So, you’ve mastered the "Red-Color-Red" rhythm and now you’re tired of using the "house cues" that are as straight as a banana. It’s time for your first real upgrade.

Choosing a cue is personal—it's the extension of your arm. According to the experts at Best Snooker Cue, here is how to find your "Excalibur."

1. The Anatomy of the Wood

Your cue’s "personality" comes from the tree it grew from.

• 🌳 Ash (The Traditionalist): This is the most popular choice for snooker. You’ll recognize it by the visible "arrows" or chevrons (grain) running down the shaft. Many players use these arrows as a visual aid to help them aim.

• 🍁 Maple (The Powerhouse): Maple is denser, stiffer, and has no visible grain. It provides a "cleaner" look and a more solid hit. If you find Ash too "whippy," Maple is your best friend.

2. Size Matters: Length & Weight

If your cue is the wrong size, your stance will suffer. Think of it like buying a pair of shoes.

• The Length: The standard is 57–58 inches.

• Rule of Thumb: Stand the cue next to you; the tip should reach roughly between your shoulder and your chin.

• The Weight: Most cues fall between 17oz and 19oz.

• Lighter (17-18oz): Great for "touch" and finesse. Easier to control on delicate shots.

• Heavier (18.5-19oz+): Provides more natural momentum. It helps keep your cue arm straight on long, powerful pots.

3. The Tip: Where the Magic Happens

The tip is the only part of the cue that actually touches the ball. For snooker, precision is king, so the tips are much smaller than pool tips.

• Diameter: Most pros use 9mm to 10mm.

• 9mm: Allows for extreme spin (screw/side), but is less forgiving if you hit off-center.

• 10mm: Provides a larger "sweet spot" and is great for beginners who want more consistency.

• Hardness: * Soft: Grips the ball better for more spin but wears down fast.

• Medium: The "Goldilocks" choice for most players.

4. The Joint: To Fold or Not to Fold?

Unless you have a van or live next door to the club, you probably need a cue that breaks down.

• 1-Piece: The "Purist" choice. No metal joints to interfere with the natural vibration of the wood. Hard to transport!

• 2-Piece (Center Joint): Splits exactly in half. Very convenient for carrying.

• 3/4 Joint: The most popular choice for serious players. The joint is further down the butt, meaning the "shaft" part is one long, continuous piece of wood for better "feel," but it still fits in a case.

5. The "Straightness" Test

Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, perform these three checks:

1. The Roll: Lay the cue on a flat table (like the snooker table!) and roll it slowly. If the tip "wobbles" or jumps, the cue is warped. Leave it behind!

2. The Sight: Hold the butt of the cue to your eye and look down the shaft like a rifle. It should be perfectly straight.

3. The "Feel": Does the finish feel sticky? High-quality cues use oil or wax finishes that feel silky smooth. Avoid cues with thick, shiny "varnish" that will catch on your hand when you sweat.

Summary Checklist:

• Wood: Ash (for aiming grain) or Maple (for stiffness).

• Length: 57-58 inches.

• Weight: 18oz is the perfect starting point.

• Tip: 9.5mm medium-hard.

• Joint: 3/4 Joint for the best of both worlds.

Snooker Cue Guide: Tips for choosing a cue This video provides a practical summary of weight, balance, and tip size, helping you understand how these technical specs actually feel when you're standing at the table.

Snooker Cue Tips - YouTube

BartonSnooker · 277K views