The Parts of a Pool Cue

1

Pool Cue Tip

The pool cue tip strikes the ball, making it incredibly important to your game. Pool cue tips can be soft or hard depending on your personal preference, and average tip sizes range from 11mm up to 14mm.

2

Pool Cue Ferrule

The ferrule is the part that sits directly below the tip, usually white in color. It acts as the backbone of the cue tip, reducing vibration when striking the ball and protecting the shaft from the impact of each shot.

3

Collar

The collar strengthens the connecting pin of the joint to ensure that the power from the butt appropriately transfers to the shaft when you take a shot.

4

Joint

Sitting at the bottom of the shaft is the joint, which connects it to the butt. The joint may be made of metal, wood, or another material, and it may have a joint protector attached to protect it from damage when the cue is disassembled.

1

Joint Pin

Positioned at the top of the butt is the pin, usually made of metal, which connects directly to the pool cue shaft at the joint. The pin is what holds the two halves of the cue together.

2

Collar

The collar on the butt, typically positioned under the pin, serves the same function as the one on the shaft, transferring energy cleanly between the two halves of the cue on every shot.

3

Forearm

Aside from adding length to the stick, the forearm is primarily aesthetic. Many cues feature decorative designs on the forearm to suit the player's preference, from simple stain finishes to elaborate inlay work.

4

Pool Cue Inlays and Rings

Inlays and rings are decorative elements set into the forearm or butt sleeve, available in a wide variety of materials that often differ from the rest of the cue. Exotic inlays made of precious metals, shell, or high-end wood can significantly increase the price of the stick.

5

Pool Cue Wrap

The wrap has both a style component and a functional purpose, giving the player a better grip on the stick and absorbing moisture during play. Wraps are typically made of leather or linen, though rubber sport wraps and no-wrap options are also common.

6

Butt Sleeve

The butt sleeve sits below the wrap and provides overall balance to the stick. It is usually made from the same material as the forearm and shares the same finish or design.

7

Bumper

Typically made of rubber, the bumper sits at the very bottom of the butt to prevent scuffs and other damage when the cue is set down or transported.

What are the two main parts of a pool cue?+

The two main parts of a pool cue are the shaft and the butt. The shaft is the slimmer top portion that guides the cue and makes contact with the ball via the tip. The butt is the thicker bottom portion that you grip and draw power from. Together they form a fully assembled two-piece cue.

What does the ferrule do on a pool cue?+

The ferrule sits directly below the tip and acts as a buffer between the tip and the shaft wood. It absorbs and distributes the impact of each shot, reducing vibration and protecting the shaft from cracking over time. Most ferrules are white and made from phenolic resin, plastic polymer, or similar materials.

How does the joint affect how a pool cue plays?+

The joint connects the shaft and butt and has a direct impact on the feel and feedback of the cue. A tight, well-machined joint transfers energy cleanly and gives you a solid, consistent hit. The material of the joint, whether metal, wood, or a composite, affects how much vibration you feel and how the cue ball responds. See our joint types guide for a full breakdown by brand.

What is the purpose of the bumper on a pool cue?+

The bumper is the rubber cap at the very bottom of the butt. Its primary job is to protect the cue from damage when it is set down on the floor or placed in a case. A worn or missing bumper leaves the wood exposed and can cause chipping or cracking at the base of the butt over time. Replacement bumpers are inexpensive and easy to swap out.

Does the wrap material on a pool cue affect performance?+

Yes, though the effect is more about feel and grip than raw performance. Leather wraps provide a firm, natural grip that molds to your hand over time. Linen wraps have a tighter weave with good tackiness and are the most traditional choice. Rubber sport wraps are the tackiest option and work well for players whose hands perspire during play. No-wrap cues give you direct contact with the wood and transmit the most vibration feedback. The right choice depends on your grip style and how your hands respond during longer sessions.

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