Break Cues

sciarco

sciarco

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I purchased a heavy hitter 25oz break cue i thought would be better for breaking but i found a lighter cue i used from one of my playing buddies i think it was 20oz i break much better with it my question is what is the preference out in AZ land heavy or light for breaking thanks.
 
nineballsafety8 said:
Owned and/or tried every break cue out there...

I now break with my player

dif strokes for dif folks
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I do the same now. Those Schmelke's hit pretty nice! LOL :grin:

I've used/owned:

Predator BK
Predator BK2
Predator BK3
Poison VX 2.9
Lucasi L2000JB
J&J Jump/Break
Action Zebrawood J/B
Schmelke JB00 with purpleheart and maple shafts
Elite Lightweight Break Cue
Cuetec WCT
McDermott Stinger
Players JB5 Jump/Break
Scorpion Break

No break cue has done it's job better than a playing cue with a decent tip.

For reference, I break between 25-26mph when I'm really trying and 19-21mph with ease.

To answer the OP's question, I prefer a break cue similar to the weight of my playing cue. That way, I am 100% sure of the speed I'm hitting that ball.
 
Dr. Dave's site has some excellent resources relating to this topic. Basically heavier is not necessarily better. Whatever weight, tip, shaft, arm speed combo that gets you to accurately hit the rack with the speed your looking for. Many people lose accuracy or speed with heavier break cues. I break at about 80% max speed, have a 19oz cue with a samsara break tip that lets me control whitey and get a great spread in 8/9/10 ball. Honestly you have to find what works best for you. Check out Dr. Dave's page for a real detailed explanation on the break.
 
Use the search function, this issue has been beaten like a dead horse. Plenty of discussion already, it seems to be all about personal preference. GL
 
Just ordered a Players JB.....8 I think it is.

I thought about heavier but was worried I might order too heavy and wouldn't be able to whip it through and get enough cue ball speed.

I thought about lighter but was worried that it would feel too light in my hands and result in miscues because I'm pushing it through too quickly.

So I settled on a weight similiar to my playing cue of 19 ounces.
 
Still trying to figure out what would work best for me so I'm just breaking with my player, but I think it's a common misconception that you'll be able to break "harder" with the heaviest cue you can find. Byrne's study in "Advanced Techniques In Pool and Billiards" kind of proves that speed is the most important thing for creating a powerful break. No doubt, your 25oz cue is going to create more force IF you can move it fast enough. But if you're not strong enough, you might have better luck with maybe a 19oz/20oz because you can move the weight faster. And you'll prob have more control of the CB, which a lot of the time, is more important.

Dave_M, I was trying to get some reviews on the Schmelke JB00. Is that your fav out of all the break cues you listed?
 
It always comes down to personal opinion. Got an inexpensive Action jump break with phenolic tip and ferrule and kept thinking miscue in the back of my mind because of the tip hardness and was going to send it back or change the tip but one night broke like a demon with it. 4 balls on a nine ball break really clears the table for an out. Still don't feel comfortable but can't argue with success for $90.
 
Darkray said:
Dave_M, I was trying to get some reviews on the Schmelke JB00. Is that your fav out of all the break cues you listed?
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Yes and I would have kept it, but I stopped playing for a couple months at the time and needed the cash. The only downside was the joint, but that can be changed with a simple phone call.

To be honest, that is the only cue in the bunch that could double as a playing cue and no one would know the difference. It is nearly identical in design (no materials) to my playing cue.
 
What didn't you like about the joint? I thought the quick joint was "heavier" and so gave you that front balance everyone is always talking about. Which joint works best for you? Maybe brass?
 
Darkray said:
What didn't you like about the joint? I thought the quick joint was "heavier" and so gave you that front balance everyone is always talking about. Which joint works best for you? Maybe brass?
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I prefer no metal in my cues. None. No weight bolts, no metal joints. Quick release joints are also something I do not like. My playing cue is Curly Maple into Ebony with a G10 joint pin, built by Schmelke. Adding weight to the front of the cue by putting a chunky metal joint pin and shaft insert on it, is nothing you will see me playing with, except for a stainless 3/8x10 joint pin.
 
My break cue is 18 oz.
Very happy with it.
Breaks like a mofo...if I do my job.
 
sciarco said:
I purchased a heavy hitter 25oz break cue i thought would be better for breaking but i found a lighter cue i used from one of my playing buddies i think it was 20oz i break much better with it my question is what is the preference out in AZ land heavy or light for breaking thanks.
Click to expand...

Take it back and get the break cue called the *anvil*
 
I Break with my player or use a break cue that is the same weight and balance as my player. I want everything to feel the same.
 
Colonel said:
These aren't made anymore but if you can find one used they are great.
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Hear a lot of people like those, but never tried one. Did try my buddies Gulyassey J/B pre-sledgehammer and that is a monster! Tried finding one but they seem a little scarce also. I ended up ordering an Alex Brick and I think I like it as much as the Gulyassey. Breaks like a damn freight train and jumps great too.
 
drv4 said:
Dr. Dave's site has some excellent resources relating to this topic. Basically heavier is not necessarily better. Whatever weight, tip, shaft, arm speed combo that gets you to accurately hit the rack with the speed your looking for. Many people lose accuracy or speed with heavier break cues. I break at about 80% max speed, have a 19oz cue with a samsara break tip that lets me control whitey and get a great spread in 8/9/10 ball. Honestly you have to find what works best for you. Check out Dr. Dave's page for a real detailed explanation on the break.
Click to expand...
If people are interested, here's the pertinent resource page:

optimal break cue weight

Enjoy,
Dave
 
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