Whether you are new to the game of pool or you have been playing for years, one of the most important items you need is a good cue. You can get the most from your game with pool cues made of a variety materials. Additionally, you can choose between a variety of sizes and joint designs to find the perfect pool cue.
One of the most noticeable features of an American pool cue is the thick plastic ferrule that holds the cue tip in place. It acts like a shock absorber, helping reduce vibrations when you hit the 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.
The shaft of a cue's cue is normally made of wood. Modern cues can however be made out of exotic materials like ivory, pine, and ebony. The cue can measure anywhere from 57-58 inches in length, some models even have a second joint in its butt. Many advanced designs feature multiple sections and extensions to the butt.
Most modern cues have joints that are precision machined. Because they are straight, instead of conical, they retain their shot power. This feature has helped to keep the cost of these pool cues down. But, loose joints can impact the accuracy of shots, especially when they are made of metal.
American pool cues have a lot of maple construction, making them very light. Some brands use blackwood, which can be more forgiving and is also softer. A cue can be bought in a two-piece design where the shaft or tip is separated. There are some cues made up of three pieces, in which the main joint is located at the center of the cue.
You should buy a two-piece cue that has an invisible wood-to–wood joint if you want 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.
You must decide whether you want an American-spec or British-spec pool cue when you're looking for one. A British-spec cue can shoot larger balls. American-spec cues tend to hit smaller balls. A cue may come with a weight of half an ounce.
A strong and thick ferrule is a must when shopping for a pool table cue. The ferrule should be thick enough to absorb a lot of force when you hit the ball. You can lose control of your shot if the ferrule is too loose.
You should also look at the tip size and ferrule material when buying an American pool cue. The tips on an American pool cue will be more hard and larger than those made from British-spec material. These tips can be more powerful, but they can also cause more miscues.