Best cue for beginner - middle of the road player

[drewstaff711]

I have been playing on an Oldhausen for about a year and a half (8ft). On a 9ft table I would probably be a "6 - 7" handicap. I've been trying different cues (McDermott G-series, Lucasi flexpoint, and a Players cue). My favorite thus far has been the players cue (Likely only because I've played the most with it).

What would you all recommend for me to graduate to a little higher end stick from the players? I really liked the McDermott, but it was a little too skinny on the shaft and the tip was small, I really liked the English it produced and the way it hit. The Lucasi seems a little too fat on the shaft?

What size diameter shaft (?), size/type tip (?), low deflection (?), carbon fiber(?), brand (?) Any comments/suggestions would be good, thanks!

 

[Bob Jewett]

What cue gives the least deflection? I'm not even sure I understand deflection - is it when you put bottom left/right top/bottom on the cue ball, and then the amount of throw that puts on the object ball?

No, it is the cue ball moving off-line to the left when you use right side spin and vice-versa for left side spin. It is a problem on every side spin shot. Different cue sticks cause different amounts of this. Like up to three times as much between one cue and another.

I think that if you don't understand this part of pool, it is too early to choose a cue stick.

I disagree with the idea that you can simply adjust to whatever deflection a cue stick causes. I think some cues will cripple your game.

 

[hang-the-9]

What cue gives the least deflection? I'm not even sure I understand deflection - is it when you put bottom left/right top/bottom on the cue ball, and then the amount of throw that puts on the object ball?

First you should learn enough about the game to know why you are looking for a new cue, without knowing why you are really just spending money to spend money. Once you know enough to know why you would need a new shaft or cue then start trying things out, aside from that, just changing things is no good. There are no "upgrades" in cues or shafts unless you actually play better with something or just want to own something nicer/fancier.

 

[TATE]

I have been playing on an Oldhausen for about a year and a half (8ft). On a 9ft table I would probably be a "6 - 7" handicap. I've been trying different cues (McDermott G-series, Lucasi flexpoint, and a Players cue). My favorite thus far has been the players cue (Likely only because I've played the most with it).

What would you all recommend for me to graduate to a little higher end stick from the players? I really liked the McDermott, but it was a little too skinny on the shaft and the tip was small, I really liked the English it produced and the way it hit. The Lucasi seems a little too fat on the shaft?

What size diameter shaft (?), size/type tip (?), low deflection (?), carbon fiber(?), brand (?) Any comments/suggestions would be good, thanks!

I've been recommending these Poison Arsenic cues by Predator for higher end beginner to intermediate players, around $300. We've had three or four local payers get them as an upgrade to their Players cues.

They are well balanced, have a low squirt shaft, are real wood, well built, neutral playing characteristics. I would definitely play with one and they look great. There are a couple of different versions for appearance.

Poison Cues Arsenic 3 Cue 1

Family-owned, family-run for over twenty years, come see the difference in quality, pricing and customer service with the largest selection of billiard supplies.

www.ozonebilliards.com

 

[Logandgriff]

No, it is the cue ball moving off-line to the left when you use right side spin and vice-versa for left side spin. It is a problem on every side spin shot. Different cue sticks cause different amounts of this. Like up to three times as much between one cue and another.

I think that if you don't understand this part of pool, it is too early to choose a cue stick.

I disagree with the idea that you can simply adjust to whatever deflection a cue stick causes. I think some cues will cripple your game.

As a big Bob Jewett fan, I'm interested in detail from Bob on the last point -- Bob what are the cues that you think will cripple a person's game? Thanks.

 

[Bob Jewett]

As a big Bob Jewett fan, I'm interested in detail from Bob on the last point -- Bob what are the cues that you think will cripple a person's game? Thanks.

I have had beginning students with cues that had more squirt than typical solid maple cues and much more squirt than LD cues. If the student tries to learn sidespin with such a cue, I think the main thing they are going to learn is you can't use more than half a tip of side. I think that's bad.

I personally feel that the less you have to compensate for squirt the better.

 

[Jimbojim]

The answer is always Mezz

 

[ChrisinNC]

I have been playing on an Oldhausen for about a year and a half (8ft). On a 9ft table I would probably be a "6 - 7" handicap. I've been trying different cues (McDermott G-series, Lucasi flexpoint, and a Players cue). My favorite thus far has been the players cue (Likely only because I've played the most with it).

What would you all recommend for me to graduate to a little higher end stick from the players? I really liked the McDermott, but it was a little too skinny on the shaft and the tip was small, I really liked the English it produced and the way it hit. The Lucasi seems a little too fat on the shaft?

What size diameter shaft (?), size/type tip (?), low deflection (?), carbon fiber(?), brand (?) Any comments/suggestions would be good, thanks!

For an added $35, you can custom order a Player’s Sneaky Pete with a thinner than 13mm shaft - 12.75, 12.5 or 12.25mm. The thinner you go, the more spin you’ll be able to get.

But keep in mind, there’s a trade off for that added spin - you sometimes end up with more spin than you want, causing increased throw on the object ball than expected, resulting in a missed shot.