Question about Three Cushion (Carom) Billiards, and the Cues the Players use

[Bruce S. de Lis]

Recently noticed that many Three Cushion Players are using Cues with a Wood to Wood (Screw that is Wood into Wood) why is this so popular, and also why are these players playing with what I will call lighter Cue in the 16.0-17.5 Ounce weight range.

What is accomplished with this combination?

 

[1pRoscoe]

Recently noticed that many Three Cushion Players are using Cues with a Wood to Wood (Screw that is Wood into Wood) why is this so popular, and also why are these players playing with what I will call lighter Cue in the 16.0-17.5 Ounce weight range.

What is accomplished with this combination?

Also notice that the threading is on the shaft that screws into the butt.

 

[crawdaddio]

What is accomplished with this combination?

I don't know for sure, but I believe they use the wood pin to keep the forward weight down. To keep it a little butt heavy. The traditional taper on billiard cues is much more conical to provide a stiffer hit.The tips are generally a smaller diameter than a pool cue as well.

~DC

 

[larrynj1]

here's a wood screw joint on a pool tapered shaft - it's a helmstetter ccs -ie -"carl conlan special"

 

[JPB]

Recently noticed that many Three Cushion Players are using Cues with a Wood to Wood (Screw that is Wood into Wood) why is this so popular, and also why are these players playing with what I will call lighter Cue in the 16.0-17.5 Ounce weight range.

What is accomplished with this combination?

It provides a solid, stiff hit. The joint diameter is bigger than a typical pool cue. The joint is light so the cue balances more towards the hand. The cue overall will be shorter, lighter, and stiffer than a pool cue. Check out ron kilby's website for a discussion of wood joints and the characteristics of carom cues. Wood joints work well, but are harder to produce and perhaps not as durable. But I think wood joint cues can last plenty long enough. I did see something recently on ebay that was a production carom cue with a newer kind of joint. I think it was an Asian Helmstetter sold in Europe. Not sure. My guess is that some carom players will go to other joints as materials advance. Titanium and G-10 etc.... may replace the wood joint, but carom cues will retain their length weight, and taper. Wood joints do transfer a lot of feel and provide a nice hit.

 

[Bob Jewett]

Recently noticed that many Three Cushion Players are using Cues with a Wood to Wood (Screw that is Wood into Wood) why is this so popular, and also why are these players playing with what I will call lighter Cue in the 16.0-17.5 Ounce weight range.

I think that weight range is lighter than most 3-C players use in the US. In general, the cloth is faster so you can use a lighter stick for most shots. Also, if you play the "small" games (straight rail and balkline) a lighter stick is better for fatigue reasons.

I think the wood-wood scrrew is mostly due to the European style. Some other things to note are that the wrap is always covered with rubber (so you can hit the ball hard without a death grip) and the ferrules are typically 0.5 inches long.