The Best Pool Cues for The Money
It seems as though every time we turn around, the pool cue market is going to change, and it’s always best to do your research before making that purchase.
Find high-quality cues that are sold at sensible prices
Many times cues that cost a lot more than the average player’s budget are sold by unscrupulous dealers. They may offer lifetime warranties or “no limit” promotions. While it’s essential to get lifetime warranties from reputable businesses, the best pool cues for 2021 should be backed by some sort of warranty. It’s also good to find a “bridge” brand that offers a five-year or longer warranty, so you know that the stick will last the test of time. Bridge brands that offer warranties with lifetime warranties are generally well-respected names.
There are many pool cue brands out there today, but only a few brands stand out as the best. I have researched several pool cue brands, and I’m sure you have the same thing in mind. Here are some tips on finding the best pool cues for your game:
Measure
When you first begin searching for a pool cue, start by taking a tape measure and testing the distance between your hands. Once you have found the proper balance point, write that number down on the tape. Remember to be patient. It can take a little while to find one that’s perfect for your hand.
Feel
It’s essential to feel the material of the stick. There are two different materials to choose from, and you will want to know which one feels better for you. The material can either be graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of the two. Graphite tends to be the lighter of the two and should be bought for those with smaller hands, while fiberglass is great for people with larger hands.
Grip
The grip is the part of the queue that holds the eyeball. Different brands use different grips, so shop around until you find one that works for you. Make sure that the shaft of the stick is the same size all the way around, then bend the tips of the shafts outward at the joint, while leaving the shaft itself straight.
Maple
Maple is one of the best cues on the market today. Maple is the most popular material for pool cues. It offers a nice blend of power and finesse. However, there are several types of maple, so be sure to get two-piece cues made from maple.
Shaft flex
This refers to the angle of the shaft at the joint, which will affect the tip and the overall action of the pool cues. The softer the shaft, the better the tip and the shot will be.
Shaft warping
This is where the billiard stick pool cues bend when they are being shot. Most often, this is caused by improper sharpening procedures, improper shafts, and improper playing techniques. Billiard stick shafts have to be precisely sharpened, or the wood will split when it is put into contact with the cue ball. Usually, the cause for warping is moisture.
Consider the shape of the stick
They come in many different shapes, from oval, round, to rectangular, to triangular. The best pool sticks are those with the best cross-section. One type of stick is called a “jester,” and the shafts of these are made of a single piece of hardwood. The jester stick is ideal for playing pool balls on the edge, and the shaft is not attached to the grip.
If you can’t afford the best, don’t buy the cheapest
The cheapest pool cues aren’t usually the best either, so don’t sacrifice quality to save a few bucks. The best maple pool sticks are expensive but there are models of maple pool sticks that cost less than $200.
Your budget may restrict your choices, but you want a set that offers optimal performance, durability and is of the highest quality possible. Good quality billiards stick is essential, as its feel and performance will have an impact on your game. For the best cues for the money, look for well-made materials, high-quality construction, and a limited lifetime warranty. If you’re playing pool with seasoned players who don’t need the best cues for the money, they’ll likely already own one or two top brands.