Finding the Perfect Pool Cue

As we know from previous posts, pool cues can vary in so many ways.

They can be made of different materials, vary in length and vary in weight. The way the cue's shaft is finished off can also vary as can the size/type of cue tip.

No wonder then that find the 'perfect' pool cue is not easy! Every person has their own individual need depending upon their height, size of hands and even their cue stance. Let's look at two of the top pro 9 ball pool players - Ralph Souquet and Rodney Morris for example. Physically quite different and with very different styles of play. So they're not likely to use the same pool cue.

Going back in time to the days of Ralph Greenleaf, the first great master of pool, cues were quite different. One example is an early Brunswick cue produced when Greenleaf was in his prime. Described on 3cushion.com as "a full splice of rosewood into maple, with four veneers on each point" the cue is understood to be in the Rich Sheerman collection.

Most pool players find that it's a case of extremes ... they either love the first cue they ever play with and keep it for years or they go through a number of cues before evetually finding the right one, sometimes having to have a custom cue made.

Pool Cues & Snooker Cues

Pool cues and snooker cues are usually around 57 ins (148 cm) long.

There are 3 main types:

1. The simplest type = 1 piece cue. This is the most common type of cue found in pool halls for public use. This type of cue has a uniform taper to it.

2. The 2 piece cue. This is divided in the middle which makes transportation easier as it needs a smaller cue case. Most top 9 ball players use this type of pool cue.

3. The 'Three Quarter' 2 piece cue. Another 2 piece cue but with a joint located 3/4 way down, used mainly by snooker players.