Longer vs. shorter cue

twal

twal

"W"
Silver Member
I am posting this in the main forum as well.
I just thought that the instructors’ forum was a better place to put this.

A 58” just is too short for me. Let’s just assume or trust me that me back arm is in the proper place at all times.

So I have a cue with 2 different options. I can go 59” or 60” length. I can shoot with either of these. I think I can adjust to either of these lengths with some work on my part.

The main question is, is there a rule of thumb to go by when dealing with length? Should you get the shortest cue you can play with or longest cue you can play with?

“Feel” is subjective and regardless whatever cue you play with you adjust to. I was wondering if there are more good or bad things than I have seen so far.

Here is my feedback on both:
60” cue, I “feel” I can pocket the ball easier but I can’t spin the CB as much = slightly less control.
59” cue, I can spin the CB more and hit masse/curve shots easier, but I “feel” that it is slightly harder to pocket balls.

Another factor for me is that I tend to shoot with a closed bridge vs. the open bridge. The additional 1” length just might give me that extra to see the end of the shaft for pocketing power. So maybe I should stick with the 59” and just work on my open bridge more.

Again, I am looking for any feedback. Thanks
 
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I'm not saying you don't need a different length cue, but I am totally confused by the statement that one length gives you more spin. Also, if you are putting a lot of spin on the ball, that may well be the reason you are having trouble pocketing balls.

Now, if you are down on your shot in the set position (tip within 1/2 inch of the cue ball) and you are not able to have your grip hand directly below your elbow because the cue is too short, then you need a longer cue, or a shorter bridge distance. If you have a 15 inch bridge length, you probably run out of cue.

My point is without being able to observe your stroke mechanics, it is nearly impossible to determine if the problem is the cue length, or something else.

Steve
 
I think it's in your head unless you've set up some quantifiable tests of shotmaking accuracy and CB spin/position play.

Try about 100 repetitions of the exact same shot and you might have a valid measure of comparison within the variance of your stroke mechanics.

I don't believe that extra inch difference is going to effect how much spin you impart to the cue ball. The shaft tapers may feel different to you, the tips may be harder or softer.

I play with 60 inch cues and have for over 15 years. I prefer the 30 inch butt and 30 inch shafts. I like 12mm Triangle tips.

I play with this type of cue because it is what I like and what feels comfortable. With that said, I play just as well or badly with a house cue that has a good tip.

There's no magic bullet. Buy what you like and what feels good to you. Then work on your mechanics. Actually start working on your mechanics first while you're deciding on what type and length of cue to get.
 
I would say that I can grip either cue just fine.
They just “feel” different.
I used the same shaft for both of my tests, just different butts.

So the spin factor I am sure is just in my head. Just like me thinking pocketing the balls. I will just need to reposition myself to account for this. I am sure in time whatever length I choose will be fine.

Is there any rule of thumb to go by? Like shoot with the longest one because you get an extra inch of reach?

I wish it were easier than this :confused:
 
In your head

I think its all in your head. Shoot the same as you always have with both cues.

When I say its in your head, think of this: Someone buys a new cue and they start shooting better. The cue doesn't make them shoot better but rather they are paying more attention to the feel and minor details during this "New Cue" stage...
 
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