the cue, and it’s a crucial component because your hands are in constant contact with the wrap when you’re taking a shot. Some of the popular wrap materials are; leather and rubber. Leather is ideal when you’re looking for super hard top pool cues . If you’re the kind that sweats a lot, then leather is perfect for absorbing the liquid. 

On the other hand, the rubber offers excellent traction, and although it wears out fast, it will become slippery. You can choose so many other materials for a pool cue, but avoid wood and fiberglass because they won’t offer a grip and, therefore, will often slip after use. 

Cue tips

That part of the cue that makes contact with the ball is the cue tip, and thus you’ve to choose one that supports your play style. You can choose from several tips; soft, which are compressed when in contact with the ball, giving you better control and accuracy. The hard tip is built for jumping or breaking. This is great for transferring great energy to the ball but not suitable for spin shots and is less forgiving.

The medium tips are a perfect compromise between the soft and the hard tips. They offer a fine balance of controllability, speed, and consistency. 

When starting, choose top pool cues that are on the lower side of the price point. Going for a premium or advanced model can be so challenging, and you may end up spending so much on a cue that you don’t need. But most importantly, buy from an experienced shop where they can guide you on the right ones.