I took a lesson and my instructor has me gripping the cue now at the very butt end of the cue. Will prolonged gripping at the butt eventually wear the finish down? I have seen some cues with the finish completely off the cue - is that from gripping other than the grip area? Thanks!
Finish Question
- Thread starter Run the Century
- Start date
No. Test this theory. Go outside and gently stroke the fender of your car.
Keep doing this and see how many years it takes to wear the finish down to the metal.
I suppose anything is possible but the likelihood of you wearing the finish off your butt by touching it on occasion is slim to none.
Keep doing this and see how many years it takes to wear the finish down to the metal.
I suppose anything is possible but the likelihood of you wearing the finish off your butt by touching it on occasion is slim to none.
Clarification
Im not touching it on occassion - Im gripping there for all shots now.
Im not touching it on occassion - Im gripping there for all shots now.
Unless you're really freaking tall, you need a new instructor.
Hi,
How much is your cue worth? If it is a cheap one who cares as it would take forever to were it out. If it is expensive it would be worth refinishing if you think it needs it some day.
As long as your paying for lessons, I personally would listen to what the instructor says. You won't do any harm to the cue even if you sweat acid. Use some carnuba wax from time to time for finish protection.
Good luck in your journey to be more proficient at pool,
Rick
Last edited:
I would ask, how much do your hands sweat. I have seen it happen on many different cues from people whose hands sweat a lot.
Answers
Im 6 foot 4 - and to have the 90 degree "set" position - I have to grip the cue at the butt. My hands dont sweat a lot. Im a cue collector - and all my cues start about 1000 bucks up to around 5000.
Im 6 foot 4 - and to have the 90 degree "set" position - I have to grip the cue at the butt. My hands dont sweat a lot. Im a cue collector - and all my cues start about 1000 bucks up to around 5000.
Not a problem
I, and many of my customers, prefer a wrap less butt. We never experience any problems with the finish wearing away. The purpose of a wrap is not durability as much as a consistent feel, even when the hands sweat. The only negative issue I can see by gripping a cue all the way to the rear is a possible problem with the balance of said cue. If that is a problem, a slightly longer butt, or a different weight distribution, may help.
I, and many of my customers, prefer a wrap less butt. We never experience any problems with the finish wearing away. The purpose of a wrap is not durability as much as a consistent feel, even when the hands sweat. The only negative issue I can see by gripping a cue all the way to the rear is a possible problem with the balance of said cue. If that is a problem, a slightly longer butt, or a different weight distribution, may help.
That was my first thought.
Modern cue? No finish issue. Old one? Maybe.
But I first was wondering why you had to grip the cue there. Your height explained it.
I am surprised the length of cues is not more often addressed/discussed as far as fitting the cue to the player. Tip size, taper, butt diameter, wrap, joint style, etc....I see all these mentioned and discussed more than length.
As a player I put more emphasis on balance than even taper or tip size and have been that way for a long time, so the thought sort of comes more naturally to me first rather than second or third.
After shooting with a 58 inch cue since 1985, having made my living with that cue, and having even instructed others, I finally realized I might be better off with a shorter cue! I am trying a 57 for the first time today, this afternoon. Wonder of wonders....such a basic obvious thing after all these years. We'll see how it goes.
I have to wonder if your instructor discussed with you the length of your cue? You are a collector, do you not have any longer cues to try?
Anyway, that's what I thought when I read your post.
cue will never be balanced
if you hold the cue at the butt the balance of the cue will never be right, your instructor should have had suggested buy a 62-64 inch cue so you could hold it closer to the balance point of the cue.
just imagine you at 6 4 trying to play golf with a set of children's clubs, you would have one hell of a swing.
to do the job correctly you must have the right tools.
if it is a normal finish cured correctly it should never wear off in your lifetime.
if you hold the cue at the butt the balance of the cue will never be right, your instructor should have had suggested buy a 62-64 inch cue so you could hold it closer to the balance point of the cue.
just imagine you at 6 4 trying to play golf with a set of children's clubs, you would have one hell of a swing.
to do the job correctly you must have the right tools.
if it is a normal finish cured correctly it should never wear off in your lifetime.
Interesting
I do have one 60 inch cue in my collection (Abear). I'll have to pull it out and give it a shot. Sounds like the consensus though is that it doesnt bother the finish. My instructor didnt mention anything about longer cues. Actually doesnt bother me much gripping it back there - was more concerned about finish problems down the road. Thanks guys!
I do have one 60 inch cue in my collection (Abear). I'll have to pull it out and give it a shot. Sounds like the consensus though is that it doesnt bother the finish. My instructor didnt mention anything about longer cues. Actually doesnt bother me much gripping it back there - was more concerned about finish problems down the road. Thanks guys!