Time for a new cue stick?

Best Pool Cues

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In this section, we will look at the best poll indicators in 2022.

If you’re looking for something affordable, check out the best pool cues for the money.

1. Lucasi Custom Sneaky Pet Pool Cue

On the surface, this sneaky pet cue looks pretty simple.

It has wood-to-wood joints, an antique stained Birdseye maple shaft, and comes unwrapped.

The cue also plays like a classic: it feels like you’re using a piece of wood, and you get that nice “plunk” sound when you hit the cue ball.

However, there is more to this gesture than meets the eye. Lucasi uses a quick-release Uni-Loc pin in the joint, and the Pro-Tapered shaft is aged for up to 24 months in a humidity-controlled room to reduce the amount of flex you’ll experience while shooting.

This treatment process also works to prevent splitting and warping – Lucasi is so confident in the durability of their cues that they offer a lifetime warranty.

The stick also comes with a leather Tiger Everest tip, which is a fantastic all-rounder. It has the firmness needed for powerful shots but isn’t too hard – you can still play English and control the cue ball.

Plus, you can choose any weight out of the box, even in half-ounce increments like 18.5oz, for example. Need to change the weight down the line? Simply add or remove the necessary Locasi weight bolts from the rod bit.

Considering what you get with Lukasi’s Sneaky Pete, it’s actually pretty reasonably priced. Because this gesture will last you so long (backed by a lifetime warranty), it’s great value for money.

Pros

• Offers low deflection, smooth, accurate strokes.
• Extremely durable – treated maple will not crack.
• Lifetime warranty.
• The Tiger Everest tip offers excellent control but holds up well to playing tight shots.
• Reasonable price.

Cons

There is no wrap – you can add your own if you like, but it’s not necessary.

2. Predator Sport 2 Ice Pool Cue

If you’re looking for a premium playing cue but don’t want a sneaky pet, Predator’s Sport 2 Ice might be just what you need.

Unlike the Lucasi Custom we just reviewed, this cue comes with a Predator Victory Medium tip, but like the Lucasi, it has a North American maple shaft.

As a result, it feels nice and solid when playing medium-fast shots, but it also offers great control over the cue ball – you can place the white exactly where you want it.

Since the tip is made of leather, it’s not too hard, but it’s also strong enough to withstand powerful shots.

Plus, taking the cue apart and putting it back together is a quick and easy process thanks to the Uni-Loc pin in the joint.

Keep in mind that this gesture does not come with a grip. If you prefer to play with a grip, we recommend looking at one of our Predator options. They’ve designed a custom rubber grip, which they say has five different traction zones. If your shooting hand gets sweaty or you don’t like touching a shiny surface, this wrap is a great item.

The shaft is straight and offers a smooth stroke every time.

Plus, there’s very little degradation when playing English, allowing you to focus on your next two or three shots instead of worrying too much about hitting the right spot on the cue ball.

However, the limited lifetime warranty offered with this cue does not cover the battle page. While the Sport 2 isn’t likely to bend, you’d expect the Predator’s guarantee to still be valid if the shaft considering what you’re paying for this cue stick.

Pros

• Very little deviation – good consistency.
• The Predator Victory Medium tip, which is a great all-rounder.
• Ability to choose your grip.
• Quite durable, especially the ferrule/tip section.

Cons

• The warranty does not cover the battle page.
• Grip not included.

3. McDermott G233 Pool Cue

McDermott’s own brand of cues are some of the only sticks made in America to date.

This means that if you buy this cue, you’ll not only be supporting American workers, but you’ll also have an extremely durable stick that’s made with simply superb craftsmanship.

The G233 is handcrafted with Michigan maple, which has been left unwrapped for a sleek, traditional look. However, the quality of McDermott’s craftsmanship is most evident when you inspect the intricate details on the bit.

Rosewood and maple have been used for inlay.

But how does this wand actually work?

