Cues and performance?

[FILA]

Hi!

I am a below average player, maximum break 40 and I would like to buy a new cue. Can anyone tell me how did a new, better cue effect your game? Were your cue ball control and consistency really that much better, straight long pots or screw shots easier? I know they probably were, but can anyone give me some good descriptions about their improvement?

[gettingbetter]

Its a bit of a myth that a cue will help your performance, unless you are using a tree branch. As long as your cue is straight and not too whippy, you should be all right. In saying that though, a new cue might, and take this with a pinch of salt, it just might improve your performance mentally more than anything.

Usually getting a new cue means that you will spend more money on it, subsequently, you will more than likely practice more often.

[FILA]

Its a bit of a myth that a cue will help your performance, unless you are using a tree branch. As long as your cue is straight and not too whippy, you should be all right. In saying that though, a new cue might, and take this with a pinch of salt, it just might improve your performance mentally more than anything.

Usually getting a new cue means that you will spend more money on it, subsequently, you will more than likely practice more often.

I think so myself, but I didn't try it, because I never bought a good cue. Your answer is something what most players would say, but I would like to hear from those, if there are any, who actually improved their game after getting a new cue and think that the cue quality and balance are the main reason.

[mchpddl1]

personally i play best with a cue that i do not feel most comfortable when hold in my palm. Its very forward balanced and feel uncomfortable, but it is the only cue i am able to consistently make 50+ break.

On the other hand when i hold a very well balanced cue one -piece, i cannot play well. pot 2 balls, break down, again and again.

It might be balance issue. its something hard to explain, but you should try different balance and decide, rather than "good cue" (expensive cue?)

[pigeonslayer]

In the last week I have had a new cue, I wont be using it for a couple of weeks, but as the spec is quite different to what I am currently using I am expecting some changes to my game.

For the last 12 years i have used a light (16oz) cue with a large tip (11mm), my new cue is heavier at 18oz and has a smaller tip (10mm), and represents a return to the type of cue i had played with previously.

I appreciate that the descreased tip size will mean my striking from close to the cushion will be detrimentally affected, but hope that this will be more than compensated by tighter cue ball control!!!

but as the previosu poster said i do intend to spend more time practising and therefore would anticipate an improvemnt because of this.

The improvement associated to a new cue though is pyschological, unless you were completely unsuited to your previous cue, or undertake some coaching at the same time.
A good cue does not make a good player.

[KeithinFrance]

I'd disagree a bit from those who say a new cue won't affect your game, as it all depends on what you had before! If you have a bad cue, and you buy a good quality, well-balanced cue with a good quality, consistent shaft, then I would expect your game to improve. Not only will you have confidence in your new, better cue but you will also be able to play your shots better than before, as well. I'd also imagine that as the cue reacts more consistently to the various shots you play, you yourself will become more consistent.

It will not, however, pot balls for you, nor improve your technique for you, but it should improve your play within your limits if you practise enough.

[brettski]

A new cue can help you but I would say if your old cue was straightish and the tip was ok it was fine, the main thing your new cue does is force you to concentate more than usual. I see it down the club when people have a new cue, they pay more attention to shots and cueing not wanting to make a mistake. The next month once they have got used to it they get worse again. There are of course cues that will help you if they are more suited to you, for instance a heavier/lighter cue that may suit your game or a smaller tipped cue.

[poolqjunkie]

I hate using a rubbish cue with a rubbish tip, it makes me feel like playing with my hands tied.

I think a good balanced cue, with the right length, and the right butt diameter, with a good tip, would help you enjoy your game much more. Just something that suits you, does not have to be expensive.

[CTquick147]

I hate using a rubbish cue with a rubbish tip, it makes me feel like playing with my hands tied.

I think a good balanced cue, with the right length, and the right butt diameter, with a good tip, would help you enjoy your game much more. Just something that suits you, does not have to be expensive.

Absolutely! There can be no question that playing with a good cue makes a world of difference. I speak from experience when I say this, and poolqjunkie is spot on about the cue not being expensive. It's having a cue with the specs that best suit your style, stroke, and body type that's key, and it doesn't matter if it's a fifty$ rack cue or an expensive custom one, if it feels right when you're playing, then it's good enough. I went from being a horrible high-handicapper in my wednesday night league, to being a low handicapped season champion and winner of the high-break prize in a few months after getting my first, good cue. It changed my game for the better very quickly. Having a cue I feel at ease with gives me a real sense of confidence at the table.

Two months ago, I decided to sell the cue I have been playing with for the past five years, the reason being I wanted something a hair lighter, with aslightly slimmer tip, and an SD joint which my old cue didn't have.

The cue I have now is quite different than my old one, which was a very expensive custom Kevin Deroo. My new cue cost $200 plus shipping from the UK, I found it on e-bay, it's a simple one piece Mastercue, and I'm thrilled with it. And just as before, my game picked up quickly.

[Rethunk]

Can anyone tell me how did a new, better cue effect your game?

One thing a new cue will do is make you conscious of your stroke mechanics. If you've played with the same cue for a while, then you may not be aware of minor faults that have crept into your stroke.

When you play with a different cue--it doesn't have to be a "better" cue so long as the tip is good--you will compensate for the difference in weight and balance by correcting minor problems in your stroke stroke mechanics. This can result in a real improvement in performance. This effect can last days, or perhaps even a few weeks. (The boost in performance from a new tool applies to fields beyond snooker.)

If you feel you've plateaued, then consider taking a lesson or having your stroke critiqued by a good player or a qualified instructor. This can prove to be cheaper (and possibly more valuable) than a new cue.

If you follow up the purchase of a new cue with regular, focused drills at the table you should expect to see incremental improvement.

Good luck.