Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the importance of a personal pool cue?
A: The cue you use is of vital importance to your game. It is the tool you use to play and to maximize your game potential. You must have a cue that you are both comfortable and effective with. There are many ways in which to obtain the perfect cue, one is to trial and error with cheap versions and find one that suits you and the other is to have one custom made to suit your needs and wants. However this is very expensive and if you are not an exceptional player you will not feel the benefits as a top player would.

Q: What weight cue is recommended for beginning fan of game in Pool?
A: In the most general case to begin game in Pool follows cue in weight not less than 19-20 ounces. Only the most gifted persons at once are capable to reach stability in game easy cue without the help of the trainer. The usual person needs time and practice that coordination and accuracy of movements became sufficient.

Q: Why one cue costs much more, than another?
A: Selection of a structure and color of a staff the best materials are used in cue more high quality. Others share of a difference in the price of various Cue depends only on design, encrustation's, and also from set of factors of "collection value" which are a subject of pride of the owner - the player or the collector.

Q: Does good maintenance affect your cue?
A: Regular maintenance will protect the investment you've made in your quality cue. Not only will it extend the life of the cue and enhance its beauty, but it will improve your stroke. Nothing glides like a clean cue. You'll find the small investment in time and maintenance products pays off handsomely.

Q: What is the best cue for sweaty hands?
A: If your hands do sweat under pressure then you need a smooth cue and may need to sand your shaft with very light sandpaper to keep it smooth, so look for a cue made of very smooth wood and avoid cues that are varnished for a better finish. These cues will start to stick very quickly and it will hamper your game and is very irritating.

Q: What is preferable, heavy or light cue?
A: If you prefer the cue to weigh down on your back hand then you should look for a heavier cue which will probably be more expensive. The lighter cues which you will be used to playing with if you use the borrowed cues the club provides then you should buy a lighter cue. However getting used to a more heavy cue will allow you to get more cue power and you should look to getting a balance between heavy and light. But stick to what suits you best.

Q: One or two piece cue?
A: Basically a one piece cue will not bend as long as you have the adequate casing which is expensive. A two piece cue is more accessible and easier to maintain but the casing is cheaper and it may be a good idea to start with a two piece until you get better. If you have a one piece you have to buy a one piece case which are quite expensive.

Q: How to take care of your cue tip and ferrule?
A: The cue tip is the hammer behind every shot. It affects touch, backspin, accuracy, precision, and consistent smoothness of stroke. It is truly the "nerve center" of your cue. When not in use, it should never be left unprotected. The slightest ding can destroy its effectiveness. Whether left in a case or placed on a rack, a cue tip should always be covered and protected. This will not only keep your tip in championship condition, it will keep your case-- and your cue-- free of unwanted chalk dust.
Dirt, grime and chalk regularly accumulate on the ferrule. Left untreated, this buildup can be spread downward, embedding like tar on your cue. To prevent this sticky buildup from depositing on your cue, the ferrule should be cleaned regularly. Your shaft will stay cleaner, your stroke will be smoother, and the beauty of your cue will be
preserved.

Q: What is the importance of a ferrule?
A: The ferrule fortifies the tip area of the shaft and reduces impact vibration. It is either slipped, threaded and glued onto the end of the shaft, then turned down to match the shaft size. The design, physical property, and length of the ferrule affect the laying characteristics of each cue.

Q: What is the purpose of wrap on your pool cue?
A: Wrap covers the grip area of most pool cues. The finer wraps are made from Irish linen, leather or cork. Its purpose is to provide a sure grip, long life and absorb moisture from the hand. Wraps also complement the color scheme that is predominant throughout the cue.

Q: How to clean your pool cue shaft?
A: The shaft of your billiard cue may develop a sticky buildup over time. Always handle your cue with clean hands. After play, wipe down your cue with a soft cotton cloth. If necessary, a damp cloth may be used, but be sure to dry the shaft immediately and completely. Smoothers and burnishers are the most effective method of cue care. Wrap the smoother around the shaft. Stroke the shaft gently, being careful not to apply too much pressure or produce heat through friction. The process is complete when the desired smoothness is achieved. All smoothing must be followed with burnishing. Wrap the burnishing leather around the smoothed shaft. Using a rapid motion and applying moderate pressure, stroke the shaft. The leather will warm slightly from the heat of your hand and friction. Burnishing is then followed with a final smoothing. Use a soft cotton cloth or a polishing glove to give the shaft a final polish.

Q: Where to store your precious pool cue?
A: Whether your cue consists of one or two pieces, it's almost certainly made of wood. If not handled properly, wood will warp. Never leave a cue unsupported, such as leaning against a wall, for an extended period of time. Always store your cue in a wall rack or in a cue case when not in play. Protect your cue from environmental conditions such as direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity.

Q: Why is there a maple pool cue?
A: Maple from colder climates is favored because of its light color, stability, and resiliency. Carefully dried and aged wood is chosen, with emphasis on tight, straight grain lines. This wood endures many turnings in the process of becoming a shaft. Shaft length varies, with the average being 29 inches. The first 2 to 6 inches of wood, from the joint forward, has an impregnable high-gloss finish that protects from dirt and moisture. The remaining area, up to the ferrule, is open-pore wood with a very smooth surface. Shafts affect the weight, balance, feel, and playability of a cue.
The best shaft cues for American Pool are done of a perfect maple. The majority shaft is turned from an integral piece of a tree, but some most advanced manufacturers successfully apply also technology of longitudinal pasting shaft from several sections, cut out of one piece of a maple, but under different corners to annual layers of a tree. It gives such shaft unprecedented game qualities and durability.