There are many different designs of pool cues, which make them more efficient for playing the game of pool. Some are made to be portable, while others are made of inexpensive materials that are more affordable. Beginners and professionals will have different needs and considerations. For a game of pool or billiards enthusiast the efficacy of the cue is more important than the price, whereas for a beginner any cue would do as long as it is affordable and functional.
The material of the cue stick is one of the most important considerations for any pool player. Cue sticks made of maple are considered to be the best in the market and almost the most expensive. Many experts and professional players recommend the maple wood cue stick. Maple wood gives a good grip and feel when on the hand of the player. It is also more durable. Maple wood is strong and resistant to warping and other defects caused by excessive moisture. There are other types of wood that make good quality cues, which are more affordable. Aluminum is one of the most inexpensive materials used to make cue sticks. Aluminum will work fine with beginners but enthusiasts of this game do not favor it because it is too light.
There are two piece cues and cues that come in one single disjointed piece. The two piece cue is designed to make it convenient to move around with it. For a cue to be used at home the one piece cue is preferable. The quality of the two piece cue can be affected by the constant assembly of the cues. However, most cues have very well designed joints which are made of stainless steel or brass (covered in plastic) which are resistant to rust and hardly get worn out.
The weight of the cue can also affect game play. The weight will vary according to personal preference. In America, a typical cue is about 20 oz. Most beginners prefer the heavier cue as it feels firmer when held in the hand. It makes the game slow which is also preferred by beginners who want to get accustomed to the game before they can play a faster game. Professional players of the game prefer a lighter cue which makes the game faster. A light cue allows the player a greater variation of the shot from a very weak shot, to a very powerful one. This is more difficult with a heavier cue.
The first cue sticks had very large tips. During the French revolution, a soldier in Bastille decided to sharpen the cue stick to improve its performance. He discovered a shaper cue stick could make multiple shots easier. In America, cue sticks have a 13mm thickness. You may find other variations which are different but they are uncommon.
Getting high quality pool cue tips, pool cue shafts, pool cue cases and pool sticks in general means sticking with the most trusted brands like Predator cues, Meucci cues, Cuetec, Viking, McDermott, Lucasi, Players, Balabushka, Joss, Viper, Dufferin, Snooker, Schon, Fury, Sneaky Pete, Scorpion, Minnesota, Mizerak, Outlaw, Huebler, Stealth, Graphite, Palmer, Sportcraft, Eliminator, Willie Mosconi, 5280, Mezz, Jacoby, Poison, Dale Perry, Nick Varner, Brunswick, Voodoo, Harvard, Halex, Southwest, Elite, Pechauer, Sterling, Schmelke, Titanium, Fiberglass, Griffin, Harley Davidson, Junior, Black Widow, Adams, Helmstetter, One Piece, Adam, Jack Daniels, High End, Aluminum, Willie Hoppe, J&J, Excalibur, Budweiser, House, 48, Mayhem and many different other styles including Pink cues, women's cues and many many more!
There are many other type of cue sticks. Some may have wooden, metallic or fabric grip. If you are a beginner you may want to go for the cheaper less sophisticated cue sticks until you get accustomed to the game in order to make intelligent and personal choices.