Question on cue stick, please help

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kevin198897

Registered
Hi. I am a beginner of 8 balls, and I have been looking for a 2-piece cue stick. I went to big 5 and Sears, and it turns out that most of their cues come with a wooded flat tip, meaning I have to get something to rub it up and shape it to a rounded tip so that I can play with it. Since I just started playing pool for a couple of months, I really don't know how to do it.
I am wondering how to find a good cue stick that could come with a rounded tip ( I dont have to rub it up or shape it before I can actually play with it)? If I buy a cue stick online, like these two
http://www.billiards.com/pool-cues?gclid=CPyKv-rXlqACFRIaagodvUxW9w
http://www.poolcueguru.com/shop/brand/dufferin/?gclid=COD_h4jYlqACFQdHagodZCyQuA
, will they come with a rounded tip or a flat tip?

With less than $55, what cue stick should I get? Where to get it? What brad? I have heard of Dufferin, Vector and Action, which one is better within my budget?

Please help. Thanks a lot.
 
kevin198897 said:
Hi. I am a beginner of 8 balls, and I have been looking for a 2-piece cue stick. I went to big 5 and Sears, and it turns out that most of their cues come with a wooded flat tip, meaning I have to get something to rub it up and shape it to a rounded tip so that I can play with it. Since I just started playing pool for a couple of months, I really don't know how to do it.
I am wondering how to find a good cue stick that could come with a rounded tip ( I dont have to rub it up or shape it before I can actually play with it)? If I buy a cue stick online, like these two
http://www.billiards.com/pool-cues?gclid=CPyKv-rXlqACFRIaagodvUxW9w
http://www.poolcueguru.com/shop/brand/dufferin/?gclid=COD_h4jYlqACFQdHagodZCyQuA
, will they come with a rounded tip or a flat tip?

With less than $55, what cue stick should I get? Where to get it? What brad? I have heard of Dufferin, Vector and Action, which one is better within my budget?

Please help. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

go to the for sale section on this forum they can help you make a good decision. or they will have some better deals for you anyways
 
mcdermott now has a line of pool cues that carry their lifetime warranty and they start at about $50.
 
kevin198897 said:
Hi. I am a beginner of 8 balls, and I have been looking for a 2-piece cue stick. I went to big 5 and Sears, and it turns out that most of their cues come with a wooded flat tip, meaning I have to get something to rub it up and shape it to a rounded tip so that I can play with it. Since I just started playing pool for a couple of months, I really don't know how to do it.
I am wondering how to find a good cue stick that could come with a rounded tip ( I dont have to rub it up or shape it before I can actually play with it)? If I buy a cue stick online, like these two
http://www.billiards.com/pool-cues?gclid=CPyKv-rXlqACFRIaagodvUxW9w
http://www.poolcueguru.com/shop/brand/dufferin/?gclid=COD_h4jYlqACFQdHagodZCyQuA
, will they come with a rounded tip or a flat tip?

With less than $55, what cue stick should I get? Where to get it? What brad? I have heard of Dufferin, Vector and Action, which one is better within my budget?

Please help. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

Whatever cue you buy, you'll need to perform a little maintenance over time to keep the tip in good shape. It's common to buy a tip shaper to maintain a tip so that the curvature of the tip matches the curvature of an American nickel (5-cent coin) or, somewhat less commonly, the smaller radius of a dime (10-cent coin).

This is the tip tool I used the most:
http://www.seyberts.com/products/Ultimate_Tip_Tool-39-24.html

Tips for pool cues are made of leather, though the leather can be so hard it feels like wood. Once in a while you'll probably need to scuff (roughen up) the tip so that it holds chalk properly.

Search the web and find articles about cue and tip maintenance. A good instructional book about pool will also cover these topics.

If you live anywhere near a billiards store or a pool hall that sells pool cues, it would be worth it to spend some time trying out different cues and asking questions. It's best to try a cue before you buy it. Don't be in too much of a hurry!

