Trying out different cue specs.

[Neville Baguley]

As I mentioned on my intro thread (10th Feb 2010) I am an oldie who now has the time to pay more attention to his game. I am slowly improving but no big breaks yet, however consistency is much better.

Can anyone advise me on how to access a variety of quality cues so that I can try out different specs etc?

How do I know whether or not I would prefer a light cue over a heavy one, a 15.5" balance or 17", a stiff cue over a whippy one, a soft tip or a hard one or any variation of the above without being able to try them all out?

My cue is 57.5", 17.25ozs, 15.5" p.o.b. one piece ash. I like it but like I say, how do I know I wouldn't much prefer a different spec unless I am able to try them out?

Frustrated and bewildered ,

Nev.

[flame]

you won't know till you try,ask to play with your snooker buddies cues to try them,you'll probably be surprised how different they could be,not saying they'll suit you,but you'll have a better idea, hope this helps.

[RGCirencester]

or go down to craftsman cues in leeds or greenbaize. both will have cues you can try

[Bigmeek]

Neville I think with cues there's too many things to think about and you'll tie yourself in knots searching for the one that's right for you. There is a bit of science involved in selecting the right cue if you want to get into that out of interest. (I've been there seen it done it!). Things like length of arms (for cue length) and size of hands (for butt circumference) all play a part. Most folks, however, just ty a few cues and miraculously decide.......I like that one. I think the brain must somehow work out all the variables itself!!
Personally I think getting a good tip is the most important thing since that's what hits the cue ball. Doesn't need to be top of the range. Just right size (not too small?) for your standard of play. Needs to be correct shape. Second thing for me would be weight. I notice you play with a 17.25oz. Me likewise. I was told that I would need something heavier for power shots and gave an 18oz a try. Couldn't get used to it and decided that power shots wasn't really the way I play the game.
If you can visit Craftsman and try a few out it might help you decide on a few things but I think you will be able to improve if you carry on with what you've got.

[Watford]

I went to Craftsman and Greenbaize.
I actually went to Craftsman a few times. I didn't get a cue from there but I bought loads of extras and my mate bought a cue and case.
I actually surprised myself as I seemed to prefer lighter cues which I didn't know till I tryed a few. I built up a picture of what I wanted and got a custom in the end.
Trying them out really helped me though.

I've mention this before but I still regret not buying an old Hixon for £90 when it was there. it was only 14-15oz so I thought it just too light. I got home and thought I liked it should have bought it. After a couple of weeks thought sod it went back and it was gone.

It is worth saying I think that generally unless you are very tall, short or an Orangutan standard spec is normally around what is best to have.
For snooker
57-58"
9.5-10mm tip
29-31mm butt
17-18" balance
I'd say 17-18oz (others may disagree)

My cue is actually less than 17oz it was closer to 16 when I got it and was good for pool but it felt light on the snooker table. I actually never play snooker anymore pretty much all pool now. Where I think a lighter cue gives a better touch.
Your current cue sounds butt heavy to me. Horses for cources like.

Tip is a funny one. I don't like having a very hard tip but I hate to change my tip. This doesn't always go together. I find myself trying a few then keeping one for ages till it dies. I get really upset when I have to change again.

[Neville Baguley]

Thanks

Many thanks for the comments chaps, useful advice from all.