Carom Cues

Pidge

Pidge

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Anyone have previous experience using them in pool? The game of billiards intrigues me, and I'm thinking of taking it up if I can find a table nearby or even buy a table once I get around to clearing the garage out. For the time being though I don't want to buy a cue if the nearest table is hundreds of miles away so I'd like to know if they are robust enough to stand up to the power shots required in pool day in day out.

Few questions in particular....how does the wooden joint pin play and how strong are they, the shaft size I'd be looking at is in the 11-11.5mm range so are the shafts of that diameter built to withstand pool matches and what are some quality brands to look for? I know predator and Viking make carom cues as well as longoni, but I've looked at layani and they have some beautiful cues.

Thanks,
 
In my experience, carom cues shaft taper does not translate well to pool. That thick taper makes the cb squirt (deflect?) too much for me.

I guess I could figger it out if I had to, but I don't play tennis in my work shoes.
 
And having read your post now :eek:

The wooden pin plays really soft, IMO.

You will have no durability issues using a carom cue for pool. They strike far heavier balls that often travel 20+ ft. You are good there and standard 3c tip size is 11-12 mm too.
 
Pidge:

I'm not sure if you're going to want to go whole hog on a 3C cue. For one thing, you're not going to notice the difference until you get to a certain level (and trust me, unless you can run "8"s consistently in 3C, you're not at that level). I'm thinking "rather than make the house fit the door, make the door fit the house." Instead of trying to make equipment you're unfamiliar with fit a game you're familiar with ("making the house fit the door"), instead adapt your existing equipment to the game ("make the door fit the house").

I'm thinking you might be just fine with a regular pool cue, but with a shaft that has a European / straight taper, like, say, an OB Pro, or a Predator Z2. Believe me, those shafts will hit a 3C ball just fine (I do, although my highest 3C run is "5", albeit I play in a blue moon).

Just something to think about,
-Sean
 
Rasputin said:
Is it even possible for a person to be this thick? Apparently so. But please.

And no-one runs 8 consistently in three cushion caroms.
Click to expand...

Is this really necessary? This is a forum, and the OP asked for opinions.

-Sean
 
I have a wooden pin Starkey pool cue. It plays crisp, as good as any cue I ever played with
 
Pidge said:
Anyone have previous experience using them in pool? The game of billiards intrigues me, and I'm thinking of taking it up if I can find a table nearby or even buy a table once I get around to clearing the garage out. For the time being though I don't want to buy a cue if the nearest table is hundreds of miles away so I'd like to know if they are robust enough to stand up to the power shots required in pool day in day out.

Few questions in particular....how does the wooden joint pin play and how strong are they, the shaft size I'd be looking at is in the 11-11.5mm range so are the shafts of that diameter built to withstand pool matches and what are some quality brands to look for? I know predator and Viking make carom cues as well as longoni, but I've looked at layani and they have some beautiful cues.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Carom cues are robust enough for pool....and the wood thread joint
stands up.
I have one that is over 30 years old, still tight.

But it is a standard carom cue, 11.5 mm.....55 inches long...18 ounces.
The 55 inch length makes it too strong for pool...also awkward for reaching.

Playing pool with a carom cue would be akin to using a 7 iron to hit a
green from 90 yards out....you can do it....but the guy with a wedge
will beat you.
 
I build

A wood pin cue that is the best of pool cues and carom cues. I have never had one returned after anyone has played a few games.

They are a cross between carom and pool cues.
 
sfleinen said:
Pidge:

I'm not sure if you're going to want to go whole hog on a 3C cue. For one thing, you're not going to notice the difference until you get to a certain level (and trust me, unless you can run "8"s consistently in 3C, you're not at that level). I'm thinking "rather than make the house fit the door, make the door fit the house." Instead of trying to make equipment you're unfamiliar with fit a game you're familiar with ("making the house fit the door"), instead adapt your existing equipment to the game ("make the door fit the house").

