Your cue is the most important piece of billiards equipment. It is the conduit that connects the player with the cue ball, and the instrument through which precise angles and shot power are calculated.
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This means that you need to choose the correct cue size for your game and your table. There are three main sizes to choose from, although other sizes are more rarely available.
57-inch Cues
A full size pool cue is considered to be 57 inches in length, and sometimes 58 inches for two-piece cues. This size is ideal for an adult, allowing a long stretch across the baize so that your left arm is comfortably outstretched, and your right arm has plenty of recoil room for playing a powerful shot.
Adults playing with shorter cues may find that their shot power is limited, as they don’t have enough travel with the right hand to build up momentum. They may also find that accuracy is affected.
48-inch Cues
A range of shorter cues are available, most commonly in 48-inch size. This is a great compromise size, and as a result is the size sometimes supplied with pool tables. Adults and children can have a good game with a 48-inch cue, as it’s long enough for adults to play an accurate shot, and short enough to be manageable for kids.
36-inch Cues
The shortest cues generally available are made in 36-inch size. These are designed primarily for children to use, allowing them to use the cue to their best ability whilst being easy for them to hold and manouevre.
These cues are also very useful for those tables that have a wall nearby. If adult players are likely to get a tight shot up against the wall, simply keep a 36-inch cue on hand to play your shot.