The G233 comes with McDermott’s patented G-Core technology. The first seven inches of the shaft has carbon fiber reinforcement, which serves to stabilize the cue stick as it impacts the ball, resulting in less lean and more consistent shots.

Even the ferrule is made with carbon fiber, which provides better shock absorption and more accurate feedback for the player.

The Pigskin Navigator Black tip is specially designed to avoid getting too stiff after long-term use, meaning you’ll be able to place your shots accurately even after months of regular shooting. Will

As you’d expect from McDermott, you also get a lifetime warranty that includes warpage protection.

This rod comes in the weight you want (but not in half-ounce increments) and the bolts are fully adjustable. The G233 isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s priced very reasonably when compared to the two signals we’ve seen so far.

Pros

• Great value.
• Excellent consistency – less deviation.
• Lifetime warranty, including against warpage.
• Exquisite craftsmanship – made in the USA.

Cons

No wrap, you have to add your own if you feel you need one.

4. Viking B2807 Pool Cue

For most intermediate players, buying a handmade, top-of-the-line composite cue won’t be worth it.

If you’re looking for a mid-budget stick that still delivers great performance, check out the Viking A281.

This Q is American-made, which is surprising for how much it costs. The Northwoods maple used in the shaft is aged for five years to harden it while still maintaining that classic wooden thump you get when you hit the cue ball.

You get a pro taper finished with three coatings of UV resistant urethane and a threaded rubber bumper for added protection. Viking’s limited lifetime warranty also covers warpages, which is a relatively inexpensive gesture.

Another nice thing about the A281 is that it comes with a quick release joint and an Irish linen wrap – features you’d expect to find on a more expensive rod.

It’s also available in any half-ounce increments from 18oz to 21oz, and comes with a 13mm Le Pro tip that offers great control and durability.

Ultimately, if you need something that performs well but won’t break the bank, the B2807 is a solid choice. It is one of the only mid-budget indicators that is made in the USA and comes with an extensive lifetime warranty.

 

 

Pros

• Made in the USA from aged and treated maple – feels great when hitting the ball.
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers Warpage.
• good value.
• Quick release joint.

Cons

No consideration for the price!

Best Break Cues

Now we will look at some of the best breakup indicators in 2022.

5. McDermott Stinger NG05

The NG05 is an incredibly versatile option from McDermott. It features a G-Core shaft with a triple-layered carbon fiber core, which reduces shock through the cue and makes for more consistent shooting.

On your brake stick, you’ll obviously need a harder tip for better stability and increased power. That’s why McDermott added a phenolic tip to this cue, allowing you to make hard breaks without splitting your rod. They’ve then combined this with their Stinger Stem System, which extends the tip below the shaft of the stick, allowing the force of the shot to be sent directly into the center of the cue even if you hit the edge of the tip. Hits, better power and accuracy.

To further protect the cue from damage, the meteor brake is made with a maple bit, and phenolic inserts are added to the main joint to prevent cracking. A quick release jump joint is used for the secondary joint for quick removal.

The shaft has what McDermott calls a “super slim taper,” meaning your break force is transferred directly through the cue ball.

What’s more, this cue comes with a jump handle so you can convert it to a jump cue in seconds, offering great versatility and value for money.

The company offers a lifetime warranty on its Stinger series of signals, including the Warpage.

While this is a fairly expensive breaker, there are much more expensive options that don’t perform as well. Considering how well it breaks in, and the warranty McDermott offers, the NG05 is definitely worth the money.

Pros

• Hard stuff – won’t break easily.
• Lifetime warranty including warpage.
• Bahmi
• Allows for quick breaks with minimal effort.

Cons

• A little pricey, but we think it’s worth it.

6. Predator BK3 Break Cue

This is probably the best interval in the market in terms of overall performance.

Hunter has chosen to fit this cue with a phenolic tip as standard. As a result, the BK3 offers excellent power right out of the case – you won’t need to modify the cue to keep it going.

However, you should check and ensure that you are allowed to use this type of tip if you are playing in local/regional tournaments.

