The Advantages of a Carbon Fiber Pool Cue (Shaft)

The Advantages of a Carbon Fiber Pool Cue (Shaft)

Whether you want to finetune your performance or update your pool game accessories, consider a carbon fiber pool cue or shaft. It can offer many benefits over wooden alternatives.

A Brief Background of Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is created when thousands of carbon atoms are bonded to form lightweight, durable long chains. Raw fiber carbon fibers are available in a variety of materials. The carbon fiber in commercially available products is usually made from a composite of carbon fibers incorporated into plastic resin. The strength of this carbon fiber composite is comparable to steel, while the weight is similar to plastic. Carbon fiber products for both industrial and commercial use are heralded for their durability, stiffness, and resistance to heat and stress.

The Benefits of a Carbon Fiber Pool Cue

If you are considering switching from a wooden pool cue to a carbon fiber shaft (or full cue) to improve your game, there are several advantages. 

Easy Handling

Because of their smoothness, these cues offer very little friction, making them easy to handle, especially if you prefer an open bridge. They are also super lightweight, making them effortlessly portable (but don’t worry - weight can be added inside the tube to get the right feel for your game.

Simple Maintenance

A carbon fiber pool cue stays cleaner compared to a wooden cue, which is prone to dings and scratches, prompting the need for periodic resealing. A quick wipe-down with a damp towel is all this cue needs to stay clean - although there are many specialty carbon fiber cleaning wipes available that use an alcohol-based solution for better cleaning and evaporation. The durable carbon fiber is also less susceptible to dents and blemishes when you strike cue balls, furniture, or hard floors.

Warp Resistance

Carbon fiber pool cues are less susceptible to atmospheric changes, such as heat or humidity. Because they are waterproof and warp-resistant, you can store your cue practically anywhere, even in the trunk of your car. These cues will stay stiff, straight, and smooth for a very long time.

Low Deflection

The stiffness of these cues creates low deflection of the cue ball, offering increased efficiency, greater control, and less need for compensation when you strike. 

Considerations When Transitioning to a Carbon Fiber Pool Cue

The advantages of these pool cues outweigh the possible cons. Here are a few things to consider.

Higher Cost 

While the median cost for carbon fiber pool cues is much higher than the cost of wooden cues, their extreme durability offsets their high sticker tags. With less maintenance and replacements required, purchasing a carbon fiber cue can potentially save you money over time. There are also options that are made with interchangeable joints - meaning you can use one carbon fiber shaft on all of your butts, regardless of joint differences - just buy the appropriate shaft joint adapters and you are ready to go. 

Potential Correction 

If you typically compensate for deflection when you play, you might have to unlearn this technique when you start using a carbon fiber pool cue. Since it is a low-deflection cue, less correction is needed. It might take some time to adjust your aim and handling. Note that these cues also need less stroke speed, prompting more adjustment when you play.

For assistance with anything pool game-related, contact our team at Seybert’s. Whether you are considering a carbon fiber pool cue or you require pool table maintenance, we are here to help!