A good cue is vital, regardless of whether you are new to the game or an experienced player. Pool cues can come in a wide range of materials so you can get the most out your game. To make sure you find the right pool cue, you have many options.
One of the most striking features of an American poolcue is its thick plastic ferrule. This holds the cue tips in place. It acts as an absorber and helps reduce vibrations from hitting a shot. Many pool cues also have a wrap to absorb moisture and provide extra friction. You can either choose a rubber wrap to absorb hard hits or a more gentle wrap to reduce abrasiveness.
The shaft of the cue is usually made of wood, although modern cues can be made of exotic materials like ebony, ivory, and even pine. The cue's length can vary from 57 inches to 58 inches. Some models have a second joint in their butt. The more complex designs have multiple sections and can be extended to add weight.
Most modern cues have joints that are precision machined. Because they are straight, instead of conical, they retain their shot power. This feature has helped to keep the cost of these pool cues down. However, a loose joint can affect the accuracy of a shot, especially if the joint is made of metal.
American pool cues consist mainly of maple, which makes them quite light. However, some brands use blackwood, which is more forgiving and softer. There are two options. One is to purchase a cue with the shaft and tip separated. Some cues are three-piece, with the main joint located in the middle.
You should buy a two-piece cue that has an invisible wood-to–wood joint if you want to play pool. This allows you add weight to the tip for greater power or to remove all of it for a shorter stroke.
You need to choose whether you want an American-spec and a British-spec pool ue. A British-spec cue is better suited for shooting larger balls. American-spec cues tend to hit smaller balls. You might also find cues with a half-ounce of weight.
You want a pool cue that has a thick ferrule. The ferrule needs to be thick enough that it can absorb much of the force you apply when you hit the ball. You can lose control of your shot if the ferrule is too loose.
You should also look at the tip size and ferrule material when buying an American pool cue. The tips of an American pool cue tend to be larger and more difficult than those of a British-spec one. Although these tips have more power, they can lead to more miscues.