Phenolic tips can also damage your cue ball if you play indoors for long periods of time, so be careful when using them. If problems arise you may want to change the tip for some softness.

The BK3 is actually a composite cue, as carbon fiber is used to reinforce the maple shaft for greater durability. Since you’ll only be breaking (rather than shooting the English) with this stick, the synthetic material isn’t an issue for those who prefer the feel of pure wood sticks.

Coming in at 19oz by default, this tip is on the light side. However, the weights are specifically placed for more powerful intervals with less effort.

Most players actually prefer a lighter breaking cue, as it allows them to hit the ball with a faster, more accurate stroke. Sinking the ball on the break isn’t just about power – you also have to hit the right spot.

Although this gesture is quite expensive, you definitely get bang for your buck. For the best players, sinking the ball on the break is crucial, so it pays to have the right tool for the job.

The BK3 even comes with a limited lifetime warranty against defects, so it’s sure to last a long time.

Pros

• Too heavy to break.
• Super hard phenolic tip – excellent strength.
• Great workmanship – extremely durable.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Cons

Very expensive, but it will probably last you a decade or more.

7. Cuetec Meteor 58″ Break Cue

Cuetec also makes a fantastic mid-budget interval cue. Like the BK3, this is actually a composite stick.

But instead of using carbon fiber reinforcement, Cuetec coated the cue in graphite and finished it with a urethane varnish. As a result, it doesn’t have that classic maple look, but the stick still has wood inside.

Besides how it looks, how does this build affect Q? With graphite breakers like this, you have to get the cue ball dead on to play the perfect break – it can hit a bit. However, once you get used to it, you’ll love the consistency of this gesture.

With the right technique, you’ll get a solid break every time, increasing your ball rate. Also, composites don’t tend to warp as easily as pure maple – it’s especially important to have a super straight breaker.

The Meteor weighs 19 oz and comes with a tough, five-ply cowhide tip plus a bakelite (resin) ferrule.

As a result, it can create serious power on the cue ball, giving you better breaks.

Considering its performance, this cue is very reasonably priced. If you like the color and don’t mind getting used to the feel of graphite, this might be what you need.

Pros

• Reasonable price.
• Able to generate great power – ferrule and tip optimized for speed.
• The composite design is very durable.
• Very consistent once you get the hang of squirting.

Cons

• Graphite takes a little time to get used to.

8. Rage Heavy Hitter Sneaky Pete Break Cue

Looking to break the bank, not the bank? Check out this poll.

For those who don’t know, “Sneaky Pete” sticks look like house signs but actually come in two pieces.

Originally designed for hustling, they feel like a piece of wood but have the portability that comes with the ability to unscrew the shaft.

This cue truly lives up to its name: the “Heavy Hitter” is 25oz and its weight is not adjustable. If you normally play with an 18 or 19oz cue, this stick will feel too heavy.

However, this extra weight can help improve your pocket rate, as long as you can still get the braking technique right and your stroke is fast enough.

The best thing about this cue though is the price – it’s pretty cheap for a brake cue. Despite being relatively inexpensive, the heavy hitter comes with a tough leather tip, and the stained maple will hold up well even if you absolutely break the cue ball.

However, this cue stick doesn’t come with a wrap – it wouldn’t be Sneaky Pete if it did! You can add one of your own if you want, but holding the maple is fine for most players.

Pros

• Great value.
• Made with solid treated maple – holds up well.
• Hard leather tip.
• Extra weight can be helpful.

Cons

• Too heavy – some may find it difficult to break properly with a 25oz cue.

Best Jump Cues

Time to look at the 4 best pool cues for playing jump shots.

Most of these sticks are multi-purpose cues designed to play both breaks and jumps.

9. Lucasi Custom Break/Jump Cue

This is probably the best of the best when it comes to jump/break combo cues.

For serious players, Lucasi’s cue offers the performance you need to take your game to the next level.

