When it comes to selecting a pool cue, one of the most overlooked factors is the cue’s weight. A lot of players only think of this as an afterthought, or perhaps not at all. But the question remains, “Does pool cue weight really matter?”
The short answer is yes. Pool cue weight matters for a number of reasons. The weight of your cue can drastically vary how well you maintain control of the cue ball as well as how accurate your shots are in general.The Baseball Bat Analogy
Unfortunately, many new players don’t put a lot of thought into this critical part of mastering the game. Not to mention the fact that they’ll often choose a pool cue weight based on what their favorite professional player uses.
That’s a mistake, and you can rest assured that these champions put a lot of consideration into many aspects that help them play better and win, including their pool cue weight.
If you’d like to know more about how pool cue weight can affect your game, keep reading to learn more. In this article we’re going to share with you everything you need to know about pool cue weight so you can select the right weight for you.
Selecting Your Cue Weight
Want to see some pool cues we like? Check out these articles!The Baseball Bat Analogy
If you’ve ever swung a baseball bat, chances are you noticed that a light bat is easier to swing than a heavy one. You may have also noticed that if you increase the weight of the bat your using, you can hit a baseball much further.
Break Cue Weight
Sadly, you’ll never be able to hit this level of performance if the bat is too heavy for you. Then, you have to settle for a happy medium with a lighter bat. The baseball analogy works for billiards, as well. The wrong pool cue weight will affect your abilities and, ultimately your performance.
In a nutshell, you will continue to strike out on the billiard table until you change your mindset about pool cue weight and other factors that can make you more skillful.
Selecting Your Cue Weight
Selecting Your Break Cue Weight
Your first introduction to pool cue weight was most likely when you glanced at the small numbers on a house cue at a pool hall or bar. House cue weights generally range from about 19 to 20 ounces. Pool cue’s standard weight ranges, based on specs from manufacturers, run from 18-21 ounces, with half-ounce intervals in-between.
The standard weight range works for most, and it pays to try multiple cue weights over a few weeks to see what best fits your personal abilities and preferences if you can. With that in mind, many players begin with 19-ounce or 20-ounce cues.
If you’re still unsure on which pool cue weight to get, stick with the commonly used 19-ounce cue. Later, you may find that a different weight pool cue is a better fit after you’ve had enough time to try a few out…
In Conclusion
If you use a lighter cue weight such as those weighing 18 or 19 ounces, then the object ball will go into the pocket slow and the cue ball will travel fast. This is because a lighter cue generates more snap.
If you’re having trouble controlling the cue ball, it could be because your cue is too light. There is a direct correlation between your cues mass and speed and the cue balls speed. While many players like the movement they can get out of the cue ball with a light cue, learning to control this movement takes a lot of time and practice.
By the same token when using a heavy cue, the object ball travels to the pocket faster, and the cue ball travels slower. The reason is that you have more weight to move and because a heavier cue takes more force to move than a lighter one, it wont generate as much of a snap.
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If you notice that you can’t draw the ball very well, then it’s likely that your cue is too heavy. The weight of the cue is not allowing you to generate enough downward spin on the cue ball.
In summary, a light pool equals faster cue ball speed and slower object ball speed after contact has been made. Heavy pool cues equal slower cue ball speed and faster object ball speed after contact has been made. If your cue is too light for your abilities, it may result in a lack of cue ball control. While if your cue is too heavy, it could result in the same.
Finding the perfect cue weight for your abilities and style of play will take some time and a little bit of trial and error. Its not an exact science. Take your time and play around with cues of various weights to see what feels and plays best for you.
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