If you're serious about learning how to play well, find an instructor or an experienced pool player to help you out. This could speed up the learning process considerably and ensure that you establish good habits from the beginning. This person might also help you choose a cue.

Good luck!
 
Rethunk said:
Whatever cue you buy, you'll need to perform a little maintenance over time to keep the tip in good shape. It's common to buy a tip shaper to maintain a tip so that the curvature of the tip matches the curvature of an American nickel (5-cent coin) or, somewhat less commonly, the smaller radius of a dime (10-cent coin).

This is the tip tool I used the most:
http://www.seyberts.com/products/Ultimate_Tip_Tool-39-24.html

Tips for pool cues are made of leather, though the leather can be so hard it feels like wood. Once in a while you'll probably need to scuff (roughen up) the tip so that it holds chalk properly.

Search the web and find articles about cue and tip maintenance. A good instructional book about pool will also cover these topics.

If you live anywhere near a billiards store or a pool hall that sells pool cues, it would be worth it to spend some time trying out different cues and asking questions. It's best to try a cue before you buy it. Don't be in too much of a hurry!

If you're serious about learning how to play well, find an instructor or an experienced pool player to help you out. This could speed up the learning process considerably and ensure that you establish good habits from the beginning. This person might also help you choose a cue.

Good luck!
Click to expand...


I know finding an instructor would be great, but I just don't know how to find one, and I don't really know experienced pool player. Sigh...
 
Rethunk said:
Whatever cue you buy, you'll need to perform a little maintenance over time to keep the tip in good shape. It's common to buy a tip shaper to maintain a tip so that the curvature of the tip matches the curvature of an American nickel (5-cent coin) or, somewhat less commonly, the smaller radius of a dime (10-cent coin).

This is the tip tool I used the most:
http://www.seyberts.com/products/Ultimate_Tip_Tool-39-24.html

Tips for pool cues are made of leather, though the leather can be so hard it feels like wood. Once in a while you'll probably need to scuff (roughen up) the tip so that it holds chalk properly.

Search the web and find articles about cue and tip maintenance. A good instructional book about pool will also cover these topics.

If you live anywhere near a billiards store or a pool hall that sells pool cues, it would be worth it to spend some time trying out different cues and asking questions. It's best to try a cue before you buy it. Don't be in too much of a hurry!

If you're serious about learning how to play well, find an instructor or an experienced pool player to help you out. This could speed up the learning process considerably and ensure that you establish good habits from the beginning. This person might also help you choose a cue.

Good luck!
Click to expand...


I know finding an instructor would be great, but I just don't know how to find one, and I don't really know experienced pool player. Sigh...
 
finding an instructor

Kevin,
If you are in La Jolla, you have a great player/ instructor right nearby. Louis Ulrich lives in San Diego and has recently opened what amounts to a training center. He also gives lessons. You can find him here on the forums or PM me and I can put you in touch.

Michael
 
I use a Williard Tip Shaper sparelingly, usually the first time to shape the tip and as a touch-up once or twice. If the tip still doesn't maintain its shape, I leave it alone or replace it, as overusage of a tip tool wears down the tip. Tip shapers usually come in choice of Nickel or Dime profile, and are commonly sold in poolhalls.
http://www.azbmarketplace.com/products/Willard_s_Shaper-62-24.html

At your price range, I believe a sneaky pete will give you the best bang for your buck. In order for the manufacturer to bring you a new flashy cue with decorative rings and ornamentation, they have to cut corners elsewhere, usally in the quality of the wood.

http://www.poolcueguru.com/shop/search/?keywords=sneaky
 
I myself am a somewhat newer player, too. So I've been in your shoes recently, and am still learning about all this stuff. As someone else posted ealier, DON'T be in a hurry to buy something. These forums here on AZB are invaluable. Read everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions. (Though don't be surprised at some of the reponses you get. Same with any forum on any subject. Those types of responses will be rare, and aren't the norm.) Virtually everyone here seems more than willing to help, give advice, suggestions, directions, or refer you to someone who might be better suited to answer you.

