Finding The Right Cue
Help in finding the right cue for you -
There are many different things to lookout for when looking for the right cue. A cue is a very personal thing and each one plays differently to another.
Below is some advice and tips to help you pick the right cue for you.
Choosing the correct length:
- Cues can come in many different lengths, and this depends on your height. If you're an English pool player there isn't a correct length of cue. Due to the size of the table you can get away with something on the shorter side. But, if your a parent and looking for your child's first cue but their not quiet tall enough for a standard length cue then you can look for something that is 48-55 inches long. If you're average height then the standard length for a snooker or pool cue is 57.5 inches - 58 inches long. If you're on the taller side you can look to get something slightly longer (up to 59.75 inches long). In my opinion, when you get a cue any longer than this length (59.75") the cue wont feel and play as well as it could, due to the balance in the cue.
Choosing the correct weight:
- Weights can vary in cues for either English pool or snooker. A standard English pool cue may come lighter (around 17-17.5oz) where as a standard weight for a snooker cue can range from 18.5-19.5oz. These are just guides as some player would prefer lighter or heavy cues, depending on what they are used to or what they are looking for out of a cue. In my opinion, it is best to use something around these weights for a good playing cue.
Tip size:
- Tips sizes vary for both games, again this is a personal preference but a good guide if playing English pool is to look out for a slightly smaller tip size compared to a snooker cue. Something between 8.5-9mm is a good guide for English pool. Be careful as if you go smaller as the smaller the tip the more accurate you need to be. A smaller sized tip is also important for pool due to the smaller sized balls that are used. Break cues are also important to use as if you use your playing cue for breaking off in pool over time this can have a detrimental effect and damage the cue.
- A guide for snooker players is a tip size between 9.4-9.6mm, slightly bigger than pool, because of the difference in the ball sizes. Any smaller than the 9.4mm size means you will have to be more accurate and going higher could mean its harder to get the reaction out of the balls when playing.
Should I order online or try before I buy?
- This can be the most difficult part to finding the right cue. Many people have busy schedules, don't have the means to travel or don't know where to go. The best advice for anyone is to try before you buy, if its possible. As a cue is so personal and everyone of them play and feel different its important to get something you like when hitting the ball. A cue can last a lifetime if looked after so the effort can be worth while. However, if its just not possible then online is your only option. Make sure to ask for reviews from friends of the companies that they have used, or check reviews online first. Try to buy from UK based companies that have a good track record and are insured correctly in case of any issues when delivering your cue. Make sure to check all pictures before committing and contact them to check the details if you're unsure of anything.
These are just a few tips to try help you on your way to finding the cue for you. We are always here to help you through the process and give the best advice we can to help you. Please don't hesitate to contact us via our contact form, email directly or calling for any questions that you have. Feel free to book an appointment to come down to the showroom and have a tea or coffee and a chat to discuss anything cue sports.