A good cue will be a lifesaver, no matter how new you are to pool. Pool cues are manufactured using a variety of materials to help ensure you get the most out of your game. To make sure you find the right pool cue, you have many options.
One of the most striking features of an American poolcue is its thick plastic ferrule. This holds the cue tips in place. It acts as a shock absorber to help reduce vibrations when you hit a shot. Some pool cues include a wrap to absorb moisture or provide additional friction. For harder hits, you can choose a rubber wrap or a soft wrap.
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 may measure between 57 and 58 inches. Some models include a second joint in each butt. Advanced designs may include multiple sections or butt extensions, which can help increase weight.
Most modern cues have joints that are precision machined. They are made straighter than conical to preserve their shot power. This has helped to keep these pool cues affordable. However, a loose joint can affect the accuracy of a shot, especially if the joint is made of metal.
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. 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 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.
If you are searching for a pool cue you should decide if you prefer an American-spec cue or a British-spec cue. A British-spec cue is better suited for shooting larger balls. American-spec cues tend to hit smaller balls. There may be cues available with a half ounce weight.
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. A loose ferrule can reduce your accuracy and make it difficult to control the shot.
Also, be sure to check the dimensions of the tips and the ferrule. 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.