However, even if you’re still learning the ins and outs of playing pool, it may still be worth getting a premium cue simply because they last so long – you’ll last longer. No need to upgrade. When compared to other jump signals on the market, this rod is actually not that expensive.

So what’s so special about this cue?

• Both pairs feature custom-engineered Uni-Loc pins that release quickly, but still feel like you’re using a single piece of wood.
• The hard rock maple used for the shaft is dried for 24 months in a humidity-controlled room. The wood is then treated with a stabilizer to prevent moisture build-up and warping of the cue.
• Double pressed Irish linen wrap.
• Lifetime guarantee, even against war.
• Tiger Everest tip – a great all-rounder.

Plus, you can order whatever weight you want – even half-ounce increments are available. Feel like making it heavier or lighter once you try the cue? Simply add or remove some of Lucasy’s weighted bolts.

In terms of actual performance, this gesture works as it sounds. Simply put, it feels like a break cue – a solid piece of maple capable of putting serious power on the cue ball.

At the same time, it has the agility and hard tip needed to make those difficult jump shots.

Because the shaft is made of premium-grade wood, it has very little flex, meaning you can get the cue ball where you want it after hitting a jump shot. If you’re in a tight spot, this clue could be your get-out-of-jail-free card.

For intervals, this accuracy is fantastic – if you’re currently using a cheap cue you should see an immediate lift in your ball-in rate.

Pros

• Very strong joints – quick release.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Available in any weight of your choice right out of the box.
• Agile Cue – Allows for quick, accurate strokes when breaking or jumping.

Cons

• Relatively expensive, but if you are a serious player, it is worth the price.

10. Aska JC01 Jump Cue

Unlike other jump gestures we’ve seen, this stick is designed specifically for taking air: it’s not a jump/break combo.

It’s basically a no-frills option for getting out of the plane, as it’s the cheapest jump cue we’ve seen. As a result, it comes without a wrap, nor is there a bumper.

You still get a quick-release joint though, and the Canadian maple makes for a fantastic shaft. You will have no problem getting the balls to jump with this cue.

Plus, it comes standard with a super stiff phenolic tip, and the weight feels great.

The only real issue with this cue is shaft stability. It can be distributed if you take advantage of it.

However, this is to be expected at this price point.

Pros

• Getting out of the plane is very easy – you get a lot of altitudes every time.
• The phenolic tip makes jumping easier.
• Great value.
• Feels great in hand.

Cons

• Can be more durable.
• No wraps or bumpers are included.

11. Cuetec CT296 Break/Jump Cue

We’ve included some Cuetec tips in this buyer’s guide so far. For good reason: their sticks are reasonably priced, perform well and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

The CT296 is another great value Cuetec cue. While it’s not exactly cheap, you get a cue stick that’s perfect for both break and jump shots.

To achieve this, the company has used a tough Tiger Everest multi-layer tip to help you get out of the wind and a tough polycarbonate ferrule to keep the shaft safe in case of breakage. .

The shaft design makes this stick particularly good for jumping – because the cue is relatively light and the tip is nice and stiff, you can get a lot of height while playing the cue ball.

You can even select your desired weight and adjust it yourself later (if necessary) to your preference.

As we already mentioned, this cue comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Cuetec, but you must register your purchase on their site within 60 days of purchase.

It is unlikely that you will need to take advantage of this guarantee, as protection against damage extends beyond the tip and ferrule.

Both joints are constructed with polished stainless steel for durability, and a Veltex wrap to protect the bit from moisture.

The grip also works to wick sweat away from your hands, helping to prevent slippage when shooting at critical intervals.

Pros

• Sturdy Construction – Stiff shaft and good stability.
• Adjustable weight.
• Very nice Veltex wrap.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Cons

• N/A – Great jump and break cue for the price

12. McDermott NG01 Stinger Break Jump Cue

Now we will see a cheap break and a jump cue. Although the NG01 Stingere is relatively inexpensive, you still get a hand-crafted three-piece cue from a well-known brand – great value for money.

