How much does your cue help your game?

[Kevin]

Un-Settled wisdom of years past held that it was all the great player, with a mop-handle, could win against another with the finest cue. Snooker players on the other hand think familiarity with their chosen tool and long practice made for a great game, and once the cue was lost the player never quite recovered their full game. I am curious what the current opinion may be on just what value the right cue, in the right (happy) hands, does for your game? Is the cue 1%, 5%, 10% or more in addition to your native talent and developed skill for this game?

 

[StevenPWaldon]

My cue does observed negative benefit to my game. ("Negative benefit?" Is that an oxymoron, or just impossible?)

I say that because I swear that whenever I play with a friend's cue, my game goes up two balls!

 

[Kevin]

Variety may be the spice needed in your life. Go get some strange. <g>

 

[arsenius]

I don't think it matters what cue you are using, as long as you are used to it. For example, obviously a predator shaft is going to have a big impact on your game, whether positive or negative. If you can adapt quickly you can use a variety of cues. If you can't adapt quickly then having your own personal cue is going to be very important. Really good players and really bad players probably have an advantage here.

 

[bruin70]

there isn't an artist/athlete i know of who just uses "any old instrument". if players think they can play with anything, then see if they'll REALLY opt for a broom handle.

but that's not the point of the phrase is it. it simply means you hone your game first and foremost. but to perform at your very best, you use something that "fits you like a glove". the psychology of that alone will make you play better.

 

[KCarson]

Good Question

There has to be some type of psychological benefit to having a cue or THE cue that you think is THE ONE. However, as the player becomes familiar and intimate with THE ONE, the magic and mystery could wear off. At that point, you either realize whats happened or its off to buy another THE ONE.

I do not believe that a particular cue can elevate anyone's game but I do believe that playing with a variety of cues can make a person more aware of the nuances in their bridge, grip, shaft size etc.

Being aware of those nuances could help and probably can't hurt.

I am a competitive archer and have used the same equipment for the last 2 years and would not consider changing. I believe I am more consistent.

Watch the TV telecasts of the PGA tour and it looks like many of the pros are playing the same equipment they have for the last 5 seasons, even though their sponsors will comp them anything they want.

 

[bruin70]

There has to be some type of psychological benefit to having a cue or THE cue that you think is THE ONE. However, as the player becomes familiar and intimate with THE ONE, the magic and mystery could wear off. At that point, you either realize whats happened or its off to buy another THE ONE.

I do not believe that a particular cue can elevate anyone's game but I do believe that playing with a variety of cues can make a person more aware of the nuances in their bridge, grip, shaft size etc.

Being aware of those nuances could help and probably can't hurt.

I am a competitive archer and have used the same equipment for the last 2 years and would not consider changing. I believe I am more consistent.

Watch the TV telecasts of the PGA tour and it looks like many of the pros are playing the same equipment they have for the last 5 seasons, even though their sponsors will comp them anything they want.

i agree with everything you say, but cannot agree with that.

there's a lot of cues that do certain things well, even within the same cuemaker's line. for instance, if you have a bad stroke or find yourself stroking harder to get a desired affect,,,and stroking harder gets your motion out of line, a cue that delivers more action could calm your stroke down and still give you the desired effect...the same would hold for a heavier cue than a lighter. the list of cue characteristics is huge and each combine to help those indivisuals with their PARTICULAR needs.

of course, this all presupposes one is at a dead end in his game. we're not talking about the mosconi's of the world.

 

[Hierovision]

I had an idea last week that I put to the test. I played with a house cue during league to see if it really made a difference. I haven't shot with a house cue in a LONG time so this was an ideal situation. I found myself CRAVING my cue after the first rack, but I resisted. Slowly I adjusted and did pretty well, but I definitely would have had more options open to me if I had my varney with a 314-2 shaft.

 

[Gerry]

I think anything straight, with a good tip and no funny noises can get the job done IMO. My high run was with my cuetec J/B out of necessity, but I choose to play with a Schon right now.

I have witnessed great things done on the table with very cheap cues.

