is it worth it buying a new cue?

[JoeNut]

I think i already know the answer to this but i'd like some opinions.

I've recently started playing snooker, having had a Ronnie BCE cue bought for me like 2 years ago, i know that they're probably rubbish but i don't really know any different right now.
The only problem is that the joint in the middle isn't true, and so there is an edge, rather than them meeting up perfectly like they should, and it rubs slightly on my chin.

I don't know whether this is really affecting my play because i'm rubbish at the moment anyway, but i am conscious of it and am curious if it's worth me spending XXX amount of pounds on a new cue.

my club is selling cues with cases and mini extensions for £35 but im guessing they're not very good either.

I don't think there's a way of fixing the thread, or i'd do it (im an engineer) so should i just get a semi-decent cue from somewhere for like £60?

Or maybe just use the clubs cues that you borrow from them, although im guessing this isnt recommended.

[noel]

is it worth it buying a new cue?

Ask the Master's Champion 2009.

Seriously, Nut, do not buy a cue.

Invest in a cue.
You deserve it!
Learn to play up to the value of your cue... earn it!
You will practice and play more with greater enjoyment... only.... one little thing...
forget about using the "my cue sucks" excuse any more!




=o)

Noel

[JoeNut]

lol was that a joke? that was really cheesy!

and im not using an excuse! but im a learner and i know it takes a lot of practice to be good, that's why im wondering if ill be able to get a better cue for around 60 quid, or i should stick to this one and hope it nots affecting my game.

[RGCirencester]

I hear where your coming from the joint point of view. I currently have a chinese cue which turned out to play quite well, but the joint is no where near flush and after about 4 hours it really starts to hurt.
But the best advice i would give is don't expect to play much better just because you have a better cue. It is after all down to the person holding it in the end.
Maybe you could ask to play with one of the £35 cues in your local club for a few hours, that way you can decide if you like it or not. It's probably not the best cue in the world but that doesn't mean it won't be perfect in your eyes.
And to go along with what noel said, a cue is an investment. You should buy one because you want somehting that will last and you can be proud of.
60 Pounds isnt really that much money to spend on a cue, especially given the ammount some people spend on this web site! I would say second hand would be your best bet for getting a decent cue in that price bracket. But i would ask to try the £35 pound one first to see if you get along with it or not if you feel you don't wish to spend more.

[nam1977]

I believe yes you should get a new cue, but price shouldn't be the important factor of this new cue.
It should be the spec that is important, cause trying to improve with the wrong spec cue won't happen or it'll take ages to happen.
So remeber it doesn't matter if you get a £20 cue or a £1000 cue, just get the specs right.
And never think you're not worthy of a new cue, cause once you get the specs ie length, weight, tip size ect right you'll improve alot sooner than you would trying to improve with something that won't suit or fit you.
Once you found your right specs it won't matter who you get your cue from cause you will never have to keep adjusting your play/technique to suit different cue specs.
It'll just comes down to personal taste of cue design or maker you prefer.
Good luck with it.

[1lawyer]

I agree with Nam

[nam1977]

I agree with Nam

Thanks 1lawyer!

Another thing I would like to add,
you should always, or at least, at every opportunity, play with the right spec or pfreferably your own correct spec cue always.
Master your cue to help you master your play/techinque.
What I mean by this is when everything becomes second nature, your stance, how far your bridge hand is from cue ball, how far your hand is from your chest for the perfect pendulam action, how much cue you have from back hand to bridge hand, how far your back swing should go before tip reaches your finger tips and much more.
Only when all that becomes instinct, automatic, second nature, subconciously,
Should you muck about with different cues and specs.
Because by then what ever cue you use you will automaticaly hold it right, ie a longer cue you will subconciously hold further up the butt to create the right length cue, your hands will be placed correctly, cueing will always be the same (arm not more bent or more straight) etc cause your mind and body co-ordination is so used to it.
Ever heard the saying, "why did I play good the other night, but crap today arrrrrrrrrrggghhhhh!!"
This is one of the factors to that.
Alot of club players just grab from the rack not knowing today they're using a 57" the next a 58" cue or in between, which probably is not the even right spec to start with for that person. Witness this all the time in my club (you can see from their height to the length of cue ususaly, or their arm length).
Like they say a inch is like a mile for a snooker cue which can make a hell of a difference.
Did I go to deep

Hope this helps a little.

Good luck again, and again yes you're worth a new cue

[KeithinFrance]

Yes. I also agree with Nam's first post. Second post is too deep for a beginner, IMO.

[Shanghai Matt]

just get a cue that doesnt bother you when you play with it. if you'r consious of a problem with it then that will always be on your mind when your playing, and wont do your game any good.

[RGCirencester]

I agree with all the points above which is actually why i suggested he should try the 35 pound cues at his local club before he buys. It is very hard to decide what spec cue you are after and the only real way i find is to try as many as possible. It doesn't matter how good the cue is as long as you are happy with it.

[JoeNut]

thanks for the replies guys, im going to a shop tomorow to see what they've got, and if i can't find anything i like for a reasonable amount of money ill have a look at the ones at my club and see what i think of them.

I think the cue i have now suits me, with length and tip size, but i don't really know any different.

[KeithinFrance]

Which shop're you going to go to?

[JoeNut]

there's apparently one near where i live that i never knew about, i don't think it will be today now, but probably next saturday instead. Ill just use my current one for the next week.

[KeithinFrance]

Is it a good shop, where you'll get good advice? Ask around and see what people think and if there's someone you know with a bit of experience and "cue knowledge", ask them if they'll go with you and help you to choose. It's so easy to get sucked into buying a bad, but good-looking, cue if you don't know what you're looking for.

Good luck!

[Burwat Champ]

I would advise reading the advice pages on Mike Wooldridge site almost any question you could have regarding a new cue is answered on those pages.