A good cue is essential, no matter if you're new to pool or have been playing for many years. 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.
A thick plastic ferrule holds the cue tip securely in an American pool cue. It is easily one of the most prominent features. It acts as a shock absorber to reduce vibrations after you hit a shot. Many pool cues are equipped with a wrap to absorb moisture, provide friction, and more. You can either choose a rubber wrap to absorb hard hits or a more gentle wrap to reduce abrasiveness.
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 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.
The majority of modern cues are precision machined. Because they are straight, instead of conical, they retain their shot power. This feature has helped keep the price of these pool cues low. However, a loose joint can compromise the accuracy and playability of a shot, especially in the case of metal joints.
American pool cues consist mainly of maple, which makes them quite 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. You can also find three-piece cues where the main joint is in the middle.
If you want to play pool with a high-quality cue, you should consider buying a two-piece cue with an invisible wood-to-wood joint. This allows you to add weight to the tip for more power or remove the entire tip for a longer or shorter stroke.
When you are looking for a pool cue, you need to decide if you are interested in an American-spec or British-spec cue. A British-spec pool cue is better at shooting larger balls. American-spec cues are better suited for hitting smaller balls. You may also be able to find cues that come 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. An inflexible ferrule can cause problems with your accuracy, and you may lose control of the shot.
Also, be sure to check the dimensions of the tips and the ferrule. The tips of an American pool cue tend to be larger and more difficult than those of a British-spec one. Although these tips have more power, they can lead to more miscues.