I'm thinking you might be just fine with a regular pool cue, but with a shaft that has a European / straight taper, like, say, an OB Pro, or a Predator Z2. Believe me, those shafts will hit a 3C ball just fine (I do, although my highest 3C run is "5", albeit I play in a blue moon).

Just something to think about,
-Sean
Click to expand...
Cheers for that Sean. I may just wait until I decide to buy a table or not. I've played once on a 3C table in Paris, and knew very little about the game...i didn't even know what the diamonds were for! It was a long time ago though. My best was a 5 point run too, but the game really intrigues me so I may just look for a pool cue with a wooden pin since a lot are saying they're nice to play with.
 
Pidge said:
Anyone have previous experience using them in pool? The game of billiards intrigues me, and I'm thinking of taking it up if I can find a table nearby or even buy a table once I get around to clearing the garage out. For the time being though I don't want to buy a cue if the nearest table is hundreds of miles away so I'd like to know if they are robust enough to stand up to the power shots required in pool day in day out.

Few questions in particular....how does the wooden joint pin play and how strong are they, the shaft size I'd be looking at is in the 11-11.5mm range so are the shafts of that diameter built to withstand pool matches and what are some quality brands to look for? I know predator and Viking make carom cues as well as longoni, but I've looked at layani and they have some beautiful cues.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

After playing pocket billiards for many years, I finally broke down and tried my hand at 3C. Let me tell you, once you start playing it will become addictive. You will start dreaming about shots and layouts. You will definitely have a better understanding of the diamond system and the other systems used. My first 3C cue was an old Adams with a wooden pin. Loved the fact that it had 3 shafts with different tapers so I could adjust to my liking. But I didn't have a case big enough to fit my 3C cue with my normal pool cue, break cue, and jump cue. So I read up on all of the carom cues out there and finally decided to buy a Ray Schuler cue. My main reason was I wanted to have one cue I could use for all of the games and not have to carry such a big case like a 4x8. Schulers have shafts to fit every game possible. They do have a unique joint tho. Not a wooden one. I managed to get one of Ray's cues before he passed away. Have been playing with it ever since. It came with just one straight taper carom shaft. I purchased 2 additional shafts for it (Pro Taper and Euro Pro Taper) which are a tad bit longer in length. Have not looked back since. There are many 3C cue makers out there and plenty of joint styles to suit your liking. Just take your time and get informed before you make a purchase. You can play pretty well with just a light wallabuschka until you are ready to spend the money.

You don't have to worry about the strength of the wooden pin. They are plenty strong enough. As a previous poster said...3C balls are bigger and heavier. Some common sense like being careful when you screw the shaft and butt together and you will have a joint that will last a lifetime. Most of the issues I've seen with wooden cues have been the initial thread on the wood joint might splinter off a bit. Again, taking care when putting together, you should have no problems. And all of the knowledge you gain playing 3C will only strengthen you play at the other games!
 
pacemonster said:
After playing pocket billiards for many years, I finally broke down and tried my hand at 3C. Let me tell you, once you start playing it will become addictive. You will start dreaming about shots and layouts. You will definitely have a better understanding of the diamond system and the other systems used. My first 3C cue was an old Adams with a wooden pin. Loved the fact that it had 3 shafts with different tapers so I could adjust to my liking. But I didn't have a case big enough to fit my 3C cue with my normal pool cue, break cue, and jump cue. So I read up on all of the carom cues out there and finally decided to buy a Ray Schuler cue. My main reason was I wanted to have one cue I could use for all of the games and not have to carry such a big case like a 4x8. Schulers have shafts to fit every game possible. They do have a unique joint tho. Not a wooden one. I managed to get one of Ray's cues before he passed away. Have been playing with it ever since. It came with just one straight taper carom shaft. I purchased 2 additional shafts for it (Pro Taper and Euro Pro Taper) which are a tad bit longer in length. Have not looked back since. There are many 3C cue makers out there and plenty of joint styles to suit your liking. Just take your time and get informed before you make a purchase. You can play pretty well with just a light wallabuschka until you are ready to spend the money.

