How to determine the perfect length of cue?

[wayync]

Also, how to find out if a cue is too long? and how will a cue that is too long by 1 or 2 inches affect play?

[eaoin11]

This is a problem I'm dealing with now. I think the issue is where you grip the butt in relation to the balance point of the cue.

My current cue is balanced at 16.75 inches (16-18 is ideal) but at 58 inches it's probably 2 inches too long for me. I grip it about 3 or four inches up from the butt of the cue, so the balance point feels too close to my cueing hand. I really want to shorten it now but am quite far from the maker so it'll be expensive to send.

[unclevit]

Go to your club and try different cue lengths there. Play with each for 1-2 frames before going for another. I think this is the best way to pre-determine if the length fits your height, arm's length, gripping, etc.

[brendan147]

How to determine the perfect length of cue?

1) By trying out a few cues (try & error process);
2) The perfect length of a cue = total lengths of your vertically straight arms from one wrist to another wrist+across your chest (IMO...I could be wrong);
3) Other TSF members will give their opinions...

[cazmac1]

[QUOTE=brendan147;451699]How to determine the perfect length of cue?

2) The perfect length of a cue = total lengths of your vertically straight arms from one wrist to another wrist+across your chest (IMO...I could be wrong);

I would also like to know if there is any guide to determining the length of cue. I like to know where the above method originated from and, are there any more like this out there.
Does it really matter how long a cue is? Technically it should not matter how long a cue is, as long as it is not too heavy and the balance point is right, the rear over hang should not affect the way the cue plays?

[RGCirencester]

If a cue is balanced at 17 inches and you hold it at the end, the balance will be 17 inches from your grip, obviously if you hold the cue 5 inches up, the balance is now only 12 inches from your grip.

However I really wouldn't worry about this.. Try a number of cues, find one you like and stick to it. Worrying about half an inch either way, .25oz etc. will not do you any good in the long run.

"perfect" length can be measured by a friend from the cueball to your grip hand when your rear forearm is vertical (so tip would be at cue while back arm is vertical from elbow to grip. Try not to overcompliate things, this really is the simplest way of determining as it depends on how far you bridge from the white, how long your arm is from shoulder to elbow, whether your bridge arm is straight etc.etc.

Best advice I think, is to try to stick with standard spec cues. In the long run it will be easier to sell on, cheaper to buy and easier to find a cue in the first place.

[cazmac1]

Hi rob
I understand what you’re saying, but let me run this by you.
Just let’s say that you have always played with a cue of 57 inch's, with a balance point 17 and hold the cue at the end. Then someone gives you a cue of 58 and a balance point of 18. You should if you don't change any thing else now be holding the cue 1 inch up from the end of the butt and now the balance is still at the same point in relation to your grip. This would only change if you hold the 58 inch cue at the end and lengthen the amount of cue in front of your bridge. This is why I think the balance point should be measure from the tip as the distance from tip to grip should not change.
Does this make any sense?
:snooker:

[wayync]

I've heard that higgins and ding use a very short cue.....they aren't smaller than anyone else so why would they choose a shorter cue? Which other pros use shorter cues?

Does anyone actually know how long a cue they use? I think higgins is 55" and ding is 56" but i'm not exactly sure

[brendan147]

My honest opinion

[QUOTE=cazmac1;452647]

How to determine the perfect length of cue?

2) The perfect length of a cue = total lengths of your vertically straight arms from one wrist to another wrist+across your chest (IMO...I could be wrong);

I would also like to know if there is any guide to determining the length of cue. I like to know where the above method originated from and, are there any more like this out there.
Does it really matter how long a cue is? Technically it should not matter how long a cue is, as long as it is not too heavy and the balance point is right, the rear over hang should not affect the way the cue plays?

We need a certified professional coach to explain this matter. I could be wrong.

Best advice I think, is to try to stick with standard spec cues. In the long run it will be easier to sell on, cheaper to buy and easier to find a cue in the first place.

This was my advise in the other thread and I couldn't agree more with you. Don't complicated things. Unless you have tonnes of money, then you can buy cues with different length vs balancing point and pick which one is suitable for you.

The key point is here: Get a standard length/weight of cue (either 57"/58" between 17.5oz and 18oz) and try it for at least few matches. If it is not the right "feel" for you, keep searching. Eventually you'll find one that is the best for you.

Keep it simple. Worrying to much about the length of the cue will be no good for you. I had 56.5"/17.5oz cue before and my height is just 5'3". Had no problem with the cue before but I sold it to a TSF member since the grip (29.8mm) and the weight were not quite right for me.

Still waiting for my new cue now...

Cheers

[SebastianZ]

can some one please tell me how tall o'sullivan is and how long is his cue?

[poolqjunkie]

can some one please tell me how tall o'sullivan is and how long is his cue?

It is 58" and a bit more, like 1/8" or something like that...please dont ask why he needs that extra bit rather than just 58" or 58.5".

[brendan147]

LOL...great post above...!!!