Break Cue queries

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kleinm3351f

New member
Hello all,

I'm trying collect knowledge about break cues. I'm not in a position to spend more than about $300, but less is better. I think what I'm looking for is something heavy (my preference) with a good tip. Beyond that, I'm not sure how the shaft does or doesn't make a better break cue.
  1. What are the features of a cue that make it better for breaking?
  2. My teammate has a $900 carbon fiber break cue that is light and you barely have to use much force at all to get an amazing spread. Does anyone understand the physics of why that may be? I'm assuming it has to do with compression of the material.
 
kleinm3351f said:
Hello all,

I'm trying collect knowledge about break cues. I'm not in a position to spend more than about $300, but less is better. I think what I'm looking for is something heavy (my preference) with a good tip. Beyond that, I'm not sure how the shaft does or doesn't make a better break cue.
  1. What are the features of a cue that make it better for breaking?
  2. My teammate has a $900 carbon fiber break cue that is light and you barely have to use much force at all to get an amazing spread. Does anyone understand the physics of why that may be? I'm assuming it has to do with compression of the material.
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One thing, if your teammate paid almost a grand for the break cue, don't ask him for advice on what to buy LOL

Just avoid the full phenolic tips, they are bad for the equipment and most people don't like the hit feel.

How well the break goes is 95% breaking technique, how well the rack is setup and the table quality, the other 5% I would attribute to the shaft and tip setup of the cue.

Get a Players J/B cue, about $150, if you don't like the tip on it have a local cue guy put on a White Diamond or a Samsara.
 
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I would look for something with a bigger tip than a playing cue. Around 13-14mm. Conical taper instead of pro taper. I haven't tried tons of break tips but I like the white diamond I'm using now. In your budget, I'd start with Schmelke. Or buy a Players jump/break.

Edit: I bought my breaker with a butt that made it 15oz. I use a different butt now that makes it closer to 19oz.
 
Way back when, I believe Burns proved you could get more speed with a lighter cue.
I have a 15 yr old Poison VX series jump/break.
It has a wood shaft and a very hard leather tip.
For me, it breaks every bit as well as my buddy's Predator BK rush.
I think I paid around $150 back then.
 
dquarasr said:
I’ve heard it both ways:

Break cue should be heavy for energy transfer.

Break cue should be light for faster acceleration.

????
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My recommendation is always for newer players to use a heavy break cue. The additional weight leads to a slightly slower swing, but with more cue ball control.

As you gain experience, you can play with the weight to your liking, but I tend to notice that better players prefer a cue that's either the same weight as their main players or lighter.
 
JolietJames said:
Way back when, I believe Burns proved you could get more speed with a lighter cue.
I have a 15 yr old Poison VX series jump/break.
It has a wood shaft and a very hard leather tip.
For me, it breaks every bit as well as my buddy's Predator BK rush.
I think I paid around $150 back then.
Click to expand...

The Predator BK Rush has a very good balance and break hit feel, that I think makes it worth a bit of extra money if the player can afford to spend it, but it falls into the luxury items more than "I should have a break cue for consistency and keep my playing tip in shape". $150 is a very good point for what I think is a good quality cue, with $300-$350 about the max someone should spend without being just rich or at the very top of the game where they feel the top of the line stuff actually helps them to reach that few extra percentage points.
 
I have a Joss Thor Hammer in the same weight and balance as my playing cues with a tiny bit thicker shaft. I think it was slightly under 300 and I like the looks.

I don't think it breaks significantly better than any playing cue I have but I also don't doubt it transfers at least a measurable amount more energy. I have it mainly for 2 reasons.

1) It has a hard tip and phenolic ferrule that are durable, saves wear and tear on softer playing cue tips.
2) My break, right or wrong is a different stroke than any other and picking up a different cue for that shot starts a pre shot routine for that situation. Maybe not so much a different stroke but a full strength stroke not used often outside the break.

I have a home table and use it mostly there. I don't always carry it when playing casual games at a bar or pool hall.

I suppose reason 1a is that when a guest is a bit aggressive with my house equipment I can steer them to use it and not have to watch them smash the cue ball with a nice vintage cue.
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I have a Predator BK2 that I use for a break cue I really like how it breaks a rack of balls , I've made more 8 balls on the break using this cue than any other cue playing on a 3 1/2 ' x 7' table .
I'm going to check into the app listed above after I get my new cell phone .
 
All the precision breaks being played seem to have rendered custom breakers superfluous. I break with my player and whatever's on it. E Master, Le Pro whatever... Having said that I think I'll bring the Gator along tonight. :)
 
Rusty in Montana said:
I have a Predator BK2 that I use for a break cue I really like how it breaks a rack of balls , I've made more 8 balls on the break using this cue than any other cue playing on a 3 1/2 ' x 7' table .
I'm going to check into the app listed above after I get my new cell phone .
Click to expand...
I have the same cue.
Since 2005.
Best ever made I think

Mine still has original tip.
Lasts forever
 
I use my player.
Never break harder than a force follow shot would be.
For me it is about control of the cue ball.
If find that I can break well enough without a super smash and all of the gyrations that go into a huge break.
Stay down and follow through.
With a good rack the balls will disperse well.
I have tried all of the super duper break sticks.
My player works well enough.
 
My first break cue was a cheap Raid 21oz with a wooden shaft and a 13.5mm tip. It cost me $110USD. I never really liked it. It had no taper, bad balance and I never really felt comfortable with it. I've recently purchased a JFlowers BRKR and love it. Comes with Carbon Fiber shaft included in the price. Very nice balance with complete control. They're selling them for $334USD so it's only slightly higher than your budget but I would highly recommend taking a look at them. https://jflowerscues.com/product-category/jflowers-cues/break-cue/break-cues/
 
I often get the urge to buy a new break cue but cannot bring myself to spend the money.
At home I use an old thirty dollar cue that I added some weight to. When I'm out playing I always use a house cue. Have used my playing cue but broke a ferrule one time so I don't do it anymore.
 
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