🎱 Main Points – Choosing the Right Cue
1. Cue Choice Is Personal
- The best cue is the one that feels right in your hands.
- Everyone has different needs based on grip, style, and skill level.
- Test a few cues if you can. A good cue should feel like part of your arm.
- For fit: your bridge hand should be 12 inches from the tip, and your back hand should grip at least 2 inches from the butt end.
2. Start Simple, Then Upgrade
- Most players begin with cheap club or pub cues — they’re fine for learning.
- As you improve, you’ll want a better cue that suits your touch and technique.
- By now, you should’ve tried a few cues and know what you like — things like tip size, weight, balance, and butt thickness.
- Not sure? Try a friend’s cue and see how it compares. It’ll help you choose better.
3. Budget Makes a Difference
- Higher-priced cues use better materials — and play better, too.
- Look for top-grade ash, tight ebony splices, and even moisture-dried shafts.
- Low-grade cues are everywhere. Always check reviews or ask experienced players before buying.
4. Hand-Spliced vs Machine-Spliced
- Machine-spliced cues are cheaper and made in large batches.
- Hand-spliced cues are built with care using premium woods — they cost more but offer better feel and balance.
5. Cue Materials & Look
- Most cues are made with ash or maple shafts. Some newer ones use laminated wood.
- Splice ends tell you the build method: sharp points = machine made, rounded = hand spliced.
6. Cue Length & Style
- One-piece cues are traditional but hard to carry.
- Two-piece or three-quarter cues are easier to pack, travel with, and store.
- Three-quarter cues are often better balanced and stay straighter over time.
7. Cue Weight & Balance
- The cue should feel balanced and comfortable when you line up a shot.
- Snooker cues often weigh between 17.5 to 19 oz — most players prefer 18–18.5 oz.
- A standard 58" cue (ideal for players 5'9" to 6') usually has a balance point around 17.3"–17.5" from the butt end.
8. Where the Cue Comes From
- Not all “UK-made” cues are really made in the UK — many are built in Thailand or China and rebranded.
- Most top snooker cues now come from Thailand.
- For pool cues, many come from China — though McDermott still makes its high-end models in the USA.
9. Tip Size Changes Your Game
- Larger tips (12–13mm) give more power, but limit spin — best for pool and break shots.
- Smaller tips (9.25–9.75mm) give more control and better cue ball spin — ideal for snooker.
10. Tip Hardness Affects Feel
- Soft tips = more spin, less power, shorter life.
- Hard tips = more power, less spin, lasts longer.
- Most players start with a medium tip, then switch as they figure out their playing style.