subject: Choosing The Right Pool Cue [print this page] A $20 stick simply will not bring you what you need. Anticipate $100 and up for a quality cane, although some makers can sneak in a playable cue stick for under that cost.
A really fine cane could set you back thousands of dollars, although at some point you are paying for decoration and not playability. Decorations increase the price, but not the playability, of your cane.
In fact, the natural wood feel can be lessened if too many inlays or other modifications are added to the cue stick. A pretty design, however, makes a player confident and may give you an added boost.
You also need to decide if you want the tip of your stick to be hard or soft. A soft tip provides added feel through the shot; a harder tip lasts longer on the stick and retains its rounded shape better.
Most pros opt for a hard or very hard tip unless a repairman is always on hand to replace the tip. The legal range of club tip sizes for American pool is 11-14 millimeters.
Most beginners need or want 13 mm, with 12-12 1/2 mm for stubbier fingers or as a matter of preference after some experience has been gained. A 20- or 21-ounce pole stays on line longer and is recommend for beginners.
It may also be easier for the beginner to get added spin from the added mass of the rod, but beware, miscues and unwanted English are also enhanced by a heavy rod. A 19 oz. rod requires a more accurate, skilled stroke but is easier to use to control the speed of the cue ball.
Most intermediate players use a 19 oz. or lighter stick and many of the pros have gone to 18 ounces in recent years. Most poles have Irish linen or nylon wraps, providing a more pleasant feel than plain wood; others use leather or an exotic wrap.
Beginners should test for a preference of nylon or linen before buying. If you perspire excessively, leather may be best for moisture absorption.
Find where you can balance a bar you are examining on two fingertips only. Remember where this spot is located and shoot different poles to see whether you like a balance point toward the rear or forward.
Flip a rod upside down and remove the rubber bumper. Most rods have weight inserted in the butt to be changed to alter the weight and balance.
Save money and get your first rod or two from a mass-production model for around $100, until you get a better feel for what options you need and want. You also need to decide on what type of joint structure works best for your game.
A busted joint will ruin the enjoyment of your pole. Longer lasting screws - on the male end of the joint - are generally larger, with wider joint threads, than their weaker counterparts.
After finding the right specifications to improve play, people look o decorations. A bright, ornate rod may be fun for you-or it may draw unwanted attention at your local pool hall.
Any color of the rainbow is available as a shaft or butt stain from most cue makers. Protect your rod and innocent passerby from the pointy ends with a hard or soft cue case.
Remember that the softer the case, the lighter the weight; but the less protection for the rod. If you struggle with determining the price of your stick, there are a few ways to know the quality you get for the price.
If you only spend $20 for a stick, you should expect a very low quality tool that won't last you long and won't perform very well. In the $50-$100 range, you will get a quality stick that will last you a while, but don't expect to go pro with it.
A $100-$200 stick will get you a very nice stick that will probably last you a few years and will look very nice. Anything more expensive will not only get you a high quality playing tool, but also it will probably have some pretty fancy decorations on it to your liking.
