There are many things to consider when making that first, all important pool cue purchase. Going at it alone can be challenging, especially if you are a novice or a beginner. Even still, if you want to develop your skills and become a better billiards player, then you must eventually purchase your own cue stick. Finding the right one may be somewhat difficult, but if you know what to look for when purchasing a new pool cue, even as a novice, you can make a very intelligent decision when making that important, first-cue purchase.
For your first stick, select a pool cue that is not too expensive, definitely keeping it under $200. Take a more experienced friend with you to help, if necessary. Look over the cue stick for flaws in its straightness, finish and inlays before going any further.
Just about all cues have a standard length of 57-59 inches. Only a few reasons exist to stray from the standard pool cue length. If one is extremely short or tall, a shorter or longer cue stick may be chosen, respectively. Also, a smaller billiard room may, in some scenarios, force the use of a shorter stick. Otherwise, stick with a standard cue length.
Straightness is obviously very important. If your cue is crooked, your shot may be, too. To check the straightness of a cue stick, first hold the butt end, or bumper, up to your eye and look straight down the shaft towards the tip, rolling the cue in your hands ever so slightly. There should be no variations, or “bounce,” in the circumference of the cue. If this is ok, then take the stick and roll it across a flat surface. The cue should roll smoothly with no wobbling. Even the slightest wobble indicates a crooked pool cue.
Next, check to see that all of the cue’s connections are smooth and uninterrupted. Examine where the ferrule meets the shaft and, if handling a two-piece stick, where the two pieces of the shaft screw together. Run your fingers over these areas of the pool cue to make sure they are flush and even.
Then check the finish and wrap of the pool cue more closely. The clear finish should be free of bubbles and the wrapping should be tight and obviously free of discoloring and frays. Remember, the aesthetic quality of a cue stick can affect a player’s confidence level and the ability to shoot well.
Once you have found a cue you like, perform a few shots with it to see how it feels in your hands. Actually sinking the balls is not as important as testing the cue stick’s features with a variety of both hard and soft shots. If the pool cue feels good in your hands, then look no further. If it does not feel right, then find another. Your first pool cue and it’s every feature must feel right in terms of weight, balance, smoothness, and shaft qualities, even down to the feel of the leather wrap. Keep these tips in mind when choosing your new pool cue, and I have confidence you will make the right decision.
A number of hardwood and graphite billiard pool cue sticks are available at Billiard N Bar Stools, all guaranteed for straightness and accuracy. We offer both themed and designer cue sticks, and the prices are virtually unbeatable, yielding a ton of great options for your first pool cue.
BilliardNBarStools's Blog 