Along with the maple shaft and butt, you also get a stinger shaft behind the phenolic tip, which gives great power transfer for your break and jump shots. In addition, this shaft ensures that the energy of the hit travels down the center of the shaft no matter which part of the tip you hit – so it has a nice sweet. There is a place.

This stiffness is essential for players with very tight breaks – without proper protection, the shaft will split.

Since you’ll be taking the last third of this cue regularly, it comes with a quick-release jump joint, giving you more time to focus on your next shot.

The classic unwrapped rosewood handle feels great in the hands of a player of any skill level.

The only problem with this tip is the tip. It’s hard enough, but not overly engaging – if you don’t like how it feels, you might want to tighten the tip.

Pros

• . Very durable.
• The joints in the game are released quickly.
• Great power transfer and large sweet spot.

Cons

• A bit expensive.

Best Pool Cues For The Money

In this section, we will review the 4 best pool signals under $100 for sale in 2022.

13. Players C960 Crimson Maple Pool Cue

Considering what it costs, the workmanship on the Players C960 is pretty good.

The wrap is crafted from genuine double-pressed Irish linen, and the taper is made from Grade A hard rock Canadian maple. In addition, the Q has a glossy finish to protect against sticking and scratching, and the ferrule is highly durable.

Players are so confident that their signal won’t crack, chip or break that they offer a lifetime guarantee against such damage.

But what does it like to play with?

The C960 comes with a 13mm Le Pro leather tip, which is quite sturdy and won’t come off easily.

This, combined with the premium maple used in the shaft, creates a great feel when hitting the cue ball. Even though this cue is quite cheap, it still feels like a premium stick when you hit the perfect power shot.

But because the tip is fairly balanced (it’s not too hard and not too soft), the C960 also works well for playing controlled strokes.

If you like a shiny crimson finish and a silky Irish linen wrap, we’d definitely recommend this cue. Overall, this is a durable, stylish stick with performance to match – a great budget choice for all skill levels.

Pros

• Lifetime warranty, even against warpage.
• Great craftsmanship – looks great.
• Smooth Stroke – High quality maple shaft.
• Great value considering what you’re getting.

Cons

• None available – best cue stick for the price.

14. Viper Elemental 58″ Pool Cue

This cue stick is quite similar to the Player’s C960 we just looked at. They are both two-piece pointers with a Canadian maple shaft and Le Pro leather tip. Neither cue has adjustable weight options, as you’d expect in this price range, but both are available off the shelf as 18, 19, 20 or 21oz sticks.

However, the Viper Elemental 58″ is a bit cheaper, as it does not come with a lifetime warranty. It features a synthetic leather wrap (instead of Irish linen) and a lightweight quick-release joint, plus a removable scabbard.

You can open the bumper to shape your nib, which keeps the chalk in place better – meaning less mess on your desk.

Despite the lack of warranty, varnished finishes will not scratch easily and maple will last a long time without warping.

Another advantage of this cue shaft is that it has relatively little deflection. As a result, this stick is perfect for playing accurate English and making long shots.

Considering the performance and durability of this cue, the Viper Elemental is great value for money.

If you’re transitioning from a bar stick to your cue, or you’re just getting into a higher level pool, this stick is a great choice.

Pros

• Looks great – there are many different styles available.
• Very durable.
• Maple makes for less deflection and a consistent stroke.
• Great value

Cons

• No guarantee. No justification.

15. Viking Valhalla Pool Cue

If your budget is a bit tight, you can still get a great tip for relatively little money.

Viking’s Valhalla is another cue stick designed for durability. The shaft uses extremely hard Canadian maple, and the cue comes with a strong stainless steel threaded joint.

If you need to put a cue in its case, the joint comes apart quickly, but the game locks up nice and tight so you don’t feel the slightest wobble or jolt while shooting.

To prevent sticking, Viking has used a glossy urethane finish on the shaft and a thick rubber bumper to protect the bit.

The company is so confident in the quality of its indicators that they offer a lifetime warranty, which also covers the battle page. That’s a pretty good thing to have, as it’s pretty hard to find an extended warranty on a cheap signal.

