Have you been browsing through our selection of snooker cues and are not sure of which one is the right one for you? We’ve put together a short guide to help you choose the perfect snooker cue.
- Materials.
The best quality snooker cues are made of maple wood or ash wood. There are many other types of woods which you can choose from, including rosewood and snakewood which are used in more luxurious cues. Different types of wood will have different grain lines, colours and feel.
There are also modern alternatives to wooden cues, including fibreglass cues and graphite cues. We would recommend choosing a snooker cue that you feel comfortable with, durable and easy to handle.
Person shooting a cue ball.
It is also important to consider the wrap material. The cue wrap is intended to increase the grip on your shooting hand. It’s important to try different types of wraps, including linen, leather and nylon or even try a wrapless cue to see which one suits how you play.
- Joint position.
There are three main types of snooker cues: one-piece snooker cues, two piece snooker cues and three quarter jointed snooker cues.
One-piece cues are produced by one single square of wood. These have no joints and thus, cannot be taken apart. Whilst, two-piece cues and ¾ jointed cues can be easily taken apart by unscrewing their joints.
Many players choose traditional one-piece cues as it gives them a more solid hit, however, it comes down to personal preference. These cues are ideal for home play. Two-piece cues and ¾ jointed cues are also great options plus, provide a higher level of portability compared to one-piece cues as these can be taken apart and easily transported.
- Weight.
Traditional cue weights can vary between 453g and 510g, however, some professional players use heavier cues that weight more than 600g. That said, some professional players prefer lighter cues, including John Spencer, Terry Griffiths and Mark Williams.
Lighter cues are most commonly recommended to beginners to develop a correct technique when starting out, but when it comes down to it, what matters is how the cue feels when playing. Playing with a cue that is too heavy or too light might cause you to have to work harder than necessary for certain shots, so simply pick the cue that feels right in your hand.
- Tip.
Even though the cue itself has to feel comfortable, the tip of the cue is the most important part as it can make or break your performance. Cue tips differ in diameter, surface area, hardness grades and styles.
Most players use 9mm tips, but they can go up to 11mm. Larger tips allow for more power and are usually recommended for beginners, whilst smaller tips provide higher precision, but it takes good cueing to keep control of the ball.
Person playing snooker with friends.
Additionally, the hardness of cue tips varies. A harder tip may last longer than a softer one, however, without proper care, the surface of the tip can become glossy which can reduce the friction between the tip and the ball. A softer tip may tend to collapse on contact, pushing the ball off course and it will degrade faster from abrasion. Ideally, you will want something in between.
- Design.
Design won’t affect how you play; however, a good-looking cue might give you the confidence you need to take certain shots.
- Maintenance.
The most important thing to consider is that you will have to take good care of your snooker cue for it to last a long time. Consider purchasing a snooker cue case to properly protect your new snooker cue. Remember that you shouldn’t leave it against a wall because it can start to warp or in a place where it can be easily knocked over.
Visit our showrooms today to see which cue is the right one for you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our team on 01462 743803.