What makes a good cue?

[Boysalsa]

I've started playing a few times a week and am improving slowly. My target this year is to get to a 50 break. Last years was 20, which I'm now getting often.

I have a cue I purchased a while back to ensure I had something straight to play with when I started but now I'm playing more regularly thought its time to think about a reasonable cue.

Most books I've been reading say get the best cue your budget allows, but what makes, in general, a good cue? And why are some £35 and other £800

All I can see is Wood; Ash or Maple? - my personal preference is Ash, I like the grain.
Tip size; 9 to 10mm seems to be Standrd. Then grip size, weight, taper, straightness...
Options that cheap and expensive cues have alike. Please help explain what to look for and what helps, in general, make a good cue.

Also, suggestions on cues to try / avoid would be good. My budget is probably £100 to £200

[haggishunter]

http://www.thesnookerforum.co.uk/boa...-Cues-For-Sale!!

These may be at the upper end of your budget but they are all going to be nice cues to play with so probably worth a look. I have one and I'm getting on with it just fine. But I also paid £15 for a battered old rack cue from the club because I didn't have my own cue with me, but i got on really well with it so I bought it, so I've learned that it might not matter what you play with so long as you like it, but a better quality cue will probably last longer.

[matt926_uk]

a good cue is one that suits you personally. A good cue for one person may be wrong for another. Most cues will fall between fairly standard ideals though.
If you can, take some time to find out what you like by trying some cues. and do some reading about cues, look at mike wooldridge website.
I like a slim butt, 9.5mm tip, about 18oz, give me those things and i'm happy
If you are tall or have long arms try a longer cue. If you have large hands try a cue with a thicker butt, or you may decide to totally ignore this,
have a look at craftsman cues, for your budget you could get a handmade cue to your specifications

[NorthWestJunior]

It's good if it feels right for you. If you haven't had many cues before and are not sure what range of feel there is, you will probably be best buying from somewhere you can try before you buy such as Craftsman or Greenbaize.

[pottr]

I am crippled by my need for a cue to a certain spec. I can't play with anything else. But the most important thing is that you are happy with your tip.

I like the taper to be reasonable thin, conical in fact. This gives a flex to the cue which is not too stiff. Unfortunately, around 15 years ago it became the trens to make tapers a touch thicker and the shafts stiffer. It makes centre ball striking easier for the majority I was told.
I play with a maple cue as I find the grain offputting. I also need the cue to have a flat, as that is my guide for where I grip the cue on all shots.
19oz and weighted as close to 17" as possible, but with one piece cues (like I have) and a thin taper, it isn't always possible.

There is a difference in quality between cues that cost £100 and £800. That's a fact. But top materials, blemish free shafts, even splicework and all round top build quality doesn't always equate to a cue that plays well... Which is all that matters after all.

I have played half a frame with Ken Doherty's cue before... That is an absolute horror. Dented and bented (I know that's not a word, but the rhyme is appealing)

Search for my 'cue contest' thread, there's a little bit of info about lead times and prices of some of the top manufacturers.

Jack

[pottr]

What North West Junior says is a cracking idea for a beginner.

Go to somewhere like Craftsman or GBL and strike around with a load of cues. You'll soon work out what feels right. You could pop to Worcester and go to Cue Crafts unit. They have a little table and hundreds of cues to try from for all price ranges. Not sure if Steve is still working from there (can't remember his surname?) but he knows his stuff. So does the big burley chap.

They had a cute little secretary answering the phones last time I went, worth a visit for sure

[pottr]

http://www.thesnookerforum.co.uk/boa...tele-extension

Sorry to keep posting. Cracking deal for a beginner!

[haggishunter]

http://www.thesnookerforum.co.uk/boa...tele-extension

Sorry to keep posting. Cracking deal for a beginner!

I would have that just to have a cue that had 'the holy hand grenade' for a badge.... Haha, nice looking cue though.

[Boysalsa]

http://www.thesnookerforum.co.uk/boa...tele-extension

Sorry to keep posting. Cracking deal for a beginner!

More posts the better. ;-) thanks for the quick replies.
One thing I know is I prefer a slightly lighter cue, guess I need to find out what balance point I like, and try and find out more about what difference the balance point makes.

From what I see, most cue makes are well north of London, living down south, any good palces down south?

[coomsey76]

Your other option would be John Parris in South East London......

His cues are a bit more pricier, but a least you could try some cues out in his shop.

[Boysalsa]

Thanks, wonder if he ever has a half price sale lol

I've emailed Mike Wooldridge to find out if there is anywhere near by with his Shark cues. They sound really interesting.

[Boysalsa]

Played with a Peradon Ascot at my local club today at lunch time, felt OK, but the shaft was a bit bumpy. I also had a chat with Dave Coutt (absolutely lovely guy) after looking at his site who recommended for my budget looking at Phoenix or MasterCue. Has anyone got much experience of playing with those or know any where I can try them? Based West London way.

[coomsey76]

If you type Phoenix or Mastercue into the search box up in the right corner you'll find plenty of threads regarding these cues and people's experiences of them, I haven't had one so I couldn't comment on them.....

Regarding buying one, could buy them from here,

http://www.greenbaize.com/mastercue.htm

Or

http://www.craftsmancues.com/

Or you could keep an eye out on here or eBay cause they do come up for sale from time to time.....

[Boysalsa]

If you type Phoenix or Mastercue into the search box up in the right corner you'll find plenty of threads regarding these cues and people's experiences of them, I haven't had one so I couldn't comment on them.....

Regarding buying one, could buy them from here,

http://www.greenbaize.com/mastercue.htm

Or

http://www.craftsmancues.com/

Or you could keep an eye out on here or eBay cause they do come up for sale from time to time.....

Thanks, have already been through these, want to try before I buy. Anywhere with Phoenix or Mastercue down south?

[coomsey76]

Not with Phoenix and Mastercue that I know of.......