You don't have to worry about the strength of the wooden pin. They are plenty strong enough. As a previous poster said...3C balls are bigger and heavier. Some common sense like being careful when you screw the shaft and butt together and you will have a joint that will last a lifetime. Most of the issues I've seen with wooden cues have been the initial thread on the wood joint might splinter off a bit. Again, taking care when putting together, you should have no problems. And all of the knowledge you gain playing 3C will only strengthen you play at the other games!
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I know about dreaming about shots and layouts! I kick using various 3c systems now, and at first I couldn't stop thinking about them, I had numbers scrambling up my brain for months.

Thanks for the info on the pin, that's exactly what I was after. I understand the cues are made to hit bigger heavier balls but I've rarely seen players hit shots as hard as you do in pool, the tables just look lightening fast. I think I'm definitely going to dive in full heartedly and purchase a cue. They're relatively cheap here since there are lots of sellers in Europe - compare that to trying to buy a pool cue in Europe and the costs are as much as 1/3 more what they are in the states, so even if it doesn't work for me on a pool table it wont be too much of an expensive mistake.

Thanks again for the advice and info.
 
Play balkline in addition to 3 cushion! Here is a clip of Efren playing balkline (which is his favorite game).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HanjQHbvpU


I've been wanting to get into carom billiards as well, but no one plays around here. As for your cue, I'd think a carom shaft for your pool cue would work fine until you want to pick up a carom cue.


P.S.- read "McGoorty" if you haven't. It has some great historical details on the rise and fall of billiards in America and around the world.
 
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I have a Schuler Cue made my Noel Mendoza:
http://mendozacues.com/

Unfortunately, I dont get out to play pool that often anymore, but when I do and I play one pocket or another non-billiard game, the cue works perfectly for me!
 
Bob Jewett said:
Carom players seem to be using extensions these days.
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Yea, Bob... I have been noticing that as well. Also I have seen cues where the extension goes at the joint instead of the butt end? interesting anyway :)


OP,
I am also searching for a new carom cue. I use my pool cue with an OB2 shaft and I can move the ball fine, but I have used carom cues and they do feel REAL different to me. Sometimes I feel like I am beating the OB to death?

What I need is a designated carom cue with a low D shaft.

Heres my table at home.....LOVE it!
 
If I was just starting out on my 3c journey, I would find a good cheap one first. Go to SBE and try some out first. If you're lucky enough to have a pool room close to you that has a table, I'm sure there's someone there that has cues that would let you try them. Don't spend a lot of money on one. You can find good used ones for a decent price. Or.....just get a shaft made with a straight taper to fit your current cue to start. Either way, doing that will save you some $$$ at the beginning of your journey.

Let the 3c bug fully infect your brain before going all out. When you start seeing patterns of 3c shots while playing 9 ball, you will know YOU ARE HOOKED!!!! There's no hope for you after that. Good luck finding tables to play ;) And best of rolls.
 
Gerry said:
I am also searching for a new carom cue. I use my pool cue with an OB2 shaft and I can move the ball fine, but I have used carom cues and they do feel REAL different to me. Sometimes I feel like I am beating the OB to death?

What I need is a designated carom cue with a low D shaft.

Heres my table at home.....LOVE it!
Click to expand...

Gerry....if I ever make it up your way, I'd love to try out your table. I'd even help you put some paint on the walls just for the pleasure. Having only found 1 table close (1 hour away) from me, I don't get to play that much anymore. I missed my chance to play BlackBalled when he was down my way. Won't happen again. BTW...is your table heated? I couldn't tell.

OP - not trying to hi-jack your post. But I couldn't help but comment to someone that actually has a 3c table in their home. Very envious.
 
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