What Is My Budget for a Pool Cue?
Price is likely going to be a primary factor when buying your first pool table sticks or upgrading to something better. Like buying golf clubs, baseball bats or any other pieces of sports equipment, your budget and your level of engagement often dictate what you buy. Simply looking to shoot some friendly games of billiards with friends and family at home? You might not be able to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a pool cue or thousands of dollars on a custom pool stick. However, if you're interested in being more competitive in leagues and tournaments, that extra cost probably makes sense to you.
The good news: Regardless of how much you hope to spend or how enthusiastic you are, you can still walk away with a quality pool cue stick that will help you enjoy the game even more. FCI Billiards sells the best pool cue brands in the industry. You can get started with a good pool stick for less than $100. Ready to take the next step? We carry pool cues for players of all levels.
Should I Get a One-Piece or Two-Piece Pool Cue Stick?
This is mostly for convenience and personal preference, as a two-piece pool stick is easier to take with you if you plan to play at different venues or in a league. If you're just going to play at home on your own table, a one-piece pool cue is completely acceptable. Keep in mind that since it's typical for more serious players to travel from table to table, all of the better pool cues for sale are of the two-piece variety and should be transported in pool cue cases.
How Long is a Pool Cue?
Standard pool cue sticks are 58 inches long and are suitable for adults from 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-5. Taller players may choose a longer pool cue up to 61 inches. Kids and shorter adults should use a pool stick between 48 and 52 inches long.
How Much Does a Pool Cue Weigh?
A typical pool cue stick is 19 ounces, although pool cues weighted from 18oz to 21oz are very common.
The most important thing is that the best pool cue's length and weight will feel right for you. You want to control the pool stick with enough mass and reach to make any shot on the table.
What Are Pool Cue Wraps?
Wraps (or grips) add style and comfort to the back end of the pool cue stick where your hand grips the cue. Wraps can be crafted from various materials including nylon, Irish linen, leather, rubber, silicone or plain polished wood.
What Are the Best Pool Cue Tips?
The tip of a pool cue is obviously important since it is the contact point with the ball and affects the impact. Advanced players often prefer a smaller diameter tip, allowing them to fine-tune their shots with precise English. Beginners and casual players should opt for a larger diameter, which provides more margin of error when striking the ball. Pool cue tips also come in different levels of hardness, affecting how the cue tip strikes the ball. General players are best off choosing a medium density, giving them a balanced tip for most game situations.
How Important Are Looks in a Pool Stick?
Let's face it. There's a cool factor that accompanies a really nice pool cue. Players very easily become attached to their cues, and a good-looking piece of equipment can have an intangible effect on how one plays the game. Serious players want to show their passion for the sport, so a custom-engraved pool table stick with creative designs is a great way to express their individuality in a league or large tournament. Blue, pink, red or gold: A nice pool stick can give you confidence at the table.
Why Should I Get a Better Pool Cue?
Quality equipment helps you succeed in anything you do. It's true: The best professional pool cues won't transform your game on their own. Likewise, a ragged bar room pool stick off the wall in the hands of a master is still likely to be pretty effective. But a good piece of equipment from one of the best pool cue brands will allow you to reach your potential much easier. You don't want to fight a poorly weighted, warped pool table stick with a worn tip when you are trying to become a better player. If you're truly interested in playing the game, do yourself a favor and invest in a quality pool cue that fits your style and budget.