Now that we have found out why it is important to choose the right pool cue, it is time to answer the most important question: HOW do I choose the right pool cue?”
Luckily for you, I have the answers you are looking for!
The pool cue, like every other instrument, has several different but equally crucial aspects. When having to choose the right cue, all of these aspects have to be taken into consideration as they can and will determine the quality of your game. These aspects, including the material of both the cue itself, the cue tip as well as the weight and size of the pool cue will make a difference in the nature of your game - something you do not want to put at risk.
That being said, let’s get into the discussion about what actually combines a good pool cue and how to be able to know if it indeed is the right cue for you.
Contrary to what people may think, the size of the pool stick does matter and it is the first factor that needs to be considered when purchasing a pool cue.
My best advice, when deciding about your pool cues length, is to be mindful of your own height. For instance, the most standard length of a pool cue is 58 inches, which translates to approximately 147 cm.
However, for players above the average height, this length would not be appropriate, which is why you can get small “extensions” to put on the butt of the cue to extend the length. These extensions are also very handy when having to stretch for a shot instead of using the bridge. Extensions are virtually weightless and do not affect the balance.
Just like the length of the cue, another important aspect is the weight.
Actually, the weight of the cue, more often than not, comes as a secondary factor even though, in my humble opinion, it should not be. Your skills can indeed be affected dramatically by the weight of your cue, so be very careful and please know that most players begin with a 19 oz. cue. Using a lighter weight stick (18-19 oz.) can give more “snap” in your stroke.
Since the pool cues are available in different weights, you may ask how exactly to determine what weight is suitable for you?
I would recommend that the butt should not feel ‘too light’ nor ‘too heavy’, but please note that it is the weight of the complete cue, including the shaft, that should give you a relaxed and suitable feeling in your hand.
The truth is - even though the cue’s weight is distributed throughout the whole cue, most of the weight lies in the butt end since it, without an exception, is always much heavier than the shaft. This only means that the heaviest part of the cue itself lies within your backhand.
In general, the weight of the pool cues differs between 17 and 21 oz, which translates to 0.48 kg to 0.6 kg. Cues’ with a weight that ranges between 17 and 20 oz (0.4 kg to 0.5 kg) are considered ‘lighter’ cues, while the ones ranging between 20 to 21 oz (0.5 kg to 0.6 kg) are considered ‘heavier’. The most common weight, however, is between 18,5 oz - 19,5 oz (0.51 kg to 0.54 kg) for a playing cue. For a break cue, it is slightly heavier.
With this in mind, I highly suggest trying out several different weights if you are looking to buy your first pool cue. This way, you will be able to find out which cue feels comfortable in your hand as well as how much control that specific cue weight allows in your overall game. If you already have a cue, but wish for another and perhaps higher quality cue, you can use the weight and balance of your existing cue to help choose your new cue.
If you thought that the cue tip is not as important as the length and the weight of the pool cue, you got this all wrong.
Opposite to the pool stick, the tip is the actual part of the cue that interacts with the ball, which means that it determines the ball’s reaction to your shot. When choosing the cue tip, it is vital to opt for a material and hardness that attributes to your own specific game style and which also fits your shaft!
The softer tips do have a tendency to put a higher spin on the cue ball and have more grip on soft draw shots, while the harder tips do not. The harder tips also are known to last much longer than the soft tips. If you are playing with a fiber shaft, it is a good idea to check with your maker of your shaft and ask what kind of tip would be suitable.
Oh, and yes - let’s not forget the size of the tip!
Just like the pool cues, the cue tip comes in different sizes too. The standard size of the tip is 13 mm, however, nowadays, 12,4 mm and 12,8 mm tip sizes are considered very standard. The smaller the tip, the more spin it puts on the ball and the greater the chance is to miss your target with a so-called ‘miscue’.
Most important is that the cue tip fits your type and size shaft and that it is not to hard or too soft, and also not too high or too low. In conclusion - it all comes down to your own preference and game style.
As already mentioned, the pool cue’s butt helps determine your shot since it is the part of the pool cue that you hold most tightly. This is why choosing the wrap of the pool cue is completely subjective and massively different for all players. The butt of the cue - as the part that touches your skin the most, logically, greatly affects the grip and therefore also the control you have over the shot.
The different cue sticks’ grip options that are available are no wrap, leather, leather strips or linen.
So, interestingly enough, to find out which material would work the best for you, you have to be completely honest with yourself.
I know, we have all been there, and it is not easy to admit you have sweaty hands, but such an insight will change the game for you. Quite literally. If you do sweat a lot, I advise you to stay away from pool cues with bare wood as they will not provide a good grip for you and will ultimately become slippery. The same applies for the leather wraps as well.
The Conclusion
Easier said than done. Choosing the right pool cue for you may sound easy, but it really asks for some consideration from your side. That is why I encourage you to go through the points, that we just talked about – only then you will know exactly what you are looking for before purchasing your pool cue.
This does not mean that you should be afraid to change the pool cue if you realize it is not working for you - or when you wish to take your game to the next level, but believe me when I say it - knowing exactly what you look for in a cue will help you recognize “the one” for you as soon as you get your hands on it.
