Break Shaft

Bustah360

Bustah360

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm in the market for a custom break cue, and wanted to know from cue makers, what the best type of shaft to use would be? I honestly don't fancy the need for purchasing a separate break shaft being that I'm already going through the trouble of getting a custom made from Curtis Robertson. Not that Curtis couldn't advice me (he's great!); I just wanted to get a broader opinion.

Would anyone know if a nice peace of rock maple is still the preferred choice? On a playing cue the taper is something I'd know what feels good to me, but its a different story on a break cue right? Anyone have suggestion on the best taper on one of those?

Thx!
 
Noticed a couple of purple heart recommendations. I never tried one out. Does it have any quality to it that people are attracted to?
 
Bustah360 said:
I'm in the market for a custom break cue, and wanted to know from cue makers, what the best type of shaft to use would be? I honestly don't fancy the need for purchasing a separate break shaft being that I'm already going through the trouble of getting a custom made from Curtis Robertson. Not that Curtis couldn't advice me (he's great!); I just wanted to get a broader opinion.

Would anyone know if a nice peace of rock maple is still the preferred choice? On a playing cue the taper is something I'd know what feels good to me, but its a different story on a break cue right? Anyone have suggestion on the best taper on one of those?

Thx!
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I don't think it really matters what type of wood your break shaft is made from. The break in 9-ball is the most important shot of the game. My guess is your best break would come from your playing cue because that's what you're most comfortable with. Some might argue that some woods or tapers break better than others, I'm not convinced of that. If you really like your cuemakers taper, I'd have him build the shaft for your break cue also. Nick Varner used to break with his playing cue, and up until signing with Cuetec, I think Shane Van Boening(sp?) broke with his player also. It's that important of a shot. Good Luck.
 
sliprock said:
I don't think it really matters what type of wood your break shaft is made from. The break in 9-ball is the most important shot of the game. My guess is your best break would come from your playing cue because that's what you're most comfortable with. Some might argue that some woods or tapers break better than others, I'm not convinced of that. If you really like your cuemakers taper, I'd have him build the shaft for your break cue also. Nick Varner used to break with his playing cue, and up until signing with Cuetec, I think Shane Van Boening(sp?) broke with his player also. It's that important of a shot. Good Luck.
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I appreciate the advice. You're right though, the playing cue is the most comfortable to use. Only problem is that I only appreciate using wood to wood styled cues, and am afraid I'll put a hurtin on the thread when I let that stroke out for a break in 9ball/10ball.
 
At out of all the wood choices, Purple heart shaft, once you use one you'll never go back :)

Mario
 
Purple Heart shafts are too hard for players, but break like a hammer. shaft diameter is more of a taste thing, though more is stiffer. If you go with maple then keep the diameter at 13 or better yet: over 13mm.
If you prefer Maple you should avoid a long pro taper. A straighter taper will deliver a hard hit and stiffness.
 
Purple heart is heavy compared to maple and hits real hard. You might like it, but I found it to be too heavy for my likes. I like to break with my playing cue and get great results.

The best breaking cue I ever used was a regular maple shaft, but I installed a buffalo horn ferrule and a white diamond tip. It is the best tip / ferrule combination for breaking over a one piece phenolic and one piece g10.

The wood type is not as important as the taper and the tip/ferrule but primarily, it's the technique that matters the most.
 
SK Custom Cues said:
Purple heart is heavy compared to maple and hits real hard. You might like it, but I found it to be too heavy for my likes. I like to break with my playing cue and get great results.

The best breaking cue I ever used was a regular maple shaft, but I installed a buffalo horn ferrule and a white diamond tip. It is the best tip / ferrule combination for breaking over a one piece phenolic and one piece g10.

The wood type is not as important as the taper and the tip/ferrule but primarily, it's the technique that matters the most.
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Wouldn't a buffalo horn ferrule be risky for the impact of a break cue? What's it usually feel like?
 
I have some purple heart 1" dowels hanging and I also have radially spliced 6 piece dowels made of purple heart and rock maple . I 've made both into break - jump shafts . Just under 14 mm with a white diamond tip jumps the best , followed by the samsara tip . The break is as good as the person holding the cue . People who couldn't jump become masters after a white diamond tip is installed . A little advice on white diamonds , they don't stay glued very well on uncapped ferrules or soft ones . Aegis , LBM ,G-10, and phenolic are fine . Anyone wanting a shaft made can PM me ... Good luck ...:cool:;)
 
Bustah360 said:
I appreciate the advice. You're right though, the playing cue is the most comfortable to use. Only problem is that I only appreciate using wood to wood styled cues, and am afraid I'll put a hurtin on the thread when I let that stroke out for a break in 9ball/10ball.
Click to expand...

If the cue is tight when you use it, The threads will be fine.
 
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