Buying your first snooker cue is a rite of passage. It transforms you from a "player" into a "cueman." But with hundreds of options available—different woods, weights, and splices—how do you choose?
At Snooker Alley, we want you to find a cue that feels like an extension of your arm. Here are the 5 critical things to check before you buy.
1. The Tip Size
This drastically changes how you play.
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Snooker: Standard is usually 9mm to 10mm. Smaller tips allow for more precision and spin on the smaller snooker balls.
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Pool: Often uses 11mm to 13mm tips to handle the heavier balls.
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Tip: If you are a beginner, aim for 9.5mm—it offers a great balance of forgiveness and control.
2. The Weight (17oz – 19oz)
There is no "correct" weight, only what feels right to you.
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Lighter (17oz): Easier to generate speed, but harder to keep on a straight line.
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Heavier (19oz+): The weight does the work for you on power shots, but delicate shots require more touch.
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Standard: Most players start around 18oz to 18.5oz.
3. Wood Type: Ash vs. Maple
Look at the grain on the shaft.
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Ash: Has distinct grain lines (arrows). Many snooker players prefer this as the visual grain helps with sighting the shot.
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Maple: A yellowish wood with very faint grain. It is slightly stiffer than Ash.
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Verdict: Tradition favors Ash for Snooker, but choose what looks good to your eye.
4. Length and Balance
The standard length is 57 or 58 inches. Unless you are exceptionally tall (over 6'2") or very short, a standard cue will fit. However, check the Balance Point. A cue balanced forward feels heavier in the bridge hand; a cue balanced back feels heavier in the grip.
5. Straightness
This is non-negotiable. At Snooker Alley, we inspect our cues, but you should always check. Hold the cue butt at eye level and look down the cue like a gun barrel. Rotate it slowly. If the tip "wobbles," the cue is warped.
Need help choosing?
Visit the Snooker Alley Shop and chat with our experts to find the right specs for you.
