How Long Is A Pool Stick

Pool stick is the key ingredient to playing a good game of pool. However, there are some people who are possibly new to the game who do not know that the length of their pool stick affects their play. A pool stick has many different choices from brands but they also come in many sizes and lengths. 

If you are someone who has been wondering “how long is a pool stick?” you are not the only one. In this article we will be discussing its length and more!

The length Of A Pool Stick

In theory, the length of a general pool stick can be about 56 to 59 inches. For eight ball sticks, it is 55-57 inches. While for nine ball games, it can be about 57 inches. For snooker games, it can be a bit longer at 57 to 59 inches.

The Evolution Of The Pool Cues

At the beginning of pool game history, pool sticks were not invented. People instead used maces to push the balls into the pockets. This was, however, tough to play with and the players did not like it much. 

This was because the large head of the mace made it hard to move the ball around, especially when it was near a rail. That problem was somehow solved at the time by using the other end of the mase.

The mase handle was named ‘queue’. This actually meant ‘tail’. This name eventually passed down in time to be called what we know now as ‘cue’. They were first created around the 1700s.

Public pool rooms were invented so that professional players could play. At the time, even after the cue was invented there were many people who wanted to use the mace instead. The game began to be loved in the UK and the USA and this gave way for the production of pool sticks. 

A cue has its feature that all have their own functions. The upper area is called the shaft. These are usually made from maple or ash wood. The lower one is called the butt. The custom-made ones can be made from fiberglass or graphite as well.

The top of the shaft is made from certain types of leather depending on the producer of it. On average a pool stick weighs about 20 ounces. This depends on the density of the tip of the shaft, whether it is very tough or very soft.

Leather cues first made an appearance in 1807, and in 1829 the first two-piece cue was invented. These are still used today. They are usually well-liked by most players due to their efficiency in size and the fact they can be carried and stored as well.

The Different kinds Of Pool Sticks

There are different kinds of pool games so how long is a pool stick for each of these game types? Let’s take a look!

One-piece cue:

  • Such pool sticks are generally the simplest type.
  • These are especially used by beginners to learn and practice pool.
  • This type of cues are available in pool rooms and nightclubs.
  • They can be used but both professionals and new players.

Two-piece cue:

  • This kind has a point in the middle.
  • It allows the stick to be transported easily.
  • You can carry it around in a bag or case.
  • It is very convenient for those who want to bring their own pool sticks to play.

Three-quarter two-piece cue:

  • This also has a joint as well.
  • The division is in the three-quarter on the downwards part of the stick.
  • These are usually used by snooker players.
  • You can even travel with these.

Different pool sticks have different lengths depending on whether it is an eight-ball, nine-ball, or snooker game that you are playing.

Eight-ball pool stick length

  • Non-professionals use 8 to 59 inches in length while professionals use 56-57 inches of stick.
  • It depends on the player and their own preference when it comes to the length of the shaft and butt.
  • The tip will be in the range of 8 to 13 mm.
  • The tip is important to get right as this is what determines whether your ball goes into the table pocket or not.
  • The tip of the stick depends on the size of the balls that are used in the game.
  • These can also be made in custom according to the player.
  • They can be made from materials like sycamore, ebony, rosewood, etc.
  • Usually, the cues are made with extensions with a short butt or ½. 
  • The angles of the strike can be different. This can make the eight ballplayers need different cues for different hits.

Nine-ball pool stick length

  • Normally a nine-ball pool stick is about 58 inches long.
  • Nine-ball games are much faster than eight-ball games.
  • This requires bigger balls and longer cues.
  • The tip of the cues has to be 11 to 13 mm in diameter.
  • This diameter range is good for a longer pool stick.
  • Nine-ball pool tables usually have a size of 2 ¼ inches in size for their pockets.
  • These pockets require bigger balls to push the ball inside them.
  • Again, a player may require more than one stick to play this game. This is due to the different angles that the ball is hit with.
  • The cues for nine-ball are greater in strength. 
  • You can custom-make the sticks according to your strength, weakness, or your height.

The length of pool sticks for snooker:

  • Pool sticks are about 57 to 58 inches in length. 
  • The diameter of the tip for this is about 9.5 mm.
  • The snooker balls are bigger and the length of the pool table is greater as well.
  • This causes the stick to be longer as well.

Although new players may not pay a lot of attention to the factor of height in pool playing, selecting a good cue, height is a determining factor. The length of the cue you are using has to be according to your height otherwise this will definitely affect your game. Below are tips to follow:

If you are on the taller side at about 6 feet, it is better to get a cue that is 58’’. This also depends on the length of your arm. In case you want a cue that over 58’’ long, it is better to get an extension. An extension can be about 3 to 12’’ in addition to your grip.

However, given that you are on the shorter side, I recommend a 48’’ or 52’’ inches cue that will be best for you and make you do well. If you want something less than 48’’, I recommend using a shorty cue. Shorty cues are smaller and are great for use for children or even if you are playing in a smaller space.

The shortest cue might be about 24’’ long. They are sold in one-piece or two-piece, and are also quite affordable, so that’s another plus point. It’s also a great way for you to start out in entry-level and see if you like playing pool and not spend too much money on it.

However, these are just tips. The best thing for you to do is to try out some that you like, the kinds of pool sticks I have recommended. You will be able to find the best one for yourself by playing with and getting the hang of it to find which one you like best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the length of the shortest pool sticks?

The short pool sticks are often found at 36’’, 42’’, 48’’, and 52’’. The average pool cue, however, is about 57’’.

What tip size do professional players use? 

Professionals mostly like to use a 13 mm tip. This is because they have the talent of controlling the cue ball. The tougher tip is not for beginners. 

What should length of the pool cue I use?

The average length of a pool stick is about 57 to 58 inches. Shorter people may want to look into cue sticks about 50 to 56 inches. People who are on the taller end of the spectrum might need about 61 inches.

How rarely do people have to chalk the cue?

Players like to chalk their cue sticks almost after every shot. If not every shot, at least after every other shot.

Conclusion

A good pool stick matters along with its length. Not only the brand or the price of it but the length of it and how you use it will directly affect your game. Different lengths will be available for different games like snooker, eight-ball, and nine-ball. 

Cue sticks have a huge history with their development and have revolutionized with time in the game of pool. Nowadays, pool sticks can be in one-piece, two-piece, or three-quarter pieces. They can also be customized to be the way you want them to be. Not only the length, make sure you are aware of the tip and the diameter of the stick to play the best pool you can.

I hope this article answered your question about “how long is a pool stick?”

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