Wrap on cue = better stroke?

After the responses here, I think I'll keep it wrapless. I do have an old Adam cue with a wrap, but it plays much differently than my current Schmelke, so not a true comparison. I think I'll try to slick my cue down a bit and also try holding it even lighter to test my theory that it could force me to improve my stroke.
Thanks everyone.
 
... I figure that as long as my grip is relaxed, a linen wrap would force me to accelerate the cue evenly through the stroke, since it would slip if I tried to jerk the cue forward.
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I think exactly the opposite is true. If your hand starts to slip because the wrap is slippery, you will tend to tighten your grip to prevent slip. If you want to do the experiment, try the two extremes: a rayon wrap and a rubber wrap.
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I agree with Bob - the reflex reaction will be to tighten the grip, so you'll have to change the acceleration deliberately. Besides that, I don't want to introduce a new complication (slipping grip) to solve an existing one (acceleration).

pj
chgo
 
There have been only a few irish linen wrapped cues that I liked as far as feel goes. One was on a friend's Meucci; the wrap was not sprayed over, it was raw and was plenty rough, and allowed for the definite sensation that you were in control with that surface. No real danger of the cue unexpectedly slipping out of your hand.

My favorite is a stack leather wrapped cue. I have three of them. I use Moneysworth-best ProShine with Lanolin on them.

http://moneysworth-best.com/ProShine.html

p-pro-shine.jpg


I buy this stuff (made in Canada) at a local shoe repair shop.

Spray it on and let it dry. Repeat until you get the level of gloss or satin finish that you like. (It does not become hard, but remains very slightly flexible.)

After that, I'll take a shoe shine brush that has a hint of regular shoe polish on the bristles and buff the wrap with it, and then use a shoe shine cloth to shine it up really well.

That touch of regular shoe shine wax on the wrap will add a very slight tackiness to it, which at least for me, is the perfect amount. If I want the cue to slip a bit, it will, but only if I intentionally allow it to happen. This finish is not sticky at all, but will adhere to your hand without difficulty.

Flex
 
cuetable said:
There is an inexpensive way for you to test this: try a rubber wrap. They cost between $5-10 and come in different colors, texture and thickness. It takes 1 min to install/take off and would not damage your cue in anyway. Almost all 3 cushion billiard players use them.
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I've noticed that many 3-cushion players use rubber wraps, which is an argument in favor of them to me (discounted by the existence of the herd instinct), but isn't there a tradeoff in terms of feedback? Doesn't a rubber wrap "deaden" the vibrations from impact?

pj
chgo
 
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