What is a Pro Taper Pool Cue?

European Taper

European Taper

A European taper means that the entire length of the shaft (or the whole cue) is tapered, gradually growing in diameter from the tip to the joint (or butt). This is sometimes referred to as a “conical taper” because the whole shaft has a very narrow cone shape.

Pro Taper

A pro taper shaft stays the same diameter (usually 13mm) from the tip down to about 12-14 inches, then gradually widens toward the joint. As stated above, a pro taper shaft has the same diameter from the tip to a certain point along the shaft (usually around 12 inches down), where the diameter begins increasing toward the shaft. This makes it look almost like an elongated funnel.

Pro Taper

Most pro taper shafts begin to cone out around 12-14 inches from the tip, but some types start anywhere from 4, 8, 10, or 15 inches. Many manufacturers have their own variations on the pro taper, whether it’s more curved, less gradual, or incredibly subtle. In any case, the majority of 2-piece cues and high-end shafts feature a pro taper.

The invention of the pro taper pool cue is often attributed to legendary cue maker Herman Rambow, but there’s not much evidence to back this up - it’s still unclear who coined the idea.

What we do know, however, is why they’re used.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Pro Taper Cue?

What Are the Benefits of Using a Pro Taper Cue?

A pro taper pool cue can be beneficial for two main reasons. First, the design typically means there’s less weight or “end mass” near the tip, which can help reduce cue ball deflection. Second, the consistent shaft diameter near the tip can reduce interference from the bridge hand, potentially making for smoother, more accurate strokes.

Deflection

Deflection

To combat squirt, many players use low-deflection cues, which have low end mass and so exert less lateral force on the cue ball. Most (but not all) low-deflection cues are made with a pro taper. A pro taper shaft typically has less end mass than a European taper shaft because it has less material near the tip (provided they’re made from the same materials).

A pro taper shaft also tends to be more flexible, which allows it to slightly bend away from the cue ball immediately after the stroke instead of staying in contact, further reducing squirt.

Bridge Hand Dynamics

Bridge Hand Dynamics

Since a pro taper shaft has a consistent diameter on the portion that rests upon the bridge hand, it can’t really interfere with the stroke.

With a European taper, the steady increase in diameter can cause the tip to rise slightly as you slide the cue forward over your bridge hand during your stroke. With an open bridge hand, the tip may even move a little to the left or right. Since pool is all about precision, this can have a massive impact on your game.

If using a fairly tight closed or looped bridge (with your finger wrapped around the cue), a conical taper shaft may run out of room and jam up against your finger as it slides forward.

In Conclusion

With a pro taper shaft, these problems are virtually nonexistent - unless, of course, you like to keep your bridge hand a full 12 inches back on the shaft!

In Conclusion

Pro taper cues are named as such because so many professional players prefer them. However, plenty of pros still use European taper cues. At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re comfortable with and what lets your hard-earned skills shine through the best.

Worth checking out: For a reliable starter cue, take a look at the CUESOUL 58-Inch Pool Cue Set on Amazon.

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