First cue for complete novice.

[nrage]

Just how much difference does the brand of the cue tip make? Does brand of chalk make any difference?

I started with Blue Diamond, tried a MW Super Tip and found it too hard, now I have an Elkmaster .. I believe .. Terry sold me the cue and I think that's what he said was on it. It's softer than the MW and more like the Blue Diamond and I prefer it that way. In theory I think softer tips should give you more feel and keep the tip in contact with the white a fraction longer allowing more screw.. I had more miss cues with the harder MW, but it may have been the shape or any number of other factors. So, it probably makes very little difference, except I feel more comfortable with the softer tip.

Almost everyone uses blue Triangle chalk. I tried some darker blue Master chalk for a bit which has larger grittier particles, from the feel of it. I don't think it made any noticeable difference to me, so I stick with Triangle. Again, the difference is likely to be so small as to not be noticeable, just play with whatever you like best.

In short, don't worry about either of these things initially, wait till you've tried whatever cue/tip/chalk you start with, and then experiment. Learning how to put a tip on a cue is a good thing to learn, if you're good with your hands.

[jrc750]

.....Almost everyone uses blue Triangle chalk. I tried some darker blue Master chalk for a bit...

Do you play pool with a blue cloth ?? if so then OK lol
But if playing snooker you should use green chalk, anyone found using blue chalk in my club gets thrown out !

[jaffa.johnson]

I use green master chalk but green triangle is okay.

As for tips, my current one is MW supertip. As others have said, this is a personal thing and the only way u will find out whats best for you is to try them/

Elkmaster & blue diamond is a good cost effective way to start

[BaconLad]

[QUOTE=The Stig;576434]
The only way you will make progress in snooker is to buy a quality cue from the start, you don't have to spend a fortune on a quality cue as you can get some nice cues for around the £70 - £100.
QUOTE]

I've been having a look online, and I'm struggling to find a "decent" cue in the price bracket you have suggested...

Can somebody point me in the right direction???

[jrc750]

...I've been having a look online, and I'm struggling to find a "decent" cue in the price bracket you have suggested...Can somebody point me in the right direction???

How about this, i know its machine spliced but shaft looks a cracker !
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mastercue-Tour...item336777a0c2

[Straight strike]

Machine spliced Master for that kind of money doesn't sound cheap to me.

[Straight strike]

That picture looks like a sales ad. I am 99% sure that you are not going to get that shaft.

[jrc750]

Machine spliced Master for that kind of money doesn't sound cheap to me.

That picture looks like a sales ad. I am 99% sure that you are not going to get that shaft.

He's quite a respected seller who always takes pics in the same layout, you would get the cue pictured im 100% certain of that.
Price is about the going rate i think, Craftsman's charge £10 less, but he's throwing in a mini butt !
Check out his other listings for his style of ads http://shop.ebay.co.uk/potblack151/m...id=p4340.l2562

[Straight strike]

I just mistakenly thought that it's a dealer's item on sale because the photo seemed to be taken by professional. Usually a machine spliced Master cue cost a bit less in Hong Kong, not sure the average price in UK though. I apologize for being so rude there, very sorry indeed.

[BaconLad]

There's so many different cues to choose from...
I'm so much of a novice I can't tell which are the bad one's from the decent enough one's...

[Straight strike]

You have just started playing for days. Why force yourself into buying your own if you are still confused? Just enjoy the fun of striking balls on the table first!

[damienlch]

i can understand the thrill and sometimes dilemma in choosing a personal cue, especially when it's for the first time... Mastercue imo is good value for money.

[hunter101]

A Riley Burwatt Gold series cue isn't all that expensive. And will last you a lifetime. A Platinum will only cost £20-£40 more if you wanted something a little more special. Lot's of people will tell you that they are over priced for what they are. But it's what i recommend to newcomers as i've never came across a bad one.

[BaconLad]

I'm toying with the idea of getting a Peradon Delta 59.99 from WillieThornescuestore.co.uk.

Is this going to be ok for me? I've been playing for about 2 weeks, highest break is 25 (line up), 15 (match)...

[j00king]

Im using a cue craft eagle from a few years back. Think it was about £80 with a few screw on extensions and a chalk magnet.