How to Compare Pool Cues

Pool is a cue-based game popularized in the 1800s.

Pool is a popular cue-based game similar to billiards and also referred to as pocket billiards. Choosing the right pool cue is important if you plan on playing pool to a higher standard. Compare different pool cues to decide which one will best suit your needs and fit your budget. Pool cues usually are made from wood or aluminum and can range in price from $10 to several thousand dollars.

Instructions

1. Compare materials. Some cues are made out of aluminum and are relatively inexpensive for beginners. BilliardWorld.com, a website dedicated to cue-based games, recommends spending between $50 and $175 for a serious beginner cue made of rock maple wood.

2. Consider a collapsible cue. Cues come either as a single piece or in two pieces that screw together. If the cue will be used at home, a single-piece cue is better. If you plan to take the cue to pool halls or bars, a screw-apart design will help with transportation.

3. Try the cue. Before parting with your money, make sure the cue feels comfortable in your hands. Make sure the weighting at the end of the cue is comfortable for your style of play. You shouldn't have to spend extra money to find a comfortable cue.

4. Check for flaws. Make sure the cue is not warped or bent and there are no chips in the varnish before you buy. Try the weighted end of the cue on the ground and standing over the tip. Look down the shaft of the cue to see if the wood is bent or warped.

References

• Billiard World: About
• Billiard Word: Sticks