Pool Player Resource Guide
Whether you’re new to pool and want to know how to choose the best cue, or are upgrading to your first player’s pool cue, you probably have a few questions. Although we provide the most affordable player cues on the market, our cues are high quality and cost more than off the rack cues you might buy at a big box sporting good’s store. Cue Innovation player cues are an investment, and so this page is to help guide you in making the best choice for your investment so you can get maximum enjoyment out of your pool cue.
Choosing your first players pool cue.
Congratulations, you’re ready to take your pool game to the next level by investing in a pool cue that delivers consistent performance. You have a lot of options, so it’s understandable that choosing the right cue can be a challenge. The good news is you’re not alone. We get calls every day from new pool players and people shopping for gifts that aren’t sure where to start.
What makes a good pool cue?
Unlike off the shelf pool cues, a good pool cue is made of high-grade materials, like 100% Canadian Hard Rock Maple. Almost every good player cue will feature a Hard Rock Maple shaft. Maple is important because of its warp and ding-resistant properties. 100% Canadian is important because it lets you know that the wood is not coming from China or Europe where inferior soft woods are typically used.
How does a player’s cue feel different?
The first thing to remember is the cue is yours. Playing with your own cue every time allows you to develop a feel and comfort level knowing how the cue is going to perform on every strike. The grip has the wrap that you like, and the weight is adjusted to your preference. Your player’s cue will have a longer and more professional taper (the shape of your cue from the joint to the tip). A professional taper is a more gentile taper that results in a smoother and more consistent stroke.
Why are two-piece cues better?
Two-piece cues are almost always considered a step up from one-piece cues. Some big box stores do sell two-piece cues, but they’re typically made of plastic or low-quality soft wood. With a two-piece cue you get better quality, easy portability, and more customized design choices.
What is a jump cue?
Jump cue are short cues with really hard tips. They’re designed to make it easier to jump balls while maintaining control. Jump cues are used any time you’re trying to maneuver the ball out of a really tight spot.
Why do I need a break cue?
Break cues are important because they save the life of your playing cue. Breaking with your regular cue can damage it over time and cause the tip to wear out fast. Break cues feature a stronger ferrule and have a harder tip. The ferrule and tip allow you to hit the ball with strong force without damaging the cue or the tip.
What defines a quality player’s cue?
- Material – Your cue should come with a 100% Hard Rock Canadian Maple shaft. This ensures the shaft is straight and will not warp.
- Treatment – Your cue shaft should be treated with a wood stabilizer to protect from atmospheric changes. Most big box wood cues are not treated.
- Ferrule – A fiber ferrule is ideal. Plastic ferrules will chip and crack.
- Tip – Leather tips hold chalk the best and promote consistent solid strikes.
- Wraps – Genuine leather wraps have a great feel, but ultimately the wrap choice is up to you. Leather feels soft in the hand, but not great if your hands sweat a lot. Linen wraps are a classic cue wrap and are good if your hands tend to get sweaty.
Which Cue Innovations cue is best for me?
Start by browsing our playing cues. Read the description and specifications for each cue. You’ll notice that the materials are all high-quality materials, the same materials we’ve referenced above. What choosing a Cue Innovations cue will ultimately come down to is design and type of use. If you’re still not sure after browsing all of the options, contact us and one of our pool cue experts can help you zero down on the perfect cue.