Why Forward Balanced Cues ??

[Duane Remick]

Until recently, I didnt pay alot of attention to "forward balance' whenever I reviewed any cues for sale...
just read an ebay ad, stated "excellent forward balance"
All explanations/views/opinions are appreciated

 

[jazznpool]

Its a matter of personal preference. While not a "pro", I do play a respectable speed of pool and have owned dozens of high quality cues dating to the 70's. I prefer cues that balance in the 18-1/2 to 19-1/4" range. The heavier the cue the more forward the balance can go in that range and still feel good to me. Many would call that a neutral balance. I rarely will sell a cue that balances beyond 20" or beneath 18" unless a customer specifically asks for it.

Martin

Until recently, I didnt pay alot of attention to "forward balance' whenever I reviewed any cues for sale...
just read an ebay ad, stated "excellent forward balance"
All explanations/views/opinions are appreciated

 

[cueman]

The forward blanced cues seem to give that little bit of extra weight on the tip, which for normal height people keeps the tip on the cue ball for better control on follow and draw shots. For tall people who hold their cue closer to the back the back weighted cues are often preferred. For shorter people the forward balanced cues help with their follow through, especially when shooting a power shot with open hand bridge.

 

[CueCaps]

Balance and Stroke

Isn't it easier to control the cue when you are pushing the weight, rather than pulling the weight????
Just another thought when dealing with balance..

 

[Bill the Cat]

Forward balance

Chris brought up a good point. The "feel" of the balance point will vary based on where you grip the back of the cue.

I think the major advantage of a forward balanced cue comes into play when you are shooting with an open bridge. With no forward balance, the tip will be very unstable when using an open bridge.

 

[MVPCues]

A forward balance puts the fulcrum at or above your hand. Putting the fulcrum behind would just feel different and reduce the control, as well as causing the tip to want to rise with an open bridge as Bill already said.

With the balance behind your shooting hand, it is like choking way up on a baseball bat or golf club. You just might not have as much power available and control. Also, the way the muscles have to flex during the stroke could be slightly altered. Some muscles have different strengths depending on which way they flex. Take the jaw muscle. You can exert great pressure biting down on something, but if your jaw was taped shut, you can't exert the same amount of pressure opening your jaws. While that may be exaggerated compared to stroking a pool cue, weight behind the shooting hand will simply pull slightly different than weight at or above the shooting hand.

It is a personal preference ofcourse.

Kelly

 

[Duane Remick]

Until recently, I didnt pay alot of attention to "forward balance' whenever I reviewed any cues for sale...
just read an ebay ad, stated "excellent forward balance"
All explanations/views/opinions are appreciated

To each post,
Thank You"