Setting Things Straight

[Izzyfcuk]

Hi all

im from singapore, been playing snooker for the past 5 years, usually messing around with a fews mates, up untill last year where there was only 2 of us left and we took a more serious attitude towards snooker with getting our personal cues and set of balls.

Im using a custom cue from "Martin Chatsworth" it belonged to my friend who had went to england to study but gave up snooker long time ago

Anyone heard of "martin Chatsworth" before? cos i haven't

Anyways here are a few questions, hope u guys can enlighten me

1. Tip - generally between 9mm-10mm? smaller equals less power to execute a shot since contact point is smaller? how does it affect the stroke/play/potting?

2. Cue length - Majority of the length i see locally are 57in. i noticed that generally in the forum here it's 58in - almost 59in. I guess this is more of a size issue between westerners and asians?

3. Cue width - Generally locally is around 28mm - 29mm. again what's your local spec, does this contributes to the play?

4. Cue weight - i use a 17.5. noticed your local spec tends to be on the 180z -18.5z. guess this is size as well? if not how does it affect the play?

5. Cue weight distribution - totally clueless on this one...


Hope you guys can help

[jockymac]

Hi Izzy. I think you might mean Martin Chesworth. He is based in Sheffield here in the UK.

Sorry, I don't feel qualified to comment on your questions regarding cue dimensions and weights. I think your assumptions may be correct but, because the choice of cue is a subjective one, there will always be a range of dimensions and weights available.

This question might get a better response in the Cues sub-forum?

[Izzyfcuk]

thanks jockymac on the martin chesworth part, yes i got i wrong. just trying to dig it up as i really don't think anyone in singapore ever uses it.

As it was a custom cue, what im trying to find out was martin chesworth's quality, workmanship etc.

[samasnookerfan]

Hi Izzyfcuk - heres his website: http://home2.btconnect.com/chesworthcues/index.html
I am by no means an expert on cues but they look great.

[Izzyfcuk]

Hi Izzyfcuk - heres his website: http://home2.btconnect.com/chesworthcues/index.html
I am by no means an expert on cues but they look great.

Awesome! thanks.

[poolqjunkie]

How does this cue hit?

[fudgeflaps]

An optimal size to suit you perfect is one where, with, say a 10" gap between bridge and cueball when aligned leaves your stroke arm perpendicular to the plane of the table when the tip is at the contact point of the cueball, with anything from 2-4 inches sticking out at the back of your handgrip. Sounds complex, but pretty true!

Weight is a more important factor with your choice of cue. I prefer medium-heavy, as i rely on momentum for a smooth cue action, and for less 'jerk' on delivering the final stroke from the pause. Cue weight is critical in how you play, if 'it doesn't feel right to you', you will constantly be obsessing over it during play and becoming distracted. A happy medium may be best, where the cue isn't so light that it will go off-staright with a minor tremor, or so heavy that it is annoying you. Weight- personal preferenc, as i say, I like a slighlty heavier tweak on medium.

Cue weight distribution is common-sensical, it should be heavier at the back with increasing thickness, but shouldn't be too top-heavy relative to the top of the cue. There should be an 'even' feel to the cue.

Tip, I like 9mm. Cue width is dictated by tip width, where it should taper gently and evenly over the length of the cue- you want to feel you are using a cue, not a wooden club!

Hope this helps.

[Izzyfcuk]

Pooljunkie

erm, i feel that it's kinda not smooth? i guess it's my stroke, but i dont really like the cue. hence, im looking for one now.

fudgeflaps

i wonder if the cue is too short for me. but generally cues are around 57-58inches. but i tend to hold it way back to the end with the last finger right at the rubber stopper or extension. but with your comments to the optimumj, i will try that out.

i tend to hit the ball hard, it's just me, been trying to change my habits. but generaly still hard. My tip's around 9.5-9.6. though i like the feel as i have more control, but it does tend to miss at the slightest error, was wondering if i should consider a larger one.