Break Cues

[G.Ouellet]

Hey!

I'm just wondering what makes a specific Break Cue better for breaking than a regular playing cue?

Is it the weight? The harder tips?

I've started playing pool more seriously a few weeks ago and I'm still wondering if it would be ok to use my playing cue to break. It's a cheap 150$ dufferin and I plan on upgrading it down the way.

I'm guessing it also has to do with how hard you break with it.

 

[80P]

Since you just started playing i say spend some time with the game and make sure you love it before buying fancy equipment. Break cues offer great advantages for some people whereas others prefer to only carry one cue. Find a buddy with a break cue and bust a few racks and see if its something you want

 

[slide13]

I think the biggest thing is the harder tip. Won't deform and transfers energy more efficiently. If you have a reasonably firm tip on your playing cue there is no reason it can't work for breaking too, I'm sure almost everyone started out that way. Or you can always use a house cue if you play with a soft tip and don't want to have to perform excessive maintenance.

But, if you stick with playing, I think most people will end up with a break cue if they play 8/9/10 ball games. Not everyone, some prefer to break with they're playing cue still, but most go the break cue route.

While some companies do design their break cues very specifically for the break, I think a good hard tip is what is most important. I like the Samsara jump/break tip myself.

There are some really cheap options too, J&J jump/break cues can be had for $80 or less I believe...at that price I think they're a great option and worth that price for anyone interested in trying a break cue.

 

[ctyhntr]

The only thing that will happen if you continue to use your playing cue to break or jump, is the leather tip will flatten out faster.

When pool became popular in the late 80's, the industry switched from straight pool to 9-ball to showcase the game to the world. Texas Express 9-ball rules were chosen, and Simonis came up with a faster cloth to help sell the game. The break and jump cue evolved because changes in the game rules. Except on the break, you couldn't push out anymore. If you have the ability to run out, then making a ball on the break became a significant advantage, especially compounded with winner breaks custom.

 

[hang-the-9]

The only real reason I really see for having a dedicated break cue is to keep your playing tip and shaft from getting damaged and/or needing to get shaped or replaced more often.

While a much harder tip does move more force into the shot, the break is as much about controlling where the cueball goes than just breaking hard, so the extra 1-2 mph you get with a hard tip really does not matter.

I just use a house cue to break with, if you like to jump, a cheap break/jump cue may be right for you.

I used to have a break/jump cue before my son forgot to put it away when he used it, but I really did not care much if I even put it together in a match. My son has a break/jump and I almost never use it.

 

[DAVE_M]

Breaking with your playing cue is perfectly fine. However, I like my break cue to be different than my player.

My player and break are full splice cues, but my player has a G10 pin and my breaker has a quick release steel pin. My break cue is shorter than my player and weighs less. My break cue also has a purple heart shaft, phenolic ferrule, and Samsara break tip.