Advise/Pointers/Tips

carlosprimero

Registered
Hi. I'm trying to go back in the game after probably 7 or 10 years (I hope I didn't miss a lot) and I plan to get a cue of my own. I'm eyeing a custom-made cue. I believe it's made from cocobolo and ebony. Any pointers that you guys can give me on what to get? What should the measurements (weight, length, etc.) be? Any other particulars?

If I get confused I can always go ask all of you, can't I? Thanks.
 
Before getting any premade cue, you should hit a few balls with different cues, tips, and shafts... try different weights, etc. It would suck to spend a lot of money on a cue and feel like it isn't right for you after the first week or two. Make some buddies at the pool hall and borrow some cues for a while, see if you like the feel of any of them.

There really isn't a single best weight or length, it depends on how your body is built and your playing style. What works well for someone else might feel really awkward for you.

If you want just an average figure to start with, 19 oz is the most popular weight, 57" (or was it 58"?) is the most common length.

In the past 10ish years the most major advance in cues has been low-deflection shafts. These shafts generally have been hollowed out and made for lightness and flexibility, so that the shaft bends away a little more when you hit the side of the cue ball. That basically means when applying sidespin, instead of the stick being rigid and deflecting the ball a bit sideways, the stick 'gives' and the ball moves in a straighter line.

The end result is if you're applying lots of english, you don't have to adjust your line of aim as much as you're used to. You can almost aim a heavy spin shot the same way you'd aim a shot with no spin.

I think a majority of players have decided they like this trend, but a few still grumble that you don't need no fancy special shaft. A few will even tell you it's all marketing BS, but if you spend ten minutes hitting with one, you'll find that's obviously not true.

If you decide you want to give these shafts a whirl, the 2 most popular brands of LD shaft are Predator and OB. A Predator Z2 or and OB2 would be the typical shafts most people go for when they get a low deflection shaft.

--

Jump cue technology has also come a long way, they're making the tips on jump cues (and break cues) very very hard, similar to the pool balls themselves. Today's light jump cues with rock-hard tips make jumping incredibly easy.
 
Haven't really paid any attention to the details of every cue I've used back then. I'll take a look into the cues you mentioned and I think I'll play some more too. Thanks captain and nambaruani. Really appreciate it.
 
I suggest playing with a house cue until you figure out what weight you like; figure 6 months to a year.

Being as out of practice as you are, you will be able to adjust to any shaft, tip, hit after you purchase a cue.
 
I was also 16 years out of the game and I bought first a real cheap Walmart-lesque cue. I played with it for about 6 months. Then got an Imperial, also cheap but a little better, also 6 months of play. Then got a McDermott which I used for my first league season play I just finished 2 weeks ago. Now, I just ordered a Players HXTE010 which has a Low Def shaft. My plan is to used it for about a year and next year begin the quest for my first custom. I suggest you to do the same. Take the upgrade route. You will then know what exactly you want.


Sent from my BlackBerry 9300 using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
If you like it, buy it. Get a good case, to. If you're gonna act like a pool player then you need to look like a pool player. Jump right in with both feet, and don't look back.
What ever money you spend will pale by comparison had you taken up golf. :smile:
 
Thanks for the tips guys. So it takes that long to get the hang of it again, huh? Well, I guess it sure does. I was still in school when I started playing and I think cutting classes did speed up the process. LOL. I kinda got to shoot some last night and I think I really need a lot of practice.

I also don't know much about hitting the cb in certain points of it. I think it's called "English". Am I that bad? Maybe I could also get some pointers from you. What else do I need to know? Thanks again.
 
Back
Top