Straightness: Roll the cue on the table or a flat surface and observe if the cue tip bounces up and down. If the shaft remains firmly against the table surface and doesn't bounce, and remains in contact with the surface throughout the rotation, the cue is straight. Another method is to hold the cue in your hand and aim it as if shooting, rotating the cue while observing the shaft to see if it remains in a straight line. A bent cue will affect aiming and shot performance.
Length: The length should be selected based on individual height. To determine the ideal cue height, stand upright and measure from the ground to your shoulder and lips. Currently, cues sold in stores are typically 1.4-1.5 meters long and weigh around 450-500 grams. Some cues are marked with their weight in oz (two ounces, oz = 28.35 grams). Generally, a 19oz cue is a good choice. Abroad, you can customize your golf clubs to your own specifications, choosing the materials, dimensions, and weight to find a club that suits your needs and feels comfortable in your hand.
They come in two-section (1/2) and three-section (3/4) combinations. Combination clubs are convenient to carry, but when purchasing, pay attention to whether the screws at the joints are concentric and whether they bend or not when tightened. The quality of the joints directly affects the feel of the clubs later on! For example, the LP4 (C level and above) uses a vacuum joint with less stress! Compared to screw-on joints, vacuum joints are better!
The quality of the cue tip directly affects the shot's effectiveness. Made of processed leather or synthetic materials, the cue tip is a crucial component that directly impacts the ball. Therefore, although small, its importance in the shot cannot be underestimated; a malfunctioning cue tip can often lead to failure. After a certain period of use, the cue tip should be checked to see if the surface has become worn and slippery from frequent impacts. If so, the surface needs to be sanded to create a rough texture, increasing friction and preventing slippage. Gluing the cue tip: After purchasing the cue, remove the protective cap with a blade and clean the brass head. Commercially available cue tips are round plates with angular edges. Sand the lower part of the tip to increase friction and adhesion. After gluing it to the cue head, it must be finished before use. Sand the angular edges to create a crescent shape for good contact with the ball's outer surface. Cue maintenance: New cue usually has a coating. This can be gently removed with fine wet sandpaper, polished, and then coated with olive oil. Oil the cue approximately every three months. Once the cue stops absorbing oil, you don't need to oil it anymore. In dry climates, you may need to water it by vigorously wiping it from top to bottom with a damp cloth (about 70-80% dry) several times. When storing the cue, pay attention to indoor temperature and humidity. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture. It's best to use a cue hanger to prevent bending. If possible, use a cue case for better protection. Also, avoid using your own cue when breaking it up; use the cue used in the pool hall. The force applied during the break-up can cause your cue to bend due to excessive stress.
Wood is easily affected by weather changes, humidity, and placement. Avoid leaving the cue in one place for extended periods. Store it in a cue case, holder, or with a cue hanger. Avoid placing it in areas with large temperature fluctuations, such as a car trunk. Ideally, store it in a well-ventilated area with a moderate temperature. Try to avoid using your own cue for tee shots, jump shots, etc., as these require powerful shots or special cueing techniques, which can easily damage the cue and shorten its lifespan.
