Break Cue
- Thread starter gbs52
- Start date
You won't get too many answers from instructors here because many of them have said that they prefer to break with their playing cue.
I don't, however, and am comfortable breaking with a break cue that's an ounce heavier than my playing cue.
Basically, as heavy as you can get that doesn't hinder your ability to swing the cue fast. Once you start slowing down your stroke due to extra weight, you've defeated the purpose of a heavier break cue.
I don't, however, and am comfortable breaking with a break cue that's an ounce heavier than my playing cue.
Basically, as heavy as you can get that doesn't hinder your ability to swing the cue fast. Once you start slowing down your stroke due to extra weight, you've defeated the purpose of a heavier break cue.
I do not break with my breaking cue, although many do. I use a Stinger and it's 18 ounces. My shooter is 19, so I use a break cue just a hair lighter than my player. When someone asks me, I recommend a bit lighter cue for a break cue, simply because of the mechanics of it (I may get some argument here, but hey, it won't be the first time). It's easier to move a light object faster... easier to get it going, easier to maintain it's speed. I fell like a bit lighter cue lets you break just a bit more "freely" yet still maintain control.
Just my opinion, of course...
Bob
Just my opinion, of course...
Bob
I'm with you on this one. as far as weight goes, mine is about .50 Oz lighter then my playing cue. I was taught to play start to finish with a single cue to be "Married" to it, because you'll create a Feel with it long term. Which I would have to agree with, but doing so started to crack inlays, which did not work for me. Cracked another couple ferrules and decided to get a cue to take the abuse of a break. I really enjoy the piece of mind of saving my "Playing cues", and not holding back on my breaks in fear of damage, that alone has given my break a new edge. I usually get balls down, and a good choice on the layout of the table after. pretty big advantage. What can it hurt to try one out for a while? if it doesn't work for you, sell it, and go back to square one!
Side note, My wife plays, has a very strong break, (equal to mine.. yeah yeah I know) and has not damaged her cue (from breaking) since she bought it in 2007!
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The increase in weight in the cue only helps if you can accelerate it at the same rate as a lighter cue. The increase is only marginal. Mathematically speaking, lighter, harder, and stiffer are better.
What game are you "breaking" in?
Games like 14.1 and One Pocket I will break with my playing cue. Most other games I break with a Stinger that is the same weight (18oz) as my playing cue.
randyg
I think I would keel over and die if I ever saw anyone reach for a break cue in 14.1 or One Pocket.
One never knows!
Something similar happened to me in the early 60's. I was scheduled for a 14.1 exhibition match with Mr. Mosconi. Willie did his normal intros and then grabed a house cue, walked up to the table and smashed the Straight Pool rack wide open. He turned to me and said, " get what you can and when you are finished I will take over the evening".
I ran 99 and missed. Willie ran 150 and out. We where both home town favorites for at least that evening.....
Happy New Year Fran
randyg
Believe me Fran and Randy:
in the late 80 s we had a straightpool team-league. And suddenly my opponent stood there with 2 cues. Breakcues were not that popular at that time and i really wondered. He really took his breakcue for the breakball......-ok he wasn t able really too use it often. But it was fun like hell for our team
it was definitley SUPERHARD to play and stop grinning lg
Ingo
What do you want your break cue to do for you? Get maximum cue ball speed? Steady your hand? Cancel any slight swerve? Allow a loose grip? Comply with the official equipment specifications?
But to answer your question, if you want maximum cue ball speed, the weight is probably not too important and the best weight depends on your particular physical make-up. It is not possible for anyone here to give a specific recommendation for you.
If you can, get into a situation where you can try different weights of cues. There is an app that can measure break speed or maybe you can find someone with a speed gun. You have to worry about the tips on the various cues because the tip can make maybe 10% difference in break speed.
One never knows!
Something similar happened to me in the early 60's. I was scheduled for a 14.1 exhibition match with Mr. Mosconi. Willie did his normal intros and then grabed a house cue, walked up to the table and smashed the Straight Pool rack wide open. He turned to me and said, " get what you can and when you are finished I will take over the evening".
I ran 99 and missed. Willie ran 150 and out. We where both home town favorites for at least that evening.....
Happy New Year Fran
randyg
Great story! What self-confidence! And he was such a pleasure to watch.
Greetings from Switzerland, David.
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