how tall are you? and length of your cue?

[Watford]

OK so that didn't come out right but you get the idea!

[Semih_Sayginer]

You've got one on you today havent you!
Ok so any other disadvantages of having a short cue other than it's limited use for nose picking at distance!

I was thinking more like not getting as not being able to follow through as well!

Oh god I shouldn't of said that either should I!!!

if the cue is too small, some players occasionally snatch the follow through.

on hard to reach shots, where one prefers not to use a rest, a "normal" size cue, with a longer distance from bridge hand to cue ball, can be used.

not so if the cue is shorter.

(always better to wear nappies if you think you may follow through)

[The_Teach]

Yes Semih that is a general rule of thumb, however by the term average it means most people, therefore there is not much fluctuation between 57 - 58 inch cues. You are also right that it is personal preference - my rule of thumb comes about for people buying a cue for the first time. More established players will have already created their own preference.

[Watford]

I don't need a short cue to snatch on the followthrough either!
I think I will probably go to 57in!

[Semih_Sayginer]

Yes Semih that is a general rule of thumb, however by the term average it means most people, therefore there is not much fluctuation between 57 - 58 inch cues. You are also right that it is personal preference - my rule of thumb comes about for people buying a cue for the first time. More established players will have already created their own preference.

i wasnt having a go

its just that most cues "start out" at average length, which would be about shoulder length on an average male.

a lot of women, whos average height is a few inches smaller than men, use cues that have been altered, so its more natural.

personal preference again, as not everyone is average height, whether they are male or female

[cueman]

IMO have a cue made at 58", you can always get some taken off if its too long. You can even have length added if its too short but this can cause other problems such as where you add the extra length and whether it affects the balance of the cue.
55" is too short for most people, you could have problems with getting a good follow through, I should know, I had a cue made at 55" in the past and soon had another 2" added!

[S Davis Fan]

Believe it or not Steve Davis cue is 57 1/4 " and he is tall at 6ft 2". I'm about 6" and I find that most cues of 57". Are way to long unless you want to bridge a long way from the white. Other wise if I adapt the Steve Davis stance I have to hold the butt some 3 to 4 inchesfrom the end, in order to have my forearm hang down right. Steve says in his teaching guide that the cue should reach the Arm Pit as his does on his, see pic above so I trimmed down my cue to my armpit, and I find that I now can bridge a comfortable distance from the white, and can hold it pretty close to the end. So I would say you can have the cue at 55" depending on your stance and whether you bend your arm, keep it straight ect. I don't have a problem with follow through, or power shots.

[SomeCueist]

That's interesting. I'm 6'1" and until recently I used a 58" cue but I found that the chamfer (flat secton) got in the way of my grip when it faced up. Turning the cue over so the chamfer was facing down helped, but still I felt it was slightly too short.

I've recently got a 59" cue and can hold it with the entire flat section behind my hand and it feels just right to me.

[ADR147]

Thanks statman I'll get the black & Decker out when I get home!

I'am currently thinking of getting a new cue anyway!
I'm thinking Shorter and lighter than my current cue, maybe even a different tip size!
hmmmmm and possibly in maple rather than ash!
The problem is I can't really make my mind up!

don't use a black and decker or it will end up 51" when you have to get someone else to repair the damage! it might appear a good idea at the time but think john wayne bobbit!

[TooDark]

I'm 6'2" tall and play with a 57" cue.

[kir1]

Ronnie is 6ft ish at best and uses a 58 1/4inch ish cue! its all down to personal choice and what feels comfortable for you!

[fred.england]

how tall are you? and length of your cue?

I'm only 5'9" and play with a Wooldridge 59" cue. I have my hand a few inches down the butt and find the balance just perfect. Not to everyone's taste but suits me just fine.

[NorthWestJunior]

I'm around 6'3" and play with a 58" cue. I hold the cue about an inch from the end of the butt.

[Raldon]

6'3" 58.75

[x3dnd3x]

I'm only 1.64 and play with a 56".