Weight, taper and shaft diameter

Ale Golem

Ale Golem

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
When I was younger I used to shoot pool on a daily basis, my work had a table, and I bought a cheap Action cue which served me well while I used it. After I moved away I didn't get a chance to play for several years and have recently gotten back into the game, the old cue was lost over the course of several moves and I am looking to pick up something a bit better. I've pretty much settled on an eBay Dale Perry but have some questions regarding the variable options that are available for a cue.

What effect does weight have on performance? I've heard between 19 ounces and 21 ounces is preferable for a beginner, which I very much am, but I haven't been able to determine why. Why not 18 ounces or lower? It seems that a lighter stick would offer the most versatility in one's stroke.

I've heard some more experienced players prefer a shaft diameter under 13mm. What difference does shaft diameter make in someone's play style.

I've heard of a "pro taper" but have not seen any real description of what that means and what the difference between that any other taper is. I would assume a shallower taper would offer a longer... draw... stroke, I'm not really sure what the proper terminology is.

Finally, I mentioned that I'm looking at DP cues but am not above looking into other cue makers whom might offer something comparable in the $130ish range. This is the cue makers forum after all and I'd love to see if any of you have something additional to offer of which I may not be aware.
 
As an American cuemaker I wish you would use an American made Q, BUT in this ($130) price range you will not find much if any. Coffee used to cost 5 cents, but those days are gone too. Action Qs are a well made Q, that is made in China, as nearly every Q in your price.
Use the heaviest Q that you feel comfortable with. A lighter Q will force you to use a harder hit & that can lead to errors in your stroke.
Nearly all Qs these days use some form of pro taper. As for smaller shaft diameters, try to hit dead center at a dot with a needle. Then try to cover that dot with a dime (much easier). Stay with a 13mm, unless you have very small fingers...JER
 
BLACKHEARTCUES said:
As an American cuemaker I wish you would use an American made Q, BUT in this ($130) price range you will not find much if any.
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Dale's eBay listings say his cues are made in his Florida shop, I've heard some rumors that he imports Asian cues and then stamps his name on them but no one has been able to offer proof. I might be wrong but I'm going to believe that they are made in America.

BLACKHEARTCUES said:
Use the heaviest Q that you feel comfortable with. A lighter Q will force you to use a harder hit & that can lead to errors in your stroke.
Nearly all Qs these days use some form of pro taper. As for smaller shaft diameters, try to hit dead center at a dot with a needle. Then try to cover that dot with a dime (much easier). Stay with a 13mm, unless you have very small fingers...JER
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Fantastic, that makes a lot of sense.

Any advice regarding tips? I've seen a lot of talk about different companies tips but do not really know what difference between a hard tip or soft tip would be. I assume a harder tip would transfer more force from the stick to the ball, thereby allowing a stronger hit.
 
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Tip basically come in soft, medium & hard. Those terms differ from company to company. Hard tips need to be scuffed & chalked more often & for a beginner they will miscue more often. A medium tip should be good for both playing & breaking. Single layer tips are the least expensive. Layered tips resist mushrooming more, but cost about 3 times as much...JER
 
Try being precise with something the size of a dime, then try being precise with a needle. You'll be much more precise with a needle. There IS a compromise. One is tip wear and one is shaft flexion. Some love flexible shafts and some hate them. What is 'best' is still under debate. A 'pro' taper also varies from maker to maker. Some pro tapers are cylindrical for x number of inches. Some will have an unnoticeable growth through the 'pro' taper. Play with both and see what you play best with. Hard tips last longer but require more scuffing. Soft tips eventually firm up, but require less scuffing but tend to mushroom more. Layered tips maintain all of their original qualities longer than single layer tips. Cue weight should be what you feel best with. There is no good reason to go outside the norm of 17 to 21 oz.
 
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