Cue advice for a new player

Bob Jewett

Bob Jewett

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Over on FB, the following question got asked on an APA group. What advice would you give to this new player?

(For reference, an APA skill level 2 probably doesn't intentionally use side spin yet and quite possibly has never drawn the cue ball. Also, they may only play pool on league night.)

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My advice would to be buy the cheapest carbon fiber cue they can find. Carbon helps lower level players and beginners. It allows them to just point and aim.

As for giving advice to my younger self about cues, buy the most expensive cue you can buy. You'll actually spend less money in the long run.
 
There are tons of under $400 CF cues that plays great.

Sometimes when you get a serious piece of equipment that costs more than what the average person will spend, it pushes you forward to be better, to be worthy of that equipment. I know that I was there with photography and with pool.
So if that person wants to be better and has the spare cash, he should get a nice cue.
 
Eh. They are just trying to justify a high tech cue. I've never believed that I missed a shot or shape because of a warped cue... And I've played a lot with very warped house cues because they always have the best tips and smoothest shafts since nobody uses a cue that won't roll on a table.

If you have good mechanics and set up with your tip close to the CB, no realistic wrap is going to move the tip enough to matter. If you don't have good mechanics and set up, a straight cue isn't going to fix anything.

An APA 2 almost means they have a physical disability. If they don't, $200 in lessons will serve them better than any amount of cash on equipment.
 
I bought a Crical CXD off Amazon for $224.00 CDN delivered. It was packaged quite well, straight as a die, 12.5mm/pro taper and decent balance. I've played with it since I got it and am impressed with the cue. IMO it was worth the purchase.
 
Get started...Buy what looks good and enjoy it. That's how I bought my first cue. Our room sold Rich cues...and trust me I did not deserved the RichBushka.
Worried about warping ... CueTec.
 
muskyed said:
I'm going to go out on a limb here and recommend a cue I have never tried, but have herd nothing but good reviews on.
Cuetec Avid series. $325-$350 at most places similar to Seyberts.
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Extension ready for the excellent Duo extension. Cynergy shafts fit perfect if you want to upgrade. Great choice for a first cue. Regular Avid shaft plays good.
 
Moe Szyslak said:
They're a brand new player that doesn't even use sidespin or draw and they own "a few" cues already??
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Well, they didn't say anything about the techniques they have mastered, but they are an APA 2. I'm surprised by the "wood sticks" warping comment.

I agree with @markjames that they should stick with house cues for the time being but that probably doesn't fit in with league culture.
 
billiards_watch said:
My advice would to be buy the cheapest carbon fiber cue they can find. Carbon helps lower level players and beginners. It allows them to just point and aim.

As for giving advice to my younger self about cues, buy the most expensive cue you can buy. You'll actually spend less money in the long run.
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Shit, I must be doing something wrong. I've had a bunch of high tech cues over the past 25 years and point and aim has never worked for me;)
 
I was once told by a player better than I...... buy what is going to make go out and shoot more. BEST advice ever


We happen to be talking about carbon shafts at the time. This was 4 years ago, I have not gone back, nor will I ever go back to wood, personal preference, he has never crossed over to the "dark side" (pun intended)
 
iusedtoberich said:
Crical Pro 1. Hands down if they are set on a new CF cue. $120 shipped on Amazon. Must get the same one in the video or the shaft taper will be garbage.

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Solid advice.

At this price point nothing beats it.

Even a horrible shooting wood cue from Viking Valhalla and McDermott Lucky is priced very similar and I would take the carbon.
 
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