A Guide to Buy the Best Pool Cues for Intermediate Players

The right pool cue directly impacts your game’s quality, often without you even realizing it. As you get better at playing pool, you progress from being a Beginner to developing an Intermediate level of skill. 

With consistent playing, you gain confidence, and your primary tool simultaneously deserves an upgrade. It can get challenging to choose from among the available range of best pool cues for intermediate players. 

Basic Components

By first touching upon the basics, you get a clearer perspective before you begin the evaluation process. Pool cues consisting of two pieces have a joint in the center commonly made of brass. You can also source one-piece cues with a tapered end called shaft and the base or larger end called the butt.

A round rubber piece is fixed to the butt like a cap while the tapered shaft displays a cue tip glued to the ferrule. With constant use, the tip and the ferrule tend to wear out. You can replace these parts of your cue stick when needed. 

Cue weight also varies, so prioritize your comfort while playing instead of relying solely on your physical strength. Lighter cues are usually associated with better accuracy. More than your height, your arm length determines the appropriate length of the cue stick. 

Buying Guide

After reaching the intermediate stage, your next goal quite understandably will be to qualify as an advanced player. Purchasing the best pool cues for intermediate allows you to hit superior shots. You can further sharpen your skills when you consider the listed factors while sourcing your intermediate cue stick:

Examine the Cue Tip

The tip plays a vital role in making powerful, consistent, and accurate hits when you aim at a cue ball. A sub-standard tip does not deliver corresponding results no matter how good a player you are. 

Tips made from quality leather and similar potent materials contribute to raising the standard of your game. A regular tip size between 11 to 14 millimeters is ideal. Hard tips are usually durable and last longer, unlike their soft counterparts.

Assess Its Balance Point 

The middle section of your cue is where the balance point or its center of gravity lies. When you can balance your cue properly, you can comfortably grip your stick further back. Side swaying prevents you from achieving a perfect shot which reiterates the need to invest in a well-balanced pool cue.

Check Extent of Warranty

Before finalizing your purchase and making a full payment, examine the extent of warranty coverage the relevant manufacturer offers. Warranty terms and conditions generally cover manufacturing and material defects. Given that buying a cue stick is a significant investment, a product under warranty safeguards your interests.

Undertake a Thorough Inspection 

Thoroughly inspect a prospective cue stick for scratches or blemishes before finalizing one. A brand new pool cue should be smooth to the touch when you run your hand from top to bottom. Quality cues are devoid of visible glue or abnormal protrusions, all signs of bad craftsmanship. 

Inspect Pricing

When the pool cue you are looking to purchase is made of superior and durable material, it is likely to cost more. You need to determine your usage and budget accordingly if you want a desirable return on your investment. If your cheap cue falls short in the quality department, you may spend more on replacing it later.

Choose the Right Look

The player’s skill level is important when choosing between fashion and feature (and your budget). If you’ve calculated the cue’s price point, ability level, and success level, you’ll have a few aesthetic choices as well. In general, the consistency of the cue should not differ significantly across such price levels. The price gap is, therefore, all about fashion than function.

Is Wood A Good Material For Cue?

There is no such thing as the “best” material. Wood and graphite/fiberglass are the two most common materials used by companies. While most serious players choose wood, graphite has the advantage of not warping like wood.

A key factor to consider is that the more complex the material, the more leverage the player will have, and the softer the material, the more control they will have over the ball. It would also affect how the cue sticks perform during games.

Don’t Overlook the Weight Factor 

Most pool cues weigh around 18 to 23 ounces, but these are not designed for league or tournament play. You will notice that players in tournaments and leagues prefer to play with a cure ranging 25 to 27 ounces in weight. The mass of the cue has little to do with the player’s physical ability and more to do with his or her comfort. 

Most professional players choose lightweight sticks, although it is entirely up to the player. Some sticks may have weight bolts that can be removed, allowing players to change the weight for different shots, such as splitting, when more strength is required.  

Cues are usually between 57 and 58 inches long. When it comes to length, the player’s height isn’t a factor; instead, it’s a question of arm’s length. Consider using a longer cue if you have a longer wingspan.

 

Pool Cue Accessories

When you invest in a pool cue, you cannot afford to ignore the need for corresponding accessories. These include:

  • Cue rack to properly store your stick when not in use as also to prevent it from falls and potential damage
  • Carrying case when you intend to transport your cue stick while protecting it from scratches and warping
  • Cue wraps for the butt area to facilitate better grip control and absorb hand perspiration
  • Joint protectors when you purchase a cue with two pieces safeguard the joint section from wearing out. 
  • Extra sets of tips and ferrules are handy to keep as they aid in prompt replacements.

Maintenance Tips

With a regular maintenance routine, you can improve your strokes and extend your cue’s lifespan. Before storing your pool stick, wipe off all the grime and chalk residue using a soft towel. 

When using a cleaner, avoid those containing harsh chemicals as these can damage the cue wood. Conditioning your shaft keeps it smooth and slick, while a dent buffer helps you eliminate dents and nicks that arise with constant use.

Identify a worthy pool cue contender by referring to an informative site specializing in cue sports.

the best pool cues for intermediate players. Bring out the best in your playing ability by choosing a cue kit you will be comfortable playing with.