Baizewick guide
Cue weight, length and tip size: how to choose
Match the tip size to the balls first, then the length to the player, then pick the weight by feel. Those three numbers describe most cues: length in inches, weight in ounces and tip size in millimetres.
Quick reference
| Snooker | English pool | American pool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common adult length | 57–58 in | 57–58 in | 57–58 in |
| Common tip sizes | About 9–10 mm | About 8–9 mm | About 12–13 mm |
| Common weights | Around 17–19 oz | Around 17–19 oz | Around 18–21 oz |
| Ball size | 52.5 mm (full size) | 2 in | 2¼ in |
Typical ranges only. Makers vary, so compare the stated figures on each cue.
Tip size: match it to the balls
Smaller balls suit smaller tips. A snooker or English pool cue usually has a tip of around 8–10 mm. An American pool cue usually has a larger tip, around 12–13 mm.
A large tip on small balls makes contact harder to judge. A very small tip on large balls feels unforgiving.
Within the right range, it comes down to personal taste. Slightly larger tips can feel more forgiving, and slightly smaller ones more precise.
Length: match it to the player
Most adults use a 57–58 inch cue. Taller players sometimes prefer a slightly longer cue, or add an extension. That way the back hand sits comfortably without gripping the very end of the butt.
Children need shorter cues: see our family games-room guide.
A longer cue needs a little more clearance in the room. Our room planning uses a full cue of about 1.47 m, which covers a standard 57–58 inch cue.
Weight: choose by feel
There is no correct weight. Lighter cues can feel quicker and more delicate. Heavier cues can feel more solid on power shots.
Most adult cues fall within a fairly narrow range, so the balance point often matters as much as the total weight. If you can, try a few cues before you buy.
Other specifications
| Specification | What it changes |
|---|---|
| Shaft wood | Ash has a visible grain. Maple is smooth and pale. |
| Taper | How the shaft narrows towards the tip, and how it feels through the bridge. |
| Ferrule | Brass on most snooker cues. Fibre or plastic on many pool cues. |
| Joint | One-piece, three-quarter jointed or centre jointed. This affects transport and storage. |
| Butt shape | Round or flat-sided, depending on how you like to grip. |
| Extension fitting | Whether the butt takes a screw-in or slip-on extension. |
A simple way to choose
- Pick the game. That sets the range of tip sizes.
- Pick the length that suits the player’s height.
- Try weights within the common range and choose what feels comfortable.
- Choose the joint type that suits how you store and carry the cue.
- Check the cue is straight before you buy.