In addition, the Valhalla comes in seven different bit colors, including pink, white and black.

Plus, Irish linen wrap offers the decent softness and feels great to hold.

Viking ships this cue with a durable 13mm leather tip. However, it is quite difficult – it can make playing controlled shots a bit difficult.

But if you’re playing pool for fun and just want to avoid using the house cues, this tip probably won’t be a big deal to you.

Pros

• Lifetime warranty, including coverage against warpage.
• Excellent value.
• Tons of colors available.

Cons

• The tip is quite difficult.

16. McDermott Lucky L6 Cue Stick

Although McDermott is best known for their more expensive pro cue sticks, they also make a few budget options under their child brands such as Lucky.

This cue features a hard rock maple shaft and stock McDermott tip, which offers good control when shooting.

The glossy deep red finish and intricate details look amazing, while the Irish linen wrap offers great grip even if your hands aren’t sweaty.

If you prefer, you can change the weight from the standard 19oz by using McDermott’s McGripper tool to remove the bumper.

However, the best thing about this cue is its price. Despite being relatively inexpensive, you get the build quality that McDermott offers.

This indicator also performs very well considering how much it costs.

Overall, the L6 is great value for money. If you’re a beginner and looking for your first rod, pick one up and see what you think.

Pros

• Best price.
• Relatively durable.
• Good overall performance – nice solid “plink” when shooting.

Cons

• None – a very good option.

Pool Cue Buyer’s Guide

In this section, we’ll discuss what you need to know when buying a new pool cue.

Different types of pool cues

There are three main types of billiard cues:

1. Playing Tips: This is what you will play your regular shots with. They’re designed for control, but also offer good all-around performance – you can generate the power you need to make a long shot and then return to the table. Usually they come with a soft tip for better control.

• Break cues are stiffer than playing cues and have weight so you can make powerful breaks more easily. They have a strong tip and ferrule so that even hard breaks won’t damage the cue.

• Jump tips are designed to allow you to play legal jump shots much easier. They’re shorter than regular cues (they usually come in three parts and you can take the last third off) and have a lighter, stiffer shaft, allowing you to play with a taller stick more easily. is allowed.

Some sticks come as a jump/break cue combo. If you don’t want to buy three sticks or get a case big enough to put them all in, these multi-purpose tips are a great option.

Pool cue material

Most pool cues are made from maple wood, as it is light enough but strong enough, and won’t break easily. Although natural cues are generally more expensive, they provide a better feel when hitting the ball. Nothing can quite match the classic sound that a maple cue makes.

However, some modern cue sticks are made with synthetic compounds. A common method that manufacturers like to use is to take a wooden core and coat it in fiberglass for added durability. Some are made of graphite, but they are difficult to clean and don’t perform incredibly well. Other pointers are made of wood but have carbon fiber inside for better stability and shock absorption during shooting.

If you can, try a comprehensive prompt and see what you think. With recent advances in technology, these partially artificial gestures are actually starting to feel more and more like their traditional counterparts.

Almost all tips are finished with a gloss urethane varnish to protect the wood from moisture and prevent the shaft/bit from sticking.

Different cue sticks for different players

The more seriously you take your pool, the more money you should spend on cue sticks.

For casual players, or those who play the odd rake at home, all you need is a really simple game clue. Having separate sticks for jumping and breaking is probably not necessary at this stage. Look for something in the $60 to $100 price range.

If you’ve progressed to becoming an intermediate player who enters the odd tournament at the local pool hall, you’ll need a better cue (or cue, if you prefer a separate breaker/jumper). Look for a two- or three-piece stick, so you can easily carry it. Try to find something in the $100 to $250 range (depending on your budget) from a popular brand like Predator or McDermott. At this stage, you can start considering looking at synthetic/composite indicators if you like the feel of them.

