Longer vs. Shorter cue

[twal]

A 58” just is too short for me. Let’s just assume or just 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” cue 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 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 can adjust to it. I was wondering is there more of a 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.

Again, I am looking for some feedback. Thanks

 

[dr9ball]

A 58” just is too short for me. Let’s just assume or just 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” cue 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 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 can adjust to it. I was wondering is there more of a 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.

Again, I am looking for some feedback. Thanks

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.

 

[brechbt]

I have 58", 59" and 59.5" cues. My current main player is 59". I definitely prefer an extra inch or so over standard--it feels more balanced if I don't have to grip the butt all the way at the end. Based on my experience, I suggest that the differences you describe above are more to do with other aspects of the cues in question, not the length. There just isn't that much difference in how spin is applied or how accurate you are simply due to a small change in total length.

My suggestion to you is to split the difference--59.5". You'll quickly adjust to it, and psychologically it will seem just right.

 

[twal]

When I did my comparison I used the same shaft but switched out the butt to avoid as much of the “feel” as possible.
Yeah, I think it might be in my head
But before I chose which one to shoot with I thought I would check with the experts.
It sounds like I should choose which one "feels" right to me.
Sounds like there are no easy answers.
Also to clearify, I just think it is easier to spin the ball with the 59" cue.

 

[cigardave]

I agree... 59.5" would be a good choice for you, given what you have told us.

That said, if you play well, you can shoot with a 57", a 58", a 59" or a 60" cue. An inch or two in cue length won't make or break your game.

I'm 6'3" and have shot with a 60" cue for the past 15 years. I like it because I seldom have to grasp it at the end of the butt... and I also like it because I can shoot certain long-stretching shots without having to resort to using the bridge.

And slipping on my 20" Hager extension to the butt end of my 60" cue allows me to almost avoid using a bridge altogether.

 

[ctyhntr]

I think cue length depends on your size, preferred stance, and comfortable wingspan.

Everyone is not the same size, and to illustrate that point, here is a picture from my favorite SL 7 player blog; massiveunderstatement.com

 

[twal]

Well, after further testing I can shoot with either length.
So are there any opinions out there with regards to choosing a 59” or the 60” cue to shoot with?
Clearly with the 60” cue I get an extra inch for reach. This really does not matter to me because 99% of my play is on a bar box.
Not too many nine footers by me