What makes for a good break cue?
- Thread starter LSU1018
- Start date
Hard to say I think. It's the same as a playing cue in the sense that what makes a good break cue changes from person to person. Some people like the heavier break cues because of the power factor, more weight = more power going into the CB. Some like lighter ones because lighter = can swing with more speed = bigger break. I think the general concensus though is that it has to be a decent weight, have a hard tip and a stiff shaft. I will say that IMO the best break cues tend to have a longer taper, allows more follow though. But that's just me. Cheers 
Well I will mention a brand, Meucci is a hell of a break cue because they a less power more play!
What makes for a good break cue? Easy, the person holding it...
if you are breaking with a heavier cue as oppose to the 12oz break cue like around 19oz or so when you see people break most grip down on the butt closest to the butt cap as possible so all the weight is in front so gravity brings all the weight and power through the cue ball and in turn a harder more spread out break
a loose rack will **** everyone so make sure all the racks your breaking are nice and tight
a loose rack will **** everyone so make sure all the racks your breaking are nice and tight
A lighter cue to generate more speed to get big power breaks on a 9 foot like those light weight Asian women do probably helps but for a league player as myself playing on 7 and 8 foot those kind of power breaks just increases the odds of a scratch.
I would like to see what the experts say would be best for the average league player with a 15-20 mph break, not trying to get max speed. Which is the biggest factor weight or taper when using a triangle hard tip or would a harder tip be their choice.
I would like to see what the experts say would be best for the average league player with a 15-20 mph break, not trying to get max speed. Which is the biggest factor weight or taper when using a triangle hard tip or would a harder tip be their choice.
So I have done some research on this subject myself.
What basically came out of that is the velocity of a cue weighing 17 oz. is more at the point when the tip hits the cueball but the velocity of the cueball when it hits the rack is more if the cue is heavier.
I'm not entirely sure the math behind this as it doesnt really make much sense to me but generally speaking- the heavier the cue the more mass there is behind the cueball and the more velocity it develops when it hits the rack.
If you break down a pool break 2 factors can be looked at as far as the cue is concerned- velocity of the cue and mass of the cue. The faster the velocity the more force the cueball is hit with. The same is true with the mass of the cue.
I know that many think velocity and mass are equal in this equation but I for one hold that mass plays a larger role.
Meaning- heavier sticks make the cueball hit the rack with more force.
Now some people will say that if you are relatively fit you can develop the same velocity with a 22oz cue that a 17oz cue will do. I don't believe that either because its a linear relationship and as someone gets stronger they will get faster with both 17oz and 22oz. Unless you reach terminal velocity which won't happen (lol).
I invite someone more knowledgable on this subject to chime in as all of this is just conjecture at this point.
What basically came out of that is the velocity of a cue weighing 17 oz. is more at the point when the tip hits the cueball but the velocity of the cueball when it hits the rack is more if the cue is heavier.
I'm not entirely sure the math behind this as it doesnt really make much sense to me but generally speaking- the heavier the cue the more mass there is behind the cueball and the more velocity it develops when it hits the rack.
If you break down a pool break 2 factors can be looked at as far as the cue is concerned- velocity of the cue and mass of the cue. The faster the velocity the more force the cueball is hit with. The same is true with the mass of the cue.
I know that many think velocity and mass are equal in this equation but I for one hold that mass plays a larger role.
Meaning- heavier sticks make the cueball hit the rack with more force.
Now some people will say that if you are relatively fit you can develop the same velocity with a 22oz cue that a 17oz cue will do. I don't believe that either because its a linear relationship and as someone gets stronger they will get faster with both 17oz and 22oz. Unless you reach terminal velocity which won't happen (lol).
I invite someone more knowledgable on this subject to chime in as all of this is just conjecture at this point.
RBC
Deceased
Accuracy is equally as important if not more so, than speed or power.
If the cue ball strikes the front ball off to one side or the other, a significant amount of whatever power the cue ball has is lost to the cue ball running around the table. Or even flying off the table. The ability to hit the head ball full is absolutely paramount to a strong break.
I recommend trying a break cue or shaft that has LD, or low deflection technologies. The low cue ball squirt properties will help you to hit the front ball square which will transfer much more power to the rack. And, it'll control the cue ball much better too.
If the cue ball strikes the front ball off to one side or the other, a significant amount of whatever power the cue ball has is lost to the cue ball running around the table. Or even flying off the table. The ability to hit the head ball full is absolutely paramount to a strong break.
I recommend trying a break cue or shaft that has LD, or low deflection technologies. The low cue ball squirt properties will help you to hit the front ball square which will transfer much more power to the rack. And, it'll control the cue ball much better too.
You really don't need anything fancy for a good break cue. The weight of the cue and the tip are the most important things. Whatever feels right to the individual. Most people like a very hard tip on their break cue. Some people like a super light cue for breaking, like 17 ounces or less, and some people like super heavy cues, like 26 ounces. Also, a stiffer hitting cue than a normal shooting cue tends to work well for a lot of people for breaking.
IMO the most important things with a break cue is a hard tip and a stiff shaft. The hard tip will transfer more energy to the cue ball. The stiff taper will reduce the amount of energy lost when the cue ball is struck.