All the best,
Niels ‘THE TERMINATOR’ Feijen
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Just like any other game, in billiards, the equipment makes all the difference.
]]>To best understand the importance of the pool cues, consider it your weapon and the pool table - the battlefield. It is a situation where only one can win. You indeed can try and calculate your rival’s next move all you want, but not holding a proper and functional weapon in your hand means you have lost the battle before it even began.
Now, let’s go back to real life.
As a person who would like to improve their pool game and take it to the next level, you should definitely think of investing in your own pool cue stick. Gone are the days of using bar and pool hall sticks. If you would like to be better, you first have to act like it.
In the process of choosing the perfect pool cue for you (emphasis on “ for you”), you need to ask yourself these two important questions that will help you make the right decision:
Once you have the answers to both questions, it is time for your hunt to start.
Is it necessary to mention that the longer you wish your pool cue to last, the more expensive it will be? It makes sense, doesn’t it?
In case you plan on (frequently) changing the cue stick to test what type or brand best works for you, then I highly suggest looking for a cue that fits your price range.
However, if you already have an idea of what kind of pool cue (regarding length, weight, as well as cue tip) you are looking for, I advise you to invest in a cue stick that is made from more quality, sturdy and durable materials, all of which generate a higher price. Do not let the price change your mind as such an investment is always worth making.
This being said, you could not come across this article at a better time.
Luckily, there currently is a 10% discount on all pool cues in my shop, which would and should make your decision easier.
If you know a thing or two about professional pool games, you would already know about the Longoni brand and how much I believe in their work - which is exactly why I trust them with my own cue sticks. Opting for Longoni pool cues is something you cannot go wrong with, so feel free to take a look and begin your journey of becoming a champion.
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The year is 1945. The location is Mariano Commense, near Milan, Italy. World War II has just ended.
An ambitious man, named Alessandro Longoni, decides to start his own workshop for the repair and production of billiard tables and cues. Remarkably in love with the billiard sports, Longoni aimed for the best. Little did he know back then, the best indeed was yet to come.
Existing for more than 75 years now, Longoni SRL represents a synonym for quality, high-end, respect, fame, and history in the billiard games.
Alessandro Longoni himself, trained at a historic Milanese company "F.Lli Della Chiesa", thanks to the experience gained, best knew how to offer exactly what was needed in the industry. Along with several neighboring towns, Alessandro’s hometown, Mariano Comense, was already well-known for exceptional woodworking - something that will play a huge role in the overall success of the company. Due to having no machinery at the beginning, the Longoni family did everything by hand, which led to their work being almost instantly recognized and utterly appreciated.
The ’60s, as a time when the economy was at its peak in Italy, were quite a significant and successful era for the brand as well. The company’s structure, already established, involved heirs that showed interest in learning the craft. Renzo Longoni, with his wife Francesca Luzzi, both had a huge stake in the company as they were considered the managerial soul of it.
Today, the Longoni group is run and managed by Pierluigi Longoni who devoted himself to continuing the family heritage, never compromising on the quality of the Longoni products. Internationally known and respected, Longoni cues are customized for diverse carom billiards disciplines such as artistic billiards, five-pin, three-cushion, as well as Russian pyramid and pool cues. The company’s hallmark is the unusual butt design of the cues that often include intricate inlay ornaments, sewn-in leather strips, and octagonal cuts.
Apart from their original designs, the company has worked with some of the biggest names in the billiards sports such as Dick Jaspers, Frederic Caudron, as well as myself, Niels Feijen, that led to several new lines of Longoni pool and carom cues being created over the years with champions’ help in design.
One of the most significant aspects of the company’s culture is sustainability as the brand has always placed a focus on human resources’ protection and environmental policies. Such practices especially developed and respected over the last decade, allowed the company to contribute to the CO2 emissions, reduction of energy consumption, and with that create a safer and healthier work environment.
With all this said, it is almost unnecessary to mention how honorable it is to collaborate with a brand like Longoni. Up until now, I had the chance to work side by side with Longoni’s creators and founders, to design and create three different unique lines of pool cues.
As found on the shop’s website, “Flames” is the 6th signed model, peculiarly made, with such attention to detail and professionalism. The cue can be found in four different variants such as Longoni leather strips, linen, leather, and of course, wood.
The process of making my “Flames” cue, can be found on my YouTube channel, where I spent the whole day at the Longoni Factory, creating a short documentary for the thought, work, and effort that goes into creating such a gem.
“Luna Nera”, as a forceful concept shaft, is a model created for pool and carom billiards disciplines. The purpose of this model, as mentioned in the product description is to match the different requirements billiard sports players have.
The third and final line of cues is the “Sparkle”, probably among the most prestigious models. Made with Ural Blackwood, involving a pure black design with a Vp2 joint, the “Sparkle” is a true masterpiece available in three types of grip such as Irish Linen, Italian leathered black, and curly maple.
Needless to say, the products of the Longoni brand undoubtedly offer reliability and power - aspects extremely meaningful in billiard games. “Made in Italy since 1945” evokes not only reputation but also trust in a game world where nothing else but your set of eyes, composure, and focus can be trusted.
And frankly, that says everything you need to know about the power of the Longoni name in the world of billiards.
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