In a game of billiards, particularly for serious players, the pool cue can make or break their game. It can be a challenging decision to choose a pool cue, whether you are picking one for an impromptu game while you are out with your friends or looking into investing in your own cue. The pool cue needs to be an extension of a person’s skill in the game. People can spend lots of money or only a little on a pool cue, but if you do not know what to look for, it can just lead to a waste of money. This means that getting an expensive pool cue will not do you any good if it is not the right one for you.
When it comes to pool cues, there are many types out there. This means that you may need to decide on different factors in order to find the best one for you. For instance, there are one-piece pool cues and two-piece pool cues. If you have never purchased a pool cue before, you might be surprised to know that some sticks come in two pieces that connect to form one whole cue. If you need help in deciding what to choose, you’re in the right place. In this post, we are going to tell you more about one-piece and two-piece cues, as well as how to choose the best pool cue for your needs.
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One-Piece Cues
One-piece cues are mostly used in bars and pool halls as they are too big to walk out with. However, they are not generally high-quality because most businesses are more concerned about the cues walking off compared to whether they place straight. In addition to that, billiard supply dealers used to sell one-piece cues with home tables as it was an expensive way to offer cues for guests to play with as a gift after purchasing. At the present time, most pool table accessory kits come with two-piece cues.
Many people also trust using one-piece pool cues over their two or three-piece counterparts as they prefer the durable feel of one continuous piece of wood as they hit the balls on the pool table. It also comes down to the feel of the pool cue as you play, and it is all dependent on your preference as a competitor. A one-piece pool cue is a lot simpler and can be used straight away instead of being assembled. The only downside of one-piece cues is transporting them as they are long.
Two-Piece Cues
Two-piece pool cues are also called center-jointed pool cues. These are almost always a step up from a one-piece cue. These are ideal for travel as it is easier to store and carry. This makes it a great choice for those who play competitively or those who take their personal billiard cue when they play outside of their home. All you need to do is screw the two pieces together for gameplay.
Pool cues also wear over time. When they are used frequently, they start to warp. This happens particularly in the shaft or the inner end that strikes the ball. It is difficult to use a one-piece cue that warps or cracks. It is also challenging to repair one and is not always effective. The only solution is a new pool stick. But when you use a two-piece cue, and it starts to warp or crack in the shaft, you can replace it without replacing the base.
Many billiard players love two-piece cues as they are very easy to carry around and store away. In the early days, many various types of joints were used in the early days, including plastic and wood. But a good-quality brass joint keeps the cue straight and helps it last a lifetime. You can also note that two-piece cue cases are cheaper compared to the longer ones.
Other Factors in Choosing a Pool Cue
Choosing between one-piece or two-piece pool cues is mainly based on personal preferences. If you often play at home, getting a one-piece pool cue can be a good idea, as you do not intend to bring it somewhere else. However, if you are playing pool competitively in different places, getting a two-piece pool cue is a better choice, as they are easier to store and carry. But aside from deciding whether to get a one-piece or two-piece cue, there are other important factors that you also need to put into consideration to be able to get the best pool cue. Here are some of those:
Budget
It is great if you can find the perfect pool cue without spending too much. For a lot of people, the type of cue they purchase may be based on their budget. You can surely find a great pool cue without spending a lot. You can choose any two-piece maple pool cue instead of using wobbly, beat-up, old house cues.
Skill Level
When choosing a pool cue, it is also essential to know your skill level. Most beginners can find a reliable starter cue in the $100 range. But when a player starts to compete in either leagues or tournaments, they may need to consider upgrading to something with higher-quality.
Performance
When a player is very serious in playing, the more sophisticated the cue technology he or she may need. There are many brands out there that can deliver a good performance, including TaiBA pool cues. It has a two-piece hardwood Canadian maple professional billiard pool cue that is an all-around solid cue. It is better to choose a pool cue that will help with your gameplay.
Style
After determining the price range, skill level, and performance level of the cue, you can then choose among the aesthetic options available in the market. There are times when the quality of the cue does not vary much in certain price ranges. The price difference usually applies more to fashion over function. Also, higher-end styles mostly have better designs.
Weight and Balance
You also need to consider the weight and balance of the pool cue that you are going to choose. Most pool cues weigh from 18 to 21 ounces. Most of them are built with most of the weight in the butt of the cue. If the shooter is vertically challenged with a shorter than average arm span, a house cue will feel butt heavy” and can cause the player to either grip the cue too far back, or the tip will pull up during the follow through due to the excess weight in the back.
If you are short, it is better to find a pool cue that is more forward-weighted. The most ideal weight in the back for a pool cue is 19 ounces. But the balance may vary based on the total weight of the cue.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pool cue can be challenging, with so many options to choose from. With this, you can start by choosing between a one-piece pool cue or a two-piece pool cue. The choice will depend on your personal preferences. If you wish to take it with you a lot, a two-piece pool cue is perfect for you. It is also important to buy a pool cue that comes with some sort of warranty. This way, you can ensure that the quality of the pool cue that you bought is good and that it is comfortable to use. We hope this post helped you in learning more about one-piece and two-piece pool cues.