Gerry

 

[KCarson]

i agree with everything you say, but cannot agree with that.

there's a lot of cues that do certain things well, even within the same cuemaker's line. for instance, if you have a bad stroke or find yourself stroking harder to get a desired affect,,,and stroking harder gets your motion out of line, a cue that delivers more action could calm your stroke down and still give you the desired effect...the same would hold for a heavier cue than a lighter. the list of cue characteristics is huge and each combine to help those indivisuals with their PARTICULAR needs.

of course, this all presupposes one is at a dead end in his game. we're not talking about the mosconi's of the world.

Agreed. I guess I am assuming that a person has gone thru a bunch of cues and finally realized the weight that works best, the flex in the shaft, the tip etc and has all that stuff dialed in.

My emotions tell me that a new cue might help, but my intellect (or lack of) and my pocket book tells me to spend the money on lessons not equipment.

 

[mtb_iowa]

hmm

if it holds chalk and doesnt clank im in.... and a pro would tell ya the same.thing. cues are prefrence only. not something needed. it is something you would prefer but your still gonna run out with a barabuishka for the dough just as much as you would with your own cue.
unless you sell the farm

 

[Robertduke]

hey

I thinks its more of the personal preference.. Some players can adapt. Some plays its a necessity to have a certain cue... More of a mental thing I think..

 

[Paul Mon]

Having my own cue in hand dosen't induce any variables that I'm unfamiliar with. I'm only thinking about execution. A few years back I shattered the butt end of playing cue (314 shaft/Meucci butt) in the first set of a 9 ball tournament while breaking. I borrowed a Falcon cue from someone and won the tournament. What I did completely different was try to use only center ball. On the occasions that english needed to be applied I was guessing the squirt of the cue.

Paul Mon~~~~~~they called me "Monster Break" after that day

 

[Gregg]

I'm not very good even, but I know I can play more consistent with my Sniper tip shaped to my liking and my 314 shaft than with a house cue any day.

It's about the shaft being a familiar taper, cleaned, conditioned, all that stuff.

 

[ChrisC]

I think it boils down to talent. However with that being said you have to use what your comfortable with, and that comfort level I think is worth a little but like a lot of people say it is a mental game and that may be all it is. If you think you shoot better with certin equiptment you probably will now is that because the equiptment or the mindset that is the question. I know when I was a competive shooter where the playing field is level and winning or looseing came down to fractions then yes equiptment did matter but I think there are too many variables in pool.

 

[Andrew Manning]

My normal cue is a Joss with a 314 shaft. When I go to the pool hall for leagues, I'm there all night, playing on a bunch of different tables (we have practice tables, and as the matches finish, I usually grab a table as it becomes available to pratice). If I'm next on the list for the practice table and my cue is across the room, I'll frequently play with a house cue, provided there's one nearby with a decent tip, and at my pool hall there almost always is. Playing with my regular cue, I MIGHT be able to give the called 8 to myself playing with a house cue, but I think even then house-cue-me would have the best of it. It really barely makes a difference in my game.

-Andrew

 

[SPINDOKTOR]

I believe no matter the cost of the cue its what compliments your style.. For example, My Mezz cue, I can shoot with less speed to move the cue ball around. this is perfect for the way I like to play. Not so much Helping but complimenting. this can have a dramatic effect on your performance, so cue selection for your style to me is very important.

SPINDOKTOR

 

[Jigger]

Good comments above ---

We are all very different in our preferences for equipment but I think one point is consistently true:

>>> When we are comfortable, confident and accustomed to our favorite playing cue we tend to get the most out of our own abilities.

 

[Big Perm]

IMO, the cue makes a difference.....both psychologically, but also from a consistency standpoint.....you know how aggressive you can get on english before a miscue, the feel of the hit, amount of spin you can impart, balance, weight, etc....

Recently started playing again, used a house cue for a few weeks before I found one I liked.....it didn't make a HUGE difference, but I'd say it was enough to be noticeable...

 

[matcase]

Well, I think the cue is a variable. Meaning, if you are using one that you really like, you will feel better and play as well as you can for any given day. A small advantage.

On the other hand, if you have a cue you really dislike, it can (although it shouldn't) be quite upsetting to your focus; consequently you may play far worse than you are capable at the time. A big disadvantage.