A good cue will be a lifesaver, no matter how new you are to pool. To ensure that you get the best out of your pool cue, there are many materials available. Additionally, you can choose between a variety of sizes and joint designs to find the perfect pool cue.
The thick, plastic ferrule that holds the tip of an American pool cue in place is one of the most distinctive features. It acts like a shock absorber, helping reduce vibrations when you hit the shot. To absorb moisture and increase friction, many pool cues come with a wrap. You can either choose a rubber wrap to absorb hard hits or a more gentle wrap to reduce abrasiveness.
While the shaft of the cue is most commonly made of wood, modern cues may be made of exotic materials, such as ivory or pine. The cue can measure anywhere from 57-58 inches in length, some models even have a second joint in its butt. Some of the more advanced designs include multiple sections and butt extensions to help add weight.
Modern cues have precision machined joints. They are now straight and not conical which helps them retain their shot power. This has helped to keep these pool cues affordable. However, loose joints can cause errors in shots, especially if they are made of steel.
American pool cues consist mainly of maple, which makes them quite light. Some brands however use blackwood which is lighter and more flexible. A two-piece cue, in which the shaft is separate from the tip, is another option. You can also find three-piece cues where the main joint is in the middle.
It is a good idea to buy a 2-piece cue with an invisble wood-to -wood joint, if you wish to play pool. This allows you the option to either add weight to your tip to get more power, or to remove the whole tip to give you a longer stroke.
If you are searching for a pool cue you should decide if you prefer an American-spec cue or a British-spec cue. A British-spec cue can shoot larger balls. American-spec cues can hit smaller balls better. There may be cues available with a half ounce weight.
You want a pool cue that has a thick ferrule. The ferrule must be strong enough to withstand a lot of force from the ball. Having a loose ferrule can affect your accuracy and cause you to lose control of the shot.
The size of the tips as well as the ferrule's material are important factors to look out for in an American poolcue. The tips of an American pool cue tend to be larger and more difficult than those of a British-spec one. These larger tips can increase your power but also lead to more miscues.