Break cue weight

Busty told me he liked lighter break cues though he didn't specify what weight. He also told me he likes to choke up with his back hand in order to create more speed. He feels the speed creates the power. Of course his leaving the ground and kicking his own ass while airborn probably suggests technique has something to do with it, as well.

Can't disregard anything he says with him being one of the absolute best breakers ever.
 
The Old Jaybird said:
Light.....18 ounces or less

Heavy...25 ounces, or more if you can get away with it


What's the consensus of the peanut gallery? Any and all comments welcome.
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The correct answer depends on the individual's muscle physiology and anatomy. For more info, see:

The good news is: a fairly wide range of weights will have similar effectiveness.
 
Theres a handful of youtube videos out there that say heavier cues typically have higher break speeds. I found the same thing. I used 3 different cue weights. Basically bought 2 different extension sizes. Did breaks with bare cue, 3 inch extension and 6 inch extension. I was faster with the extensions than I was with the bare cue. This is using the predator break speed app which is pretty cool. Now does higher speed mean better thats another debate..
 
Georgiacue said:
Theres a handful of youtube videos out there that say heavier cues typically have higher break speeds. I found the same thing. I used 3 different cue weights. Basically bought 2 different extension sizes. Did breaks with bare cue, 3 inch extension and 6 inch extension. I was faster with the extensions than I was with the bare cue. This is using the predator break speed app which is pretty cool. Now does higher speed mean better thats another debate..
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Not if you miss cue/whiff. 😉
 
As it came 18.5 (although tempted to take all weight out of it and give it a try, my friend keeps hassling me to give it a try).
 
I did a search and found this thread because I am contemplating changing from my 22.5 oz rage break cue to something around 18 oz. I tried another fellows break cue yesterday and it was quite light (17-18 oz), and I loved it. I seem to get better control and just as much speed as I wanted.
 
KE= 1/2(mv^2)
Speed is most important for energy.
But because we're humans, we have a limit of how fast we can swing something. So there's a curve of weight and how fast you can swing it. The heaviest thing you can swing at/near you max will give you peak energy.
But that doesn't mean you can even hit the rack doing that...

My break is a bit lighter than my player (18.7 vs 19.0oz), but i'll throw my 3" extension (2.1oz) on it for a bit more power if i need it. I try to use the same smooth stroke instead of just swinging harder. More consistent for me.
 
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SeniorTom said:
I did a search and found this thread because I am contemplating changing from my 22.5 oz rage break cue to something around 18 oz. I tried another fellows break cue yesterday and it was quite light (17-18 oz), and I loved it. I seem to get better control and just as much speed as I wanted.
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I break with a 17oz cue that's 11.5mm with a pro taper. I believe I have good hand speed ( former snooker player) that played with a 16oz snooker cue. My pool cue is around 18oz. With my break cue I've made 6 balls off the break breaking from the edge of the box.
 
sudocrushms said:
KE= 1/2(mv^2)
Speed is most important for energy.
But because we're humans, we have a limit of how fast we can swing something. So there's a curve of weight and how fast you can swing it. The heaviest thing you can swing at/near you max will give you peak energy.
But that doesn't mean you can even hit the rack doing that...

My break is a bit lighter than my player (18.7 vs 19.0oz), but i'll throw my 3" extension (2.1oz) on it for a bit more power if i need it. I try to use the same smooth stroke instead of just swinging harder. More consistent for me.
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Energy is only part of the equation. You also need to consider conservation of energy after the hit, and the person's ability to accelerate different weights of cues.

Fwiw, I pay and break with about 17oz.
 
DeeDeeCues said:
Energy is only part of the equation. You also need to consider conservation of energy after the hit, and the person's ability to accelerate different weights of cues.

Fwiw, I pay and break with about 17oz.
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Acceleration is irrelevant. It's the velocity of the cue when it hits the cue ball that matters. We assume that if the cue itself is the same and it's just the weight and speed that are changing, the efficiency of energy transfer to the cue ball will be the same.

For breaking power, energy is everything.
For break quality though, there are many other factors.
 
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