There are many components to what makes a good cue stick. You should consider all the factors, try out different materials and see how they feel in your hand, and choose the cue stick that will work best for you.

Weight

Cue sticks come in different weights, which are usually indicated on the butt of the cue. There is no right or wrong weight of a cue stick; again, it has to do with what feels right to you. Everyone will have a different preference. Be careful in choosing a weight, however, because what may feel right for you may not actually play right for you.

Cue sticks fall in a weight range of about 17 to 22 ounces. The weight is typically stamped into the wood. The heaviness of the cue allows you to move the stick in the direction you want it to go. The lighter the cue, the easier it is to control the speed of the cue ball. Every skilled player knows that the weight of the cue stick will affect his or her game, and, after you've played enough, you'll know what weight is going to work for you.

The Shaft

The quality of the shaft affects how well the cue stick will play. When deciding what cue to buy you should consider what the shaft is made of. Most cue shafts are made of maple wood, but you may find suppliers selling cues made of synthetic materials like fiberglass and aluminum. It's up to you, but most people prefer to stick with the wood.

It's important to pay attention to how flexible the shaft of your cue stick is. All cue sticks have a certain amount of flexibility, but no two are alike and it's important to know how much flex you prefer. There is no way to really know this without testing many different types of cues.

The Wood

When inspecting the cue stick and the quality of the wood, you should look at the way the wood tapers and how stiff it is. There are two different kinds of taper in cue sticks — the billiard taper and the pro taper.

The taper of the cue, again, is a matter of personal preference. The billiard taper starts at a certain diameter at the tip and then immediately and gradually begins to widen toward the butt, while the pro taper will not start to widen until 8 to 10 inches down the shaft.

One kind of taper is not necessarily any better than the other. The difference lies in your preference of stiffness. Many pool players prefer the pro taper because it makes it easier to use a closed bridge with a narrower shaft, while carom billiards players generally prefer the billiard taper.

The Leather Tip

Such a small, barely noticeable little thing? How could that be important? Well, it is. It's the only part of the cue that ever touches the cue ball — and it does so over and over again! If the leather is not in good shape or if the stick is not well made, you will find that you don't get the right grip on the cue ball. When you first buy your cue, it will come with the standard manufacturer tip. That's usually fine, but it will wear out quickly and will eventually need to be replaced.

The tip of the cue is very important, and, again, don't be surprised when you find one that is black and shiny and won't hold any chalk dust. You may find it helpful to carry a small piece of 200-grade sandpaper in your wallet, to lightly scuff the tip until you can see small leather fibers sticking up from it. That means the tip is able to hold chalk and is ready for use. Remember, a good tip is important because it will give you greater control over the cue ball. A good-quality tip that is chalked before every play will give you the maximum amount of friction upon impact with the cue ball.

A soft tip will wear out faster than a harder tip and, therefore, will have to be replaced more often. If you don't replace it, it will harden over time and you'll find it doesn't play the same as when it was new. Most players prefer to go with a tip that is somewhere between the soft and hard. That's probably the best place for you to start with your new cue; stay in the middle range.

Cue Length

For years the cue stick was about 57fi inches long, but now as people grow taller and taller, cue sticks have grown a little longer, too. Cue sticks today measure about 58 inches. It doesn't sound like a lot, but if you can ever find a shorter cue (they are a scarcity these days), you will certainly notice the difference.

A 58-inch cue stick is suitable for players between 5 feet 4 inches and 6 feet tall. If your height falls above or below this range, you can have a custom shaft made, but be prepared to spend some big bucks.

Straightness

With a great deal of use, the cue can become misshapen or bumpy due to perspiration from your hands and dust from the surrounding environment. Also, since cue sticks are made of wood, the cheaper-quality cues will often warp over time. This is particularly true for the shaft (the narrow end of the cue). There are two ways to judge how straight your cue stick is. The first is to roll it on the surface of the pool table and see how well it rolls back and forth.

The more popular way these days to gauge a cue stick's straightness is to hold it up in front of you like you are aiming a rifle. Squint down the shaft and turn it around in your hands as you continue to look down the shaft. You may be able to see flaws this way. When you're in the market for a new two-piece cue, make sure to roll both pieces on the table separately to check for straightness. Sometimes the cue looks straight when it's put together, but one of the pieces alone can be warped. It may sound strange but it can happen.

You might want to purchase some shaft paper and keep it with you to touch up a shaft before you play. Shaft paper is not as abrasive as sand paper and will allow you to smooth out the cue by rubbing the paper along the shaft.