Living in San Diego and LA, you have all the chance in the world of finding someone to help you in person. Again, be patient. Visit different pool rooms, watch people play, ask some questions, listen A LOT. You'll encounter someone who will put you in the right direction.
 
Cue Stick

kevin198897 said:
How do you guys like these cue sticks?
http://www.poolcueguru.com/shop/prod...ool-cue-d-203/

http://www.mcdermottcue.com/lk27.asp

http://www.opentip.com/Sporting-Goods/Mcdermott-Nitro-Pool-Cues-p-1237395.html

Will the tips be shaped ?
Are they good (I know they are cheap)? Which one do you guys like better? Any advise?
Click to expand...

Kevin I see that the poolcueguru carrys Players Sneaky Pete's, I ordered the exact same "Cocobola Sneaky Pete" for a friend, a few weeks ago for $52.79 free shipping from Ozone Billiards, ordered it on a Monday afternoon and got it that Friday afternoon, and he loves it.

The stick looked pretty nice, had a Le Pro tip, that was shaped, I just don't like the cheaper nylon wraped cue's , they tend to unravel with use.

I think it would be a great first cue for you!
It also came with a free case!

David Harcrow
 
kevin198897 said:
I live in La Jolla (San Diego) during weekdays and Los Angeles on weekends. (because I study at UCSD)
Click to expand...
In that case visit Dave at Quality Billiards in Santee. He can hook you up with a good starter cue and make sure the tip is shaped properly for you.
As well as Louis Ulrich, there is also a Monk instructional school where you might be able to get in on a group lesson. Ask Dave about it.
Where are you playing?
 
kevin198897 said:
I live in La Jolla (San Diego) during weekdays and Los Angeles on weekends. (because I study at UCSD)
Click to expand...

College Billiards is the place for you, ask for Pedro. He can get you started and has a nice little cue selection in there as well.

Tell him I sent you in to tab your first drink on Jamison.
 
So you guys would choose the Players sneaky pete cues over the Mcdermott cues that are made overseas?
I have been getting pretty frustrated that I don't always have a straight stroke, especially when I hit it hard. Is it because my arm is not perpenticular to the floor, or my standing is not correct? Since I am just a beginner, I try to focus on stroking straight with only high/mid/low english. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
 
kevin198897 said:
So you guys would choose the Players sneaky pete cues over the Mcdermott cues that are made overseas?
I have been getting pretty frustrated that I don't always have a straight stroke, especially when I hit it hard. Is it because my arm is not perpenticular to the floor, or my standing is not correct? Since I am just a beginner, I try to focus on stroking straight with only high/mid/low english. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

You already have the makings for strong fundementals. For the first 6months to a year worth of play you should really only be aiming up and down the ball. Don't even think about messing with left and right for some time. Go pick up a pool book from the library near by or order one off line to learn more about your stance and such.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind.

- Your knees should definatly be bent. Doesn't have to be much, but definatly not a striaght leg.

- When aiming a shot your eyes should be going back and forth from the cue ball to the object ball while stroking. When you make contact with the cueball, you should almost ALWAYS be looking at the object ball, like in base ball (keep your eye on the ball).

- STAY DOWN. After making contact with the cue ball do not move any part of your body for 2 seconds. Count in your head. Only time you should move is if you need to get out of the way for a ball.

- Your stroke. It doesn't matter as much where you hold the cue in terms of close or far from your body. What ever is comfortable for you, just make sure you can move your arm freely without bumping your ribs or anything. Try your best to only move your forarm, but not many people actually do this. A small amount of movement in your elbow isn't the end of the world, but it is frownd on. Do the bottle trick, get a beer bottle set it down on the pool table and practice stroke in and out of the bottle. Start slow and progress to faster. You should probably do this every day, and try to make it 100 times in and out without touching the bottle.

- GET DOWN FOR EVERY SHOT. This will build muscle memory. Do not be lazy on any ball. Use the same stance, the same stroke, get down just as far for every single shot. Tough or easy.

These are just a few helpful things to start working on.
 
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