Success in the game of billiards depends primarily on the skill of the player. The second ingredient for success is a high-quality, durable and comfortable cue, which should feel like an extension of your own hand. In order to play the cue with pleasure, you need to choose the right one when buying.
It is necessary
Specialized store selling billiard accessories
Instructions
Step 1
Pay attention to the material from which the cue is made. If you need an inexpensive model, buy a cue made from maple wood, amarnt, wenge, rosewood, hornbeam. As for expensive models, they are made from rare wood species (for example, ebony or North American "sugar" maple) and can cost more than a thousand dollars, which, however, may not affect their playing properties in any way.
Step 2
Decide on the amount that you are going to spend on buying a cue. The most expensive cues are original cues made by hand from valuable wood species. But it may turn out that playing with such a cue is inconvenient. Decorative ornaments, inlay, engraving significantly increase the cost of the cue. Richly decorated cues made of precious woods are more suitable as a gift than as a tool for a good game.
Step 3
Decide what exactly you need a cue for - for playing with friends or for serious billiards practice. It depends on whether it is worth purchasing a high-quality expensive model or a budget option worth $ 100 - $ 300.
Step 4
Choose the optimal length, thickness and weight of the cue (standard length is 160 cm, weight is about 700 grams). Take the cue in hand to determine if it is comfortable for you to hold it. It should be borne in mind that it is more convenient for players of short stature to play with a cue with a forward balance. In terms of thickness, beginners will find it more convenient to use a cue with a thicker shaft, while pros prefer a cue with a smaller diameter. The thickness of the turn bar (the part of the cue that lies in the hand) does not affect the game and is chosen according to the principle of comfortable-inconvenient.
Step 5
Examine the cue for possible flaws. The color of the cue depends on the type of wood, finish, processing, coating. The stiffness of the cue is influenced by the number of cuts ("feathers"). The more of them on the shaft, the stiffer the cue will be, that is, it will not bend and spring when struck. This is essential for a high-level game.
