How to choose a cue for billiards

As the player grows billiard skills, the need to use a quality cue increases significantly. The outcome of a particular billiard game depends on how correctly a cue is chosen and how its characteristics correspond to the conditions. For this reason, experienced billiards players are advised to pay close attention to buying a cue.

choose a cue for billiards

The best manufacturers of billiard cues

The most popular among experienced billiards players are products manufactured under the following brands:

Longoni;
Cuetec;
Norditalia;
Weekend;

It is necessary to accept for calculation not only the technical characteristics of specific models, but also the reviews of experienced players who have identified both their strengths and weaknesses. The easiest way to get acquainted with them is in specialized forums on the Internet.

Types of billiard cues

Choose a specific cue is necessary, based on the type of specific billiards game.

Cues designed for the Russian pyramid

Long models, produced both in solid and in two-part design. The latter are made of different types of wood: a turret, as a rule, from rosewood or eben, for the manufacture of the same shaft used beech or hornbeam. The length of such models is almost always limited to 160 centimeters, and the weight compared to the mass of the ball should exceed it by 1.5-2 times. Balanced such cues at around 43-45 centimeters.

Snooker cues

Compact models with both one-piece and two-piece design. They are made, as a rule, from ash. The length of such models can vary from 90 to 150 centimeters, the balancing point is located between 40 to 50 centimeters from the bumper, and the average weight is at the level of a half-kilogram mark. Another significant difference in snooker cues is the minimum size of the label, ranging from 7 to 12 millimeters.

Pool cue

Strong and tough models that have a fixed length - 150 centimeters. For their manufacture can be used a variety of materials, starting with natural wood and ending with fiberglass and even natural carbon. The weight of most models varies from 500-510 to 640-650 grams. There are both integral and collapsible models.

The main criteria for choosing a cue

cue selection criteria

Cue design

Integral models. They are made from a single piece of wood and are distinguished by verified balancing and clearly defined characteristics. The disadvantages include transport length and capriciousness during storage and transportation;
Composite models are the three main elements - turret (lower section), shaft (upper part), and also twist (threaded connection, fixing both parts together). Can be made of a wide variety of wood to achieve certain properties. From the disadvantages emphasize the need for accurate balancing and centering.

Cue balancing

The parameter is directly responsible for the convenience of its operation and the ability to perform an accurate strike.Experienced players are advised to pay attention to those models whose balancing is performed at a distance of 40 to 55 centimeters from the bumper, depending on the type of concrete cue.

Directness and degree of bending

The more direct a particular cue is, the better is its balancing, more precisely the blow and less parasitic vibrations. Directness is determined quite simply: all that is required is to roll the cue on the even surface of the billiard table. If we are talking about composite models, first you need to roll the shaft and the turret separately and only then put the cue together and roll it on the table.

Cue diameter

It should have a uniform decrease from the bumper to the edge of the shaft, without pronounced differences and irregularities. Traditionally it is believed that the diameter of the turret should be at around 25-30 millimeters, in the area of twisting to decrease to 17-21 millimeters and smoothly flow to 12-13 millimeters to the edge of the shaft. The greater the taper of the cue from the edge of the turner to the shaft - the more the cue bends during the execution of hard screw strokes. Conversely, the smaller the taper - the higher the rigidity of the cue.

Material of which the cue is made

Traditionally, models made of natural wood are considered to be the best - both functionally and aesthetically. The most popular are the following types of wood:

Hard varieties - rosewood, wenge, Makassar;
Soft varieties - paduk, amaranth, mahogany;

In a number of individual cases, cues made of various synthetic materials are used - plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber. Such cues are very niche devices that can hardly be recommended for purchase by a novice.

Twist construction and material

Twist is called a connecting node that is present in the two-part cues. It is made of metal and provides not only a reliable connection of the device, but also its correct alignment, allowing you to eliminate the curvature of the device. Attention should also be given to gash - the form factor threading twist. Nowadays, a wide variety of types have become common - tulip, wave, web, however, the greatest number of professional players prefer the classic form factor.

Presence of storage case

The case is necessary to provide protection from moisture, sunlight, mechanical stress and dust. Make it of polymeric materials or genuine leather. In addition to protective functions, a high-quality case plays a very important aesthetic function, and therefore experienced players prefer to use custom handmade cases made from genuine leather to order.

Choosing a cue for Russian billiards

cue for russian billiards

A good cue for playing Russian billiards should have the following distinctive features:

The two-part construction, the turret is made of rosewood or eben, the shaft is made of hornbeam;
Twist - metal, compound form factor - classic;
The diameter of the cue varies from 145 to 165 centimeters, depending on the preferences of the player;
The model is balanced at a distance of 40-46 centimeters from the edge of the turnkey;
The weight of a particular model is selected based on the weight of the ball for the game and exceeds it by 2-2.5 times;
The case should be made of genuine leather and reliably protect the cue from mechanical influences, dust, moisture and direct sunlight.