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. You can also choose from many sizes and styles of joints to find the right 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 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. 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 can measure anywhere from 57-58 inches in length, some models even have a second joint in its butt. Some models have multiple sections, while others have butt extensions that add weight.
Modern cues have precision machined joints. They have been made straight instead of conical, which allows them to 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.
Most American pool cues are constructed from maple, which makes them relatively light. However, some brands use blackwood, which is more forgiving and softer. There are two options. One is to purchase a cue with the shaft and tip 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.
You need to choose whether you want an American-spec and a British-spec pool ue. A British-spec cue is more suited to shooting larger balls. An American-spec cue is more suited to hitting smaller balls. A cue may come with a weight of half an ounce.
When you are shopping for a pool cue, you should look for one that has a ferrule that is thick and strong. You should have enough ferrule thickness to absorb the force of hitting the ball. A loose ferrule can reduce your accuracy and make it difficult to control the shot.
Another thing to consider when purchasing an American pool cue is the size of its tips and the material it was made from. Generally, the tips of an American pool cue are larger and harder than those of a British-spec cue. These tips can be more powerful, but they can also cause more miscues.