What makes a good pool stick?

Answer 1

The person using it. No joke. "Pool Sticks" normally called "Cues" come in about every material, size, weight and color you can imagine. The reason for this is that everyone has a preference for what they like, and want to use. As a personal note (preference) I have a 21 oz. McDermontt (canadian maple with large feral) that I use to break with and I use a 21 oz Palmer (Cat 2 J) with a raw wood shaft and narrow feral for shooting with. "Hard Wood" cues and "Large Ferals" resist deflection and push; Deflection is a 'bend' in the cue when it contacts the ball and 'push' is a curve in the path of the ball when struck - each of these interact with each other (masse is a form of push and deflection). "Soft Wood" cues and "Small Ferals" increase the push and deflection when you are playing - without a LOT of experience this can lead to a very inconsistent game (as you are pushing and deflecting without realizing it). Also note, while people (idiots) like me have open wood cues (no finish on the upper shaft) it is NOT suggested you do this as they require a HUGE amount of care. A good billiards store will let you 'shoot' with an in house cue (like the kind you are looking to buy), in most cases; to see if you like that model of cue. (not to include cue's that cost over a grand). As a beginners cue; look for large ferals and very hard woods that are not over costly. You have to learn to shoot straight before you can start pushing the ball into curved lines (and still hit your target, much less at the right angle). Brand (In my opinion) only matters for warranty; if they will back a 'cheap' cue with a lifetime warranty and have been around more than 5 years, they most likely make a good product.