One question I have... why do you think you will automatically play better with a heavier cue? Maybe balance, I don't know. But I would prejudge that if you have stroke problems with an 18 oz cue a 21 oz cue will not change that. Hence, lessons may be more valuable. All the advise in the world from great players is diddly if they can't instruct you on how to apply it correctly.
Please help me pick out a new cue
- Thread starter Magyar19
- Start date
I was only kidding about not wanting to improve. I didn't like the reply of basically "you suck, get lessons" so I came back with that. I do want to learn more but it seems like I'm incapable of it, unfortunately. I had a B+ player that was on my team for 2 years and we went to the pool hall together plenty of times and he would try to teach me draw, side english, and all that but I never got the hang of it. But he taught me how to play a very smart, defensive game which has pulled me through many matches where I should have had no business winning. Some people just don't have it in them to get to a high level in pool and I'm one of those people. But it's ok, I enjoy it a lot.
With all due respect, I agree with you that there are people that are unable to reach the level of an "A" player and especially pro level, but,
with that being said, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has the ability to improve and improve significantly.
I know you have an itch to get a new cue, and that's cool, but nothing will give you more enjoyment in the game of pool than seeing your game improve, being able to controll the cueball, knowing what shots to take and in which order and what english to use.
Even though your friend maybe a good player doesn't mean he is a good instructor. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but take that money you currently have set aside for a cue and spend it on lessons with a certified instructor, then practice what that instructor taught you, 2 hours a day if your schedule permits.
Practicing correctly takes energy, focus, and the thought process of figuring out what you did wrong and tolerance for monotony and focus to practice that same shot to the point that you rarely get it wrong.
Once you have taken your game to the next level, AND YOU CAN, then reward yourself with a new cue. By then you may realize you want a different cue (weight, hit, wrap, maker, price) then originally thought.
When that time comes I would recommend one of the custom cue makers here on AZbilliards depending on what you like and price range.
Sorry for the long ramble and I certainly don't want to preach ,not my intention. You can greatly improve, you just have to want it enough!
-Snake
If you like the weight and feel of your present cue, don't waste your money buying another cue wishing for improvement. You won't see it even if you spend $1000 for it. Bite the bullet and get some instruction - that's almost a sure-fire way to improve. Believe me, if you can't draw the ball the length of the table, you DO need instruction.
Changing the weight of your cue is the best advice so far. You can get allen head set screws in various lengths at the hardware store and change it yourself. Thread size it normally 3/8 or 1/2" coarse. Just getting one from Mike at cheapcues would work to. If you really want a new cue though you need to know that you can get any cue with any weight you want. Just order it that way. Since Mike made the offer I'd start there. Don
Based on your listing of your skill level....lessons would be the better way to go...and here is why.
I would see the same thing happen all the time when new Golfers want to get golf clubs....They don't bother with lessons...spend all kinds of money on clubs they "think" are right for them and will make them better....then they go get lessons.....when they do get better from the lessons...they then realize/find out that those clubs are not the right clubs for the developed swing they now have and need to go spend a whold bunch more money on the "right" set up.
If your were to go get a couple lessons...learn how to hit a stop shot, draw shot, and apply english....as your stroke develops you may find that the lighter cue is actually better for your "developed" stroke...
I would see the same thing happen all the time when new Golfers want to get golf clubs....They don't bother with lessons...spend all kinds of money on clubs they "think" are right for them and will make them better....then they go get lessons.....when they do get better from the lessons...they then realize/find out that those clubs are not the right clubs for the developed swing they now have and need to go spend a whold bunch more money on the "right" set up.
If your were to go get a couple lessons...learn how to hit a stop shot, draw shot, and apply english....as your stroke develops you may find that the lighter cue is actually better for your "developed" stroke...
If you want to get a cue, get one. Basically all cues are just that, a cue. Your cue is yours and that will make it special. You will maintain it, clean the shaft, remove dents shape the tip, etc.
Hit is often spoke of but never defined.
Lessons can b easy and fun. Basically, until you can stop, draw and follow somewhat reliably and sinking your balls, for ease, I would shoot off the wall, but what do I know.
Most production cues 70-250, shoot about the same to me. Around 400, customs start and if you know what you want, they can be great. Customs usually look nicer because the maker has a good eye for woods, design, etc.
Hit is often spoke of but never defined.
Lessons can b easy and fun. Basically, until you can stop, draw and follow somewhat reliably and sinking your balls, for ease, I would shoot off the wall, but what do I know.
Most production cues 70-250, shoot about the same to me. Around 400, customs start and if you know what you want, they can be great. Customs usually look nicer because the maker has a good eye for woods, design, etc.