Looking for a new cue can be exciting, frustrating, and sometimes confusing. Whether you're just getting started or you've been playing for years, finding a cue that suits your feel and playing style can make a huge difference.

This guide explains cue specifications clearly, based on real experience with hundreds of players across all skill levels.

1-piece or 3/4 jointed

A well-made 3/4 jointed cue performs just as well as a 1-piece. Some players prefer the feel of a 1-piece, but many others appreciate the convenience of a jointed cue, especially for transport. Most professionals still use 1-piece cues, but plenty use jointed cues too. It comes down to personal preference.

Shaft wood: Ash or Maple

Ash is the most popular choice for snooker and English pool. The grain gives some players a visual reference during aiming. Maple is smooth and has no grain lines, offering a cleaner look and feel. Some players find maple easier to cue with because there’s no visual distraction.

Tip size

Under 9mm is typically too small for snooker but is common in English pool. The most common tip size for snooker is between 9.25mm and 9.75mm. A 9.5mm tip is widely accepted as the best balance of spin and accuracy. Tip sizes above 10mm can reduce the ability to generate spin and often cause more push or deflection when the cue ball is struck off-centre.

Choosing a tip size is a personal choice, but most players benefit from staying in the 9.4mm to 9.6mm range. That’s about the thickness of a piece of paper in either direction from 9.5mm.

Cue weight

Cues under 17.5oz are too light for snooker and don’t generate enough power. 17.6oz to 18.5oz is the most popular range for players who want control with enough weight to play powerful shots when needed. 18.5oz to 19oz cues have a heavier feel and suit players who like strong feedback in their grip hand. Cues over 19oz are considered heavy and are only suited to certain playing styles.

Cue length

Cue length should match both your height and your technique. 58 inches is standard and works for most players between 5'7" and 6'2". Shorter players might prefer 56" or 57". Taller players may require 59" or 60". But height isn’t the only factor. The best way to test for length is:

• Stand in your playing stance
• Keep your forearm vertical at the back of your cue action
• The cue should extend about one inch past your back hand
  

If your cue feels short or you’re holding it at the very end, it might be too short.

Butt diameter

Most cues have a butt diameter between 29mm and 30mm. 28mm to 29mm is considered slim and is more popular in English pool. 30mm to 31mm is on the thicker side. Very few players use cues over 31mm in diameter. Butt size comes down to comfort and grip style.

Balance point

Balance point affects how a cue feels. Most good cues balance between 16.5 inches and 18 inches from the butt. A cue balanced below 16.5 inches may feel butt-heavy. A balance point over 18 inches feels front-weighted. The ideal range is usually 17 to 18 inches, depending on your stance and feel.

Shaft strength, flex, and feel

A great shaft combines strength, natural flex, and some spring. Strong shafts generate a solid reaction off the cue ball and reduce deflection. Shafts that are too flexible can feel inconsistent. Density and natural grain also influence the cue’s feel, even though grain is mostly a visual factor.

The best cue makers understand how to choose and grade shafts for these characteristics. That’s why two cues with identical specs can feel totally different.

Expectation vs reality

The more experience you have, the harder it is to find a cue that feels right. Beginners can adapt to almost anything. Advanced players notice every nuance. Many players also expect to improve immediately with a new cue, which isn’t realistic. Every cue takes time to adjust to.

If you’ve tried several cues and can’t find one that feels right, visit us. We keep a wide range of cues in our showroom, and trying them in person often leads to a surprise choice that works better than expected.

Deflection explained

Deflection is the amount the cue ball curves off the aiming line when struck with sidespin. High-deflection cues require more adjustment from the player. Low-deflection cues are more forgiving. If you’re consistently missing when using side, deflection could be part of the problem.

To test your cue’s deflection:

• Place the cue ball on the brown spot
• Play straight along the line of the spots
• Repeat with left and right side
• Observe how much the cue ball curves off line

Less curve means lower deflection. Most cues produce some deflection, but some have much more than others.

Century Titanium ferrules

Century Titanium ferrules reduce deflection and add consistency to cue response. They’re lightweight, strong, and don’t wear down like brass. After testing hundreds of cues before and after fitting, the results are consistent: lower deflection and better cue ball reaction.

However, switching to titanium changes the feel of your cue. If your cue is already playing well, there’s no need to change. But if you’re struggling with sidespin or inconsistency, it may be worth considering.

Final thoughts

The right cue isn’t about chasing perfect specs. It’s about how it feels in your hand and how it performs under pressure. Let the numbers guide you, but let your instinct make the final decision.

If you need help or want to try a few cues in person, we’re here to help. No pressure, no gimmicks — just honest advice based on experience.