cue length

[wayync]

Hi, I was wondering what is the best way to determine cue length...

I am about 5'4'' tall and was wondering what length would be the best for me

Is it possible for me to use a standard 57 or 58 inch cue well?

thx

[Watford]

You could use a standard cue.
Depending on how you like to hold the cue and where you want the balance you might prefer a shorter cue. Finding shorter or longer cues to try can be trouble some. I think most people just get used to standard lengths don't they.
I'm 6" and use a 58" but hold an inch or two from end most of time.

[Terry Davidson]

Depending on your arm length a 57in cue should be fine for you and you would hold it with probably about 3-4in of butt behind your grip hand.

The trouble is there's not many ways you can get a 56in or a 55in cue unless you order it custom built or else chop down an existing 57in cue and re-ferrule it and also bring down the diameter on the last 10in or so on the shaft. That would be a job for an expert though.

Terry

[wayync]

Cue Length

Hi, thanks for the replies

Yea, so I was thinking of a 57" as well, either the john parris supreme or elite cue

the difference I noticed between them is the tip diameter and I was wondering what difference in play will 9.5 and 10 mm make? thx

[RGCirencester]

Personal preference. In theory smaller tips have less throw, some people think you get more spin with a smaller tip, I'd say 9.5-10mm is about average. I use 10mm myself. I think most pros use 9-10mm but they are all different. Ebdon and Fregal O'Brien both play with 11mm tips for instance, but they are the exception.
Try reading Mike Wooldridge site
http://www.handmadecues.com/home/26-whatsizes.htm

[wayync]

cue length

Sorry to sound retarded but what is throw? thx

[RGCirencester]

When you hit the cue ball with side, because you are hitting the edge of the ball and not the centre, the white will not go exactly where you are aiming, it will deflect slightly. Every cue has a different ammount of throw and you cannot tell how much a cue deflects without trying it. It is just something you compensate for when using side. In theory a smaller tip gives less deflection however every cue is different so you can't tell without trying the cue out before hand.

[poolqjunkie]

A lot of players prefer to have a cue just reaching their chins or a bit under when holding it next to their bodies. Watch some videos of pros and hardly anyone uses a cue longer than that.
Some players only have their cues up to their arm pits such as Cliff Thorburn. John Higgins also seems to be using a short cue.
But the length also depends on the balance point. For a cue that is a bit on the long side, and is very butt heavy, you will be holding it very close to the balance point and that will limit your power shot range.
If a cue is more forward balanced, then you could hold it about 3" or so (assuming it is a 57" cue) from the butt and still be able to perform most shots without too much problem. But this is not always true.
Actually, I believe the ideal length of cue you choose should depend on your bridge length and the distance between your bridge and your grip. Your height is not the key factor here. For example, if you really bend your bridge arm and use a very square stance, you would most likely prefer a much shorter cue than if you use a long bridge, with straigth bridge arm, and a more sideway stance.
When you sue a 12" bridge, how many inches of cue is behind your grip?
If it is less than or equal to 4", and the balance point of the cue is around 16" or a bit more, I would say you are fine.
But if you have to use a very long bridge because your cue is too long for you, you will miss a lot of shots that you would have made with a shorter cue.
If you are leaving a lot of room behind your grip, and the cue is very back balanced, you may have problems with power shots such as power screw and tops as well as cushion shots.
I would say tip size is not as important as the length and the balance point.
Anything between 9.5 to 10mm is fine.
I personally find that a slightly smaller tip helps me to aim and helps me to apply side without as much adjustment, but a bigger tip feels more forgiving. It really is what you prefer.

[unclevit]

Hi, thanks for the replies

Yea, so I was thinking of a 57" as well, either the john parris supreme or elite cue

the difference I noticed between them is the tip diameter and I was wondering what difference in play will 9.5 and 10 mm make? thx

I would recommend you go to a local club and try length of 56-58, see which size suits you best. Try each with at least one 6-red game. For tip size, I prefer 9.8-10mm. More surface area to touch the cueball. From my personal experience only

[brendan147]

I am 5'3" and my cue length is 57" and tip size is 9.25mm. Mike Wooldridge had give me the most sensible advise long time ago in his e-mail, saying:-
"Do not worry so much about your cue specs. Get a standard spec cue (18oz/57"/9.5mm) and get along with it".

Nice advise from a top cuemaker right?

[poolqjunkie]

I am 5'3" and my cue length is 57" and tip size is 9.25mm. Mike Wooldridge had give me the most sensible advise long time ago in his e-mail, saying:-
"Do not worry so much about your cue specs. Get a standard spec cue (18oz/57"/9.5mm) and get along with it".

Nice advise from a top cuemaker right?

Well, let's not forget that Mike is one of the very best cue maker in the UK and his cues are very well built and balanced.

But if you get some 57" cue which is very butt heavy, with a very soft taper and a small tip, you may have a hard time trying to "get along" with it especially if you are only 5" 3'.

My point is like I said before it really depends on many factors other than just the length.

[brendan147]

But if you get some 57" cue which is very butt heavy, with a very soft taper and a small tip, you may have a hard time trying to "get along" with it especially if you are only 5" 3'.

My point is like I said before it really depends on many factors other than just the length.

The cue will not "adapting" itself with you... depending on how fast/slow for you to get along with it...it is always come down with your own natural ability.

BTW, I have no problem with my cue because it is super smooth+stiff action and perfectly balanced...that's all matter now...

[burwatchampion]

Very well said pqj i think that lenght is not the only factor.

But it is trial and error.

[lawrywild]

I'm 6" and

Damn, you're small, how do you reach the snooker table?

[wayync]

I am 5'3" and my cue length is 57" and tip size is 9.25mm. Mike Wooldridge had give me the most sensible advise long time ago in his e-mail, saying:-
"Do not worry so much about your cue specs. Get a standard spec cue (18oz/57"/9.5mm) and get along with it".

Nice advise from a top cuemaker right?

Well I do know that I could play with a 57" cue, but the thing is will that length be the best length for me?

Being able to play and being able to play your best are two different things. For example like hockey, I could play with a very very long stick, but a stick that is the perfect length for me would allow me to play at my best potential....