Serious players and aspiring professionals need the best possible cue sticks – including separate jumpers and breakers for optimal performance in tough games. You want something that just “feels right” to play with. That means getting a cue that matches the weight, so you can play the stick exactly the way you like it.

Try and find a cue that’s made in the USA with the best possible craftsmanship – companies like Lucas Custom produce excellent quality sticks. You can even consider getting a custom cue to your liking. There are also collectors – but who doesn’t like to collect clues? If you’re buying sticks as a hobby, you’ll obviously be picking them based on their sentimental value and how they look.

Weight and balance

Billiard cues come in a variety of weights from 18oz to 21oz.

In some more expensive gestures, you can open the bumper and change or remove the weight bolt to change the heaviness of your rod. You will probably need a screwdriver to remove/insert the bolt in the shaft.

If you are buying new bolts, remember to make sure they are compatible with your indicator.

Most players prefer to use 19-20oz cue sticks. But this decision depends on personal preference. In general, the taller you are, the more weight you’ll want. This is to make sure you are lining up your shots correctly and not pulling the rod back too far.

Low turning shaft

Deflection is the change in direction of the cue ball that occurs when you play English. Hitting the ball off-center will always push the ball at a slight angle. The larger the angle, the greater the deviation in Cue.

For example, if you hit the cue ball left of center, the ball will “skirt” or deviate to the right a certain amount. The purpose of the low-deflection shaft is to reduce the amount of deflection, allowing you to play spin shots more accurately. They make a real difference, so be sure to check out these cue sticks.

What does “taper” mean?

Each pole cue tapers at a point – meaning they are wider at the butt and thinner near the tip.

There are two main types of taper:

1. A pro taper has a uniform diameter down the length of the shaft. After the joint, it begins to widen, reaching its widest point near the bumper. This design is very common on mid-budget two-piece displays.
2. European taper indicators are more common than single-piece bar indicators. The diameter of the cue widens at a constant rate from tip to bumper.

Different types of cue tips

The tip of your pool cue is usually a piece of cured leather glued (or sometimes screwed) to the cue itself. The tip will eventually wear out as you use your tip, meaning you’ll need to replace it every two years.

There are also a few different types of Q-tips. Traditional leathers are softer, meaning they are more forgiving for beginners and easier to control the cue ball. The tips of pigskin are quite similar to cowhide, although they are slightly tougher and more durable.

Phenolic Q-tips, on the other hand, are extremely tough, as they are made from a mixture of resin and woven fabric. They provide more power and bounce easier than leather tips, but were banned by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) in 2009. You should check and see if your local association allows you to use them.

What’s a ferrule?

The ferrule is the white piece that wraps around the cue shaft just below the tip of your stick – every pole cue has one.

The ferrule is made of a hard protective material, such as resin or plastic. This serves to hold the tip piece in place and prevent the cue shaft from being split by the force of hitting the cue ball.

What are the different parts of a pool cue called?

To simplify the shopping process, refer to the diagram below. This will help you understand what the manufacturer is saying when they talk about “leather wrap” for example.

One/Two/Three Piece Indicators

Most indicators come in two pieces that slide into each other. This makes them easy to carry around and store in a cue case. However, don’t separate the cheap “house tips” — the sticks you find in bars.

Performance-wise, two-piece cues play better than single-piece cues. This is because they are designed for more serious players who are likely to travel to tournaments and therefore need an easily portable cue.

Some advanced cues – most jump/break cues – come in three pieces. Usually the rod opens in the middle, and the bit has a small section that also detaches. This design gives you a little more freedom in choosing how to take your shots. For example, you can add more length to make balls harder to reach or add more power. You can remove some length for close shots or short jumps.

Pool cue grip

Pool cues come with a number of different grips (often wrapped). You can take:

• Simple (no wrap, typical for a sneaky belly tip).
• Leather.
• Rubber.
• Irish linen.
• Nylon.

For other grips like leather, you will need to cut it to size and glue it to your cue.

If your hands get sweaty while playing, use leather, rubber or Irish linen wraps for the best possible grip.