understanding playing characteristics

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dcb1

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I don't have good access to a decent store to try cues so I'm probably going to buy my next cue online. I've heard cues can be hard hitting or soft and whippy or stiff. Other than the standard advice of trying a bunch and seeing what you prefer, can someone give me some insight about why they prefer certain cue characteristics. I'm trying to benefit from other people's experience.

So instead of saying I prefer a stiff cue....I'm interested in hearing someone say I prefer a stiff cue because it hits straighter or I get better speed control...just making these things up.

Has anyone written anything online that really explains all the cue variables and what impact they have on performance? That is really what I'm looking for.

Thanks!
 
I chose a stiff shafted Schuler because they can load the ball with spin without squirting it to the other side of the table. Conversely, someone will reply having chosen a Meucci (which is one of the most flexible cues available) for exactly the same reason. Play with a few cues from both ends of the spectrum and see which you're most comfortable with. Another stiff playing cue which is easier to find is Joss.
 
I find these conversations pretty interesting. I'm wondering if the answer truly is "it doesn't matter".

I could look at what the pros play with but that really doesn't make any difference because they are paid to play with certain equipment.

I played golf for a long time and I know the type of equipment you play with has a huge effect on the performance. (shaft stiffness, torque, groove type, length, lie, loft, grip size, type of golf ball, etc.)

I'm beginning to think that equipment isn't very important in pool aside from a good tip and a straight cue. If I'm wrong, I'd like someone to point me to some research or personal experiences that show it does make a difference.
 
In a way, it really doesn't matter. You buy any decent, well made cue, and you'll site that thing in to work within your style of play. Then you'll buy something else down the road, and figure out a way to site that one in, too. Then you'll start experimenting with different tips, until you find one you really like...then maybe you'll try LD shafts and like or hate them. And so on and so on.......

I've been playing for almost 30 years and still seem to find a better tip than the one I've used for the past so and so years. Now I'm on milk duds after using Triangle mediums for 20 years. My first three cues were all D series McDermotts...loved them. Then a buddy let me try his Joss, and I sold the McDermotts to fund a new, high-end Joss. Bought a second one when that one got stolen, but in the interim bought a custom GEM (Gary Medlin) copy of a Szam second hand. That was REALLY different, very whippy action (12mm 29 1/2 inch extra long taper shafts), but got used to it in a couple of sessions and played my best pool with it for several years. Then someone let me hit with their Schon, I bought one and used it for 15 years...love that cue. Now I have a Carolina Custom that I designed and had built to my specs, and that's my player, I'm really taken with it. I'm still not done looking/trying out cues.

Throughout the journey, you'll come to prefer one type of cue over others and be able to tell the difference, and tend to stick with that.
 
DCB1,

If you would indicate what part of the country you are in, there might be a cuemaker on here that is within driving distance (or maybe more than one). You could start working with him and have a chance to play with one of his cues before you pull the trigger.

HTH

Gary
 
I live in Massachusetts just outside of Boston area. Your suggestion is a good one. I don't have the budget for a really expensive cue but maybe a custom cue maker could make me a simple design that is high quality but without any fancy designs within my budget.

Are there any good cuemakers in the Massachusetts/ Rhode Island area?

Thanks.
 
dcb1 said:
i live in massachusetts just outside of boston area. Your suggestion is a good one. I don't have the budget for a really expensive cue but maybe a custom cue maker could make me a simple design that is high quality but without any fancy designs within my budget.

Are there any good cuemakers in the massachusetts/ rhode island area?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

tony zinzola!
 
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