One of mine is 19.5 but forward weighted so it feels like 18.
The other one which I am beginning to play with now weighs in at 17.5.
The other one which I am beginning to play with now weighs in at 17.5.
How much does your playing cue weigh?
- Thread starter Bob Callahan
- Start date
Mine i.s 22 oz., I like a heavier stick
20 oz for me. It just works for me.
Even this poll, which attempts to position itself as being neutral/unbiased, has interesting wording next to its upper and lower extremes -- i.e. "(please explain)". As if anyone using a 21oz or 16oz cue (both of which are commonly-available and standard weights) needs to "explain him/herself."
-Sean
That's an interesting criticism. My idea was that since 23 or 13 oz cues weren't included in the choices, it'd be useful for voters to mention them. Perhaps the wording could've been better. Thanks.
21+ oz.
Heavier cue does all the work for you when you just drop your arm, and is less prone to deviations in stroke that might occur with a much lighter cue, due to muscle fatigue or tightness.
The heavier cue just "pulls through" more.
Crude example.
Imagine doing bicep curls with 2 sets of dumbbells. Those 2 pound things they give you in some aerobics class, and then another set that weights a substantial amount, like 50lbs or more each.
When starting in the "UP" position, the light ones, you can go left and right if you want on the way down, with relative ease.
The 50lb. ones, if you start in the up position, if it's heavy enough, it is just pulling your hand straight down, and becomes much more difficult to deviate it from it's course.
Now just apply that to a pendulum stroke and cue weight, and you should understand what i am trying to say.
Heavier cue does all the work for you when you just drop your arm, and is less prone to deviations in stroke that might occur with a much lighter cue, due to muscle fatigue or tightness.
The heavier cue just "pulls through" more.
Crude example.
Imagine doing bicep curls with 2 sets of dumbbells. Those 2 pound things they give you in some aerobics class, and then another set that weights a substantial amount, like 50lbs or more each.
When starting in the "UP" position, the light ones, you can go left and right if you want on the way down, with relative ease.
The 50lb. ones, if you start in the up position, if it's heavy enough, it is just pulling your hand straight down, and becomes much more difficult to deviate it from it's course.
Now just apply that to a pendulum stroke and cue weight, and you should understand what i am trying to say.
One of the problems players feel they might have with lighter cues, is needing to shoot harder to get the same effect. That's a pretty valid concern, since, generally, the faster one moves something in sports like pool which require fine motor skills, the less accurate the movement is. This is largely because higher speeds require using larger muscles. Try writing your name using a stiff arm and only moving your shoulder. *grin*
This need to use larger muscles accurately is part of what makes breaking hard so difficult.
So...let's suppose you normally use a 19.5 oz cue, and are shooting a shot that you'd typically do at 10 mph...how much faster would you need to shoot with an 18.5 oz cue?
Scientifically speaking, there are two things you might be interested in: momentum and kinetic energy. Turns out you get the same momentum at 10.54 mph, and the same energy at 10.27 mph. Not significant unless you are like the main character in The Princess and the Pea story.
Of course there may be a psychological effect: if you think it's a problem, it is a problem.
Pool players are often a superstitious lot.
This need to use larger muscles accurately is part of what makes breaking hard so difficult.
So...let's suppose you normally use a 19.5 oz cue, and are shooting a shot that you'd typically do at 10 mph...how much faster would you need to shoot with an 18.5 oz cue?
Scientifically speaking, there are two things you might be interested in: momentum and kinetic energy. Turns out you get the same momentum at 10.54 mph, and the same energy at 10.27 mph. Not significant unless you are like the main character in The Princess and the Pea story.
Of course there may be a psychological effect: if you think it's a problem, it is a problem.
Pool players are often a superstitious lot.
Actually, your "extremes" in the poll are much more stringent than 23 or 13 oz cues. You've set the limit at 20 oz (at the upper end) and 16.49 oz (at the lower end) -- so the commonly available 21oz cue and the commonly-available 16oz cue, would require "explanation."
Just thought it was odd, 's all.
No biggie.-Sean
Actually, your "extremes" in the poll are much more stringent than 23 or 13 oz cues. You've set the limit at 20 oz (at the upper end) and 16.49 oz (at the lower end) -- so the commonly available 21oz cue and the commonly-available 16oz cue, would require "explanation."
Just thought it was odd, 's all.
-Sean
Looks like the upper end should've be higher--as I type this, there are 18 out of 102 who indicated 20 or more ounces. None under 17.
Last edited:
19.25 is my preferred weight for a cue, but since I only play One Pocket another quarter of an ounce would be fine. 