Love to play pool so much that you’re in the market for your own cue stick? You’ll need to address these points to ensure you get the cue stick that helps you excel in your pool game.
Tip: The tip is the most important part of a cue. Tips vary from soft to hard, though inexperienced pool players are best served with a medium to medium-soft tip.
Cue length: Most cues are 58 inches, but don’t be afraid to ask for a longer or shorter cue stick based on your body type.
Shaft material: The shaft of the cue — the end that hits the cue ball — can be made of fiberglass, graphite, or a wide array of woods. If you can get a quality maple shaft for a price that works, go for the natural feel.
Wrap: Most cues have a wrap near the butt (back end) to prevent your grip hand from slipping. Choose from a wide array of wraps, all based on personal preference.
Shaft taper: For your first cue, try to find a shaft with a shorter pro-taper (the shaft starts to taper at a point farther from the tip instead of immediately) so that you’ll have an easier transition from the shape of house cues to your own cue.
Joint: You screw a two-piece cue together at the joint, which can be made of metal, wood, or plastic. Two-piece cues (cues with a joint) can be rather inexpensive and generally an improvement from one-piece house cues.
