A good cue is vital, regardless of whether you are new to the game or an experienced player. 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 as a shock absorber to help reduce vibrations when you hit a shot. Many pool cues also have a wrap to absorb moisture and provide extra friction. A rubber wrap can be used for very hard shots while a soft wrap can be used for gentler hits.
Although the shaft of a cue is typically made from wood, modern cues can also be made from exotic materials such as ivory, ebony, or pine. The cue length can range from 57 to 56 inches. Some models also have a second joint at the butt. Some models have multiple sections, while others have butt extensions that add weight.
Most modern cues have joints that are precision machined. They are now straight and not conical which helps them retain their shot power. This feature has helped to keep the cost of these pool cues down. However, a loose joint can compromise the accuracy and playability of a shot, especially in the case of metal joints.
American pool cues have a lot of maple construction, making them very light. However, some brands use blackwood, which is more forgiving and softer. Another option is to buy a cue that is a two-piece design, where the shaft and tip are separated. There are some cues made up of three pieces, in which the main joint is located at the center of the cue.
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 for you to adjust the tip's weight for more power or take out the entire tip for a shorter or longer stroke.
You need to choose whether you want an American-spec and a British-spec pool ue. A British-spec pool cue is better at shooting larger balls. An American-spec cue is more suited to hitting smaller balls. You may also be able to find cues that come with a half-ounce weight.
If you're looking for a pool cue to play with, make sure it has a ferrule which is strong and thick. You should have enough ferrule thickness to absorb the force of hitting the ball. Having a loose ferrule can affect your accuracy and cause you to lose control of the shot.
You should also look at the tip size and ferrule material when buying an American pool cue. The tips of an American poolcue are generally more powerful and harder than those in a British-spec cue. These larger tips can increase your power but also lead to more miscues.