how would you design a good cue

[sanman]

Everyone talks about the virtues about this cue and that cue and how this cue is so good and that cue is rubbish and one member trashes a cue and another member says that cue is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Some members think older cues are better while some members feel that cues from a certain cue makers are better than others. What I would like to know is what makes a good cue. Like they say horses for courses but sticking solely to snooker what makes a good snooker cue. Let leave out brand and reputations in this discussion and discuss it from a cue-makers point of view. If you were a cue maker and were about to make a cue that you think would improve your game what would you do when making this cue. Lets discuss it solely in terms of weight balance maybe woods used and whether 1piece, ¾ or 2 piece etc etc etc. The emphasis being that the design of this cue must improve your game

[jonnylovessn8ker]

Everyone talks about the virtues about this cue and that cue and how this cue is so good and that cue is rubbish and one member trashes a cue and another member says that cue is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Some members think older cues are better while some members feel that cues from a certain cue makers are better than others. What I would like to know is what makes a good cue. Like they say horses for courses but sticking solely to snooker what makes a good snooker cue. Let leave out brand and reputations in this discussion and discuss it from a cue-makers point of view. If you were a cue maker and were about to make a cue that you think would improve your game what would you do when making this cue. Lets discuss it solely in terms of weight balance maybe woods used and whether 1piece, ¾ or 2 piece etc etc etc. The emphasis being that the design of this cue must improve your game

IF i were the cuemaker,
i would only do ebony butts.
i personally believe these things would actually improve your/my game
- i do 1 piece only
- a very good looking shaft, with a short ebony butt with extra long splice fingers. good looks give players confidence.
- a high balance, so something along 17-18'' from the butt, helps with bridges along and near cushions. and you dont have to feel the weight of the cue all focused on at the bottom of the butt.
- a thin butt diameter. i personally find that it really helps with the grip, thick butts somehow is harder to have a hold onto.
- on the heavier side, 18oz or above, because the weight slightly helps with the "flueny" of the stroke, with lighter cues, my wrist might move a bit

there

[Watford]

I would agree with most of Jonnys post but not all.

I think 1 piece is a must
I like quite long finger 7.5" is good.
Balance 17"-19"
Thinish Butt 28-29
I prefer a light cue 17-18 for snooker less for pool.
Nice graceful taper probably a little thinker for snooker than I would choose for myself.
Doesn't have to be ebony butt for any Rosewood etc fine by me.
9.5-10mm tip for snooker

Extremes are usually bad for snooker. Very heavy, very light, very big/small tip etc.

[totlxtc]

Just a little thought. But few cuemakers i have spoken to say Rosewood has a better feel to it. I cannot confirm this as true as been years since i tried a Rosewood cue, but i would like to see more around as ebony is getting harder and more expensive, and Rosewood can be very attractive.

[bongo]

Everyone talks about the virtues about this cue and that cue and how this cue is so good and that cue is rubbish and one member trashes a cue and another member says that cue is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Some members think older cues are better while some members feel that cues from a certain cue makers are better than others. What I would like to know is what makes a good cue. Like they say horses for courses but sticking solely to snooker what makes a good snooker cue. Let leave out brand and reputations in this discussion and discuss it from a cue-makers point of view. If you were a cue maker and were about to make a cue that you think would improve your game what would you do when making this cue. Lets discuss it solely in terms of weight balance maybe woods used and whether 1piece, ¾ or 2 piece etc etc etc. The emphasis being that the design of this cue must improve your game

You said in your post that everybody likes different things. There is no way that you can get a perfect cue, it's totally what you feel happy with. I fell into this trap when I was getting a new cue, trying to be absolutely perfect but I realised that even though a good cue is important, it was what I did on the table that mattered.

[KeithinFrance]

A good cue should be made from top quality materials, it's the only thing I think everyone can agree on!
Solid, stable, dried woods for the shafts and, for the butts, dense, dark black ebony or dense, stable rosewoods or macassar ebony and nicely figured exotics, for those looking for a bit of colour. Of course, all of these woods need to be chosen by an expert and then put together by an expert as well!
This should give us the basis for a great cue, which we can ask to be made to our specific requirements.

[RGCirencester]

A good cue should be made from top quality materials, it's the only thing I think everyone can agree on!
Solid, stable, dried woods for the shafts and, for the butts, dense, dark black ebony or dense, stable rosewoods or macassar ebony and nicely figured exotics, for those looking for a bit of colour. Of course, all of these woods need to be chosen by an expert and then put together by an expert as well!
This should give us the basis for a great cue, which we can ask to be made to our specific requirements.

I'd agree with most of that except two things...

1) the part in red as I prefer ebony that isn't "dark black" and perfect... I prefer ebony with streaks in it giving it a bit of colour.

2) you forgot to mention cocobola!!!


A good cue will have a responsive shaft and meet your specifications. Thats all there is to me really.

[burwatchampion]

I'd agree with most of that except two things...

1) the part in red as I prefer ebony that isn't "dark black" and perfect... I prefer ebony with streaks in it giving it a bit of colour.

2) you forgot to mention cocobola!!!


A good cue will have a responsive shaft and meet your specifications. Thats all there is to me really.

Then you want a Burwat Champion third edition

[unclevit]

1. Who's making it ? Experienced ?
2. Handle Woods - Good density, dried, hardwood, easy to work with ?
3. Designs - 1 pc. allows weight correction later more difficult. Taper Work ?
4. Designs - splices will also effect on weight balancing, and crafting hours.
5. Shaft - Key to playing quality. Good, well dried, Maple or Ash ? Density ?
Just my inputs.