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. To make sure you find the right pool cue, you have many options.
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 reduce vibrations after you hit a shot. Many pool cues also have a wrap to absorb moisture and provide extra friction. 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. Advanced designs may include multiple sections or butt extensions, which can help increase weight.
Precision machined joints are a hallmark of modern cues. Because they are straight, instead of conical, they retain their shot power. This feature has helped to lower the price of pool cues. 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. Some brands use blackwood, which can be more forgiving and is also softer. Another option is to buy a cue that is a two-piece design, where the shaft and tip are separated. Some cues are three-piece, with the main joint located 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 cue is more suited to shooting larger balls. American-spec cues can hit smaller balls better. A cue may come with a weight of half an ounce.
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. You can lose control of your shot if the ferrule is too loose.
Another thing to consider when purchasing an American pool cue is the size of its tips and the material it was made from. The tips on an American pool cue will be more hard and larger than those made from British-spec material. These larger tips can increase your power but also lead to more miscues.