What Makes a Pool Cue Good?

But it's not just about standing up to wear and tear; it's also about feel. Hard Rock Maple has a smooth finish, making it easy to grip and control, which is crucial when you're lining up a critical shot.

Of course, there's more to consider than just the wood. The construction quality matters, too. A well-crafted cue will be straight and level, without any warping. This precision ensures that every shot is accurate, allowing you to trust your cue as an extension of your arm.

Look for cues that come with good joint construction. A solid joint ensures that the shaft and butt are perfectly aligned, providing a consistent hit.

So, when you're eyeing a pool cue, check that it's made from Hard Rock Maple or another high-quality material and pay attention to how well it's put together. These elements are key to a cue that performs well game after game.

Reliable Performance

When you're looking at reliable performance, premium cues are in a league of their own compared to regular ones. A big reason for this is the low-deflection shaft you find in many high-end cues.

These shafts are designed to help the cue ball stay true to its intended path, even when you're putting a side spin on it.

That means more precision and less guesswork. With a regular cue, you might find yourself second-guessing your shots, adjusting for curves and spins that just shouldn't be happening.

But with a low-deflection shaft, you get to focus on your game plan, not on compensating for your gear.

Premium cues deliver consistency, shot after shot, letting you put your skills to the test without equipment holding you back.

Professional Taper

 

The taper of a pool cue design can make a significant difference in how it feels and performs. A professional taper refers to the gradual narrowing of the cue shaft from the joint to the tip, affecting everything from grip comfort to shot accuracy.

Players often prefer a specific taper along the shaft diameter based on their style.

For example, a pro taper, where the shaft remains consistent in diameter for a longer stretch towards the tip, offers a smoother stroke that's great for finesse and control. It's a favorite among players who rely on precision over power.

On the other hand, there's the conical taper, which gradually narrows and provides a stiffer feel. Some players like this for breaking shots or when they want more direct feedback from their cue.

Choosing the right taper is about personal preference, but it can change how you connect with the cue and how comfortable you feel in your game.

Layered Leather Tips

When you're thinking about what makes a pool cue good, the cue tip should definitely be on your radar. Layered leather tips have become a staple on most high-quality cues because they offer the kind of control and durability that pool players crave.

Unlike the hard tip found on many house cues, which can sometimes feel like you're hitting a rock, a layered leather tip is made from several thin pieces of leather.

This construction helps the tip keep its shape while allowing for the finesse needed for spin shots and straight shots alike. A decent tip like this can help you control the cue ball better, making a significant difference whether you're using a playing cue or a jump cue.

Layered tips also tend to hold chalk better than the tips on your average bar cues or beginner cues, reducing the number of miscues and ensuring a solid hit every time.

They're a staple on expensive cues and custom cues alike, showing up on both two-piece pool cues and one-piece cues.

For anyone serious about taking their game up a notch, upgrading to a pool cue with a layered leather tip is a smart move that can enhance your grip area experience and improve shot consistency across different cues.

That being said, there are two additional factors with a fair amount of controversy: the pool cue weight and the composition (two-piece cue vs one-piece cue). We'll address those on their own.

Are Heavier Cues Better than Lighter Ones?

The debate over whether heavier cues are better than lighter ones often boils down to personal preference and playing style. Some pool players gravitate toward a heavier cue because they believe it provides more power and stability during their cue hits.

A heavier cue stick can help you keep your stroke straight, especially on long shots, by letting the weight of the whole cue do much of the work.

A lighter cue, however, offers its own advantages. It allows for greater finesse and faster stroke speed, which can be crucial for spin shots and quick adjustments.

Players who enjoy using side spins or need delicate control often prefer a lighter cue. The responsiveness of a lighter cue stick often feels more comfortable during intricate plays.

You’ll find that most house cues in pool halls are typically heavier and designed to withstand wear and tear. But they might not suit everyone’s skill level or style.

Choosing between heavier and lighter cues is all about what feels best in your grip hand. Trying out different cues with varying weights can help you discover the balance point that delivers confidence and control, whether you're using a break cue, jump cue, or playing cue.

The key is to find the cue that feels just right, allowing you to play your best game.

Are Two Piece Cues Better than Regular Cues?

Two-piece cues often get the nod over regular one-piece cues, especially among serious pool players and those who frequently play outside the comfort of their local pool hall.

The biggest advantage of a two-piece cue is portability. You can easily take it apart and carry it around, which is not something you can do with a standard house cue.

Beyond portability, two-piece cues offer more customization options. You can choose different cue tips and shaft tapers and even adjust the weight by adding or removing weight bolts.

This flexibility allows you to create a cue that suits your personal preference and skill level perfectly. Many cue makers offer custom cues with features like exotic woods, low-deflection shafts, and various joint types that are only available in two-piece designs.

In terms of performance, a well-crafted two-piece cue can feel just as solid and reliable as a one-piece cue. The wood joint and connection between the butt half and the shaft are designed to ensure a straight shot and a solid hit, so you don’t lose any accuracy or power.

While most house cues are one-piece, going for a two-piece option can elevate your game by providing a cue that feels more like an extension of your body.

Whether you’re using it as your primary playing cue or keeping it as a backup to experiment with different cue setups, a two-piece pool cue offers benefits that many players find worth the investment.

Get Premium Pool Cues at Seybert’s

Most cues in pool houses will get the job done. They often provide enough jump cues, break cues, and even shorter cues to have everyone enjoy a competitive game. However, having several cues available doesn't beat having your own custom cue.

Keep in mind that it's not a breakthrough; a good pool player with random good cues can still win, but they won't be at their best on the pool table while using cues other than their own.

If you're looking for a new cue or seeking that one cue that suits your playstyle the most, check out our collection at Seybert's. We have cues of all price ranges to suit everyone, as well as tons of apparel and accessories to help you be at your best.