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Have you ever gone to buy a cue stick and you were not sure if you were buying a pool cue or a snooker cue? Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between the two cues? Well, in this article we will go over everything you need to know about pool and snooker cues.
So are pool and snooker cues the same?
Although they may look the exact same to the naked eye, they two different cues are different sizes. The snooker cue is actually a little smaller at the tip than pool cues.
If you want to know more about pool and snooker cues, you will want to keep reading. In this article we will tell you the exact difference between the two cues, as well as everything you need to know about them when you order one. You can also watch this video to learn everything in this article if you do not like to read.
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If you have a pool table then you need to get this accessory kit. It includes pool cues, extra pool balls, and all the gear you need to keep your pool table in tip-top shape.
If you are tired of your kids (or friends) ruining your good pool cue when they play then having these extra ones will keep that from happening (just be sure to hide your good one!).
What is a cue?
Cues refer to tapered sticks that are specially designed for playing billiard related games. Usually, their lengths range from 57 inches to 59 inches and weigh approximately 450 to 600 grams. Cues are loosely referred to as sticks, they vary depending on the type of cue sport being played.
Generally, cues are made from wood and layered with graphite, carbon fiber, or fiberglass to confer the required strength and durability. The significant points of cue variation include length, tips, and weight. The differences are in correlation with the size and weight of balls and the size of the tables used in each game.
Snooker cue
Snooker is a version of cue sports that is played using 22 balls (15 red balls, six object balls, and one extra cue ball) on the cue table. The snooker cue is used for potting these shots into the table pockets and typically measuring between 57-58 inches long. The stick has an arm extension measuring approximately 6 inches that may be used to increase its length. This cue stick is designed to suit the weight of the snooker balls that vary from those of the other sports.
Pool cue
Pool is another type of billiard sport that uses heavier balls (diameter of 2¼ inches) than snooker (ball diameters of 2 1/8 or 2 1/16 inches). Pool cue is used to strike these balls into the table pockets. The sticks are also designed to match ball sizes, which is responsible for their differences from snooker cue sticks.
What is the difference between a snooker cue and a pool cue?
Differentiation of the two cues may be challenging because of the subtle variations. Sometimes people may end up buying or using the inappropriate cue for the wrong game. This would cause some difficulties while playing. To help give you a better understanding of the items, we discuss the areas of variations below.
Cue tip
The tip of a snooker cue is smaller, with a diameter of between 9-10.5 mm. The smaller tip is essential for enhancing precision when striking the balls. These balls usually measure 2 1/8-2 1/16 inches. Shot diameter is the primary parameter used in comparing balls because the weight varies depending on the material used and the manufacturer. However, the weight difference between the heaviest and the lightest balls in an individual set should not exceed 3 grams.
On the other hand, the tip of a pool cue stick measures 11-14 mm, which is proportional to the size of the ball(2¼”) it is used to strike. The fast-paced pool does not require the same accuracy as is needed in snooker, and the cue tip size serves perfectly.
- Weight
Pool balls are much larger and heavier, therefore, require heavier cues compared to snooker’s. A pool cue, therefore, should weigh between 19- 21 ounces while the weight of a standard snooker stick should range between 18-20 ounces. A soft hit requires a lighter cue while breaking the balls requires a strong hit that is best achieved with the heavier cues. Besides cue weight, type of the tip and technique applied are crucial determinants of shot power.
- Length
Both cues have a standard measure of 57-58 inches; however, the snooker cue length can be augmented using a butt extension to reach 63 inches. The pool cue can come in two pieces, which can be screwed to make it one long piece and dismantled after the game; hence it’s more portable. The cue lengths may also vary slightly depending on the region. For example, European cues rarely exceed 57 inches while American’s often measure 58″.
- Material
The cue material used varies solely depending on the region and manufacturers. The most commonly used material is Ashwood worldwide, but Maple wood is preferred in America. Ashwood is more straight and produces durable, flexible cues. On the other hand, Maple gives softer-feeling cues which are usually decorated on the lower end. Ashwood cues are lighter compared to those from Maple.
The tip of the English pool cue has a coarse leather tip for grip, and it is covered with small brass ferrules to improve the force of a break shot.
Some American cues come with coated carbon fiber, which protects the stick from knocks and bumps. It also helps in retaining the look and texture of the hardwood.
Cue customization
Both pool and snooker have different versions, and for excellent gameplay, manufacturers have designed exclusive cues for various shots. For example, American pool balls are larger than the British and cannot be comfortably struck with an English cue. Manufacturers have therefore developed cues made of special materials such as phenolic resin that can produce the necessary power required for breaking American balls.
Conclusion
Snooker and pool cues vary in tip size, weight, and slightly in length, which are all in relation to the size of balls used in each game. The selection of the right cue type for your game is essential for proper control, accuracy, and maintaining the lifespan of the cue itself.
No matter what cue you purchase, you will want to make sure that you have the correct one for the correct game. This is very essential as they vary so much between the two. Even though most people cannot see the difference with their eyes, they are still their. This is why it is important to know what cue you are purchasing before you buy it.
One of the worst things you can do is to buy the wrong cue for your game. If this happens, you will have difficulties playing normally as their cues are different in so many ways. If you are like most people and you do not use the same cue the entire game, you may even end up losing because every shot you will need to hit the cue ball differently because of the different cue.
If you need to purchase a new pool cue, this is the best place to purchase one. They have a wide variety of cues at decent prices. You can get low end and cheap ones if it is just kids that will be playing, or you can get professional ones for more expensive ones.
No matter what cue you get, as long as it matches your cue game, you will be able to play the game and enjoy every minute playing with your new cue.