Forward Balance?

Saturated Fats

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Is there any objective evidence that where a stick balances has anything to do with how it plays?

I'm skeptical.
 
I think it has a lot to do with how a cue feels and how a person plays with the cue, but not sure one is objectively better than the other. People have preferences and are likely to lay better when a cue fits those preferences.
 
I don't have any. How a cue plays is more akin to the perception, and preference, of the player. :smile:
 
I think it has a lot to do with how a cue feels and how a person plays with the cue, but not sure one is objectively better than the other. People have preferences and are likely to lay better when a cue fits those preferences.

Like minds, eh slide? :smile:
 
Is there any objective evidence that where a stick balances has anything to do with how it plays?

I'm skeptical.

The evidence I have is my experience. I have found that back-weighted cues play heavier and are helpful for ball-pocketing. Front-weighted cues play lighter and are helpful in finessing shots.
 
The evidence I have is my experience. I have found that back-weighted cues play heavier and are helpful for ball-pocketing. Front-weighted cues play lighter and are helpful in finessing shots.

Thanks Fran. I think that heavier cues are helpful for ball pocketing and lighter cues are helpful in finessing shots, but if I understand correctly, you are able to discern a difference between two otherwise identical cues: one that is forward balanced and one that is not - but both weighing the same. Is that right?
 
Definitely can tell the difference in weight distribution if a cue is butt heavy or forward balanced. I prefer what I think is more forward weighted personally. If the cue is butt heavy, I feel like the cue is controlling my stroke more than I am and forcing my follow through rather than having a naturally smooth stroke all the way through the hit. Just my opinion, but I like a 15 oz butt forward balanced with a 4oz or more shaft.
 
I`ve been playing with forward balance since I started playing (2-ish years), and I`ve always been trying to get more and more forward balanced cues.

Even though I`m more comfortable with a forward balanced cue, I think it`s hurting my game. I find the forward balance allows you to do an up and down sort of bicycle pump stroke. It`s flourishy and my elbow drops and it`s super fancy...and it sucks.

I`m starting to notice with more butt-heavy cues, even though it feels uncomfortable, it seems to force my arm along a more traditional pendulum stroke. Much more consistent, but I feel like I have less touch.
 
only my personal observation...a forward weighted cue offers better ball pocketing accuracy, but a little less action on the cue ball (tougher to draw)...finesse is better with a rearward weighted cue. If you factor in taper, length and weight, then we're in the personal preference angle. Kind of depends on your favorite game and "style" of play.
 
Forgot to mention...I prefer a forward balance cue. I gotta pocket the balls, can always figure out how to get the CB where i gotta get it. Finesse is great, but you gotta get it in the hole first.
 
Have to disagree

Forgot to mention...I prefer a forward balance cue. I gotta pocket the balls, can always figure out how to get the CB where i gotta get it. Finesse is great, but you gotta get it in the hole first.

I definetly from experience feel a butt heavy cue pushes the cue ball not draw it. I could be wrong, any other opinions? I do not agree ass end weight allows for finesse; IMHO.
 
I play with what some would call light cues at 17.75 oz that are forward balanced.

I don't have an opinion on finesse vs ball pocketing but I believe that heavier butt weighted cues are better suited for those with an iffy stroke & I also believe that unless you have a REAL straight stroke you should avoid very light forward balanced cues or it's not going to work out for you. The lighter the cue the more the flaws in your stroke will show.
 
Thanks Fran. I think that heavier cues are helpful for ball pocketing and lighter cues are helpful in finessing shots, but if I understand correctly, you are able to discern a difference between two otherwise identical cues: one that is forward balanced and one that is not - but both weighing the same. Is that right?

Yes. Most definitely. I use two cues that weigh the same. My Predator is back-weighted and the Omega DPK is front-weighted. The Predator plays heavier, even though it's not.
 
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i notice that rear balanced cues are more suited to the pendulum swing style stroke. While, the forward balance cues are more suited to those players with a push style stroke!

just my 2 cents

kd
 
The evidence I have is my experience. I have found that back-weighted cues play heavier and are helpful for ball-pocketing. Front-weighted cues play lighter and are helpful in finessing shots.

That is my perception also...............

Kim
 
If you use an open bridge, a forward balanced cue will have more down force on your bridge hand, allowing you to stroke with more power without fear of the shaft rising.

Outside of this reality, I think it's all personal preference in how a shaft should feel...

Good rolls.
 
I have a schon with a very heavy shaft 4.8 oz. The extra shaft is 4.1 oz. Having the extra weight in the front I don't need as much stroke to move the ball the same distance as I do with the 4.1 oz shaft. When I add the extra weight back at the butt using a heavier weight bolt, It still requires extra effort to move the cue ball the same distance. Same weight just very different balance points. A forward balanced cue will move the cueball more with the same effort of stroke, at least in this one instance.
 
Balance

I was told by a couple of cue makers the cues like the old Hoppe Brunswick rear weighted were heavy for moving the cue ball with high and stop english .I know most of the players that played with the big rock on a bar box didnt draw it much. As the cue ball got lighter and faster cloth you could draw it easily with control forward balance was better. Just my thoughts .
 
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