The best billiard cue stick for one person may not be the best cue stick for another person. Here are the top 10 things to consider when buying the best billiard cue stick for you.
1. Cue Stick Cost
The first thing most people consider when making any purchase is cost. At The Pool People, we carry a remarkable selection of billiard cue sticks, in a wide range of price points. We have a large selection to choose from, including the name brands Viking™, McDermott™, J. Pechauer™, Cuetec™, Brunswick™, Schmelke™, and Cue & Case™.
2. Your Skill Level
The second thing you should consider when buying a billiard cue stick is your skill level as a player. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want a budget-friendly pool stick option that helps your game skill grow. If you’re a higher-level player, you’ll want to invest in a higher-quality stick that enables you to do all your trick shots (and maybe even get it customized with your own personal style.)
3. Cue Stick Usage
A third consideration would be the frequency of play. Is the billiard cue stick going to be used on a weekly basis, in tournaments? Or will the cue stick be used less frequently, as family and friends happen to visit your family room or man cave? The greater the frequency, the higher quality you will want your billiard cue stick to be.
4. Cue Stick Performance
A fourth consideration when purchasing a billiard cue stick is performance, especially for deflection. In billiard terms, “deflection” is what happens when a player makes the cue ball spin by hitting the outer vertical axis just right. In short, deflection is a player’s ability to control where the cue ball goes. The better the cue stick, the better the deflection ability.
5. The Length
A fifth thing you should consider is length. Billiard cue sticks come in three standard lengths: 48, 52, and 58 inches. Finding the right length for you can only be done by handling the cue stick yourself. But generally speaking, a guideline that might help is this: the shorter the person, the shorter the cue stick; the taller the person, the longer the cue stick.
6. Balance
The sixth thing you should consider when purchasing a billiard cue stick is balance/weight. Most cue sticks weigh between 18 to 21 ounces, with 19 ounces being the most popular weight. Finding the right weight can be done best by handling the cue stick yourself.
One simple guideline that may help you find a good starting point is this: shorter people should start with less weight on the butt of the cue; taller people should start with more weight on the butt of the cue.
7. Cue Stick Portability
A seventh thing to consider is portability. Are your sticks going to be hung on the cue rack in your family room or man cave? Or are they going to be two-piece sticks, stored in a carrying case for safety as it is carried to bars and tournaments?
8. Materials
An eighth consideration when purchasing a billiard cue stick is materials. Most billiard cue sticks are made of wood, but some are made of graphite/fiberglass. Neither is the better material; it is a player-dependent decision. Wood has a more natural feel, but graphite/fiberglass will not generally warp or bend.
9. Your Preferred Aesthetics
A ninth thing to consider is aesthetics. Many parts of the cue stick are at the very least selectable or possibly customizable, including the butt type, color, and design. The same can be said for the shaft and tip.
10. Repairs
A tenth and final consideration when buying a cue stick is being prepared for repairs. Over time, grips, tips, and other parts will wear down and eventually need to be replaced. The ease with which these repairs can be made should at least factor into your decision.
If you want the game advantage next time you play pool, check out our inventory online or stop in today at one of our three locations and let The Pool People’s expert staff help you pick out your winning cue! We will help you choose from a host of brands that will provide you with the best in enjoyable gameplay. We can even help you save money when you do; ask us how you can save 15% on McDermott’s cue of the month!
