47. The Cue - Part 2 Important aspects

[@initiale5814]

When Batman is out saving the world Alfred is playing snooker and giving lessons.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Initial. I seem to be getting called a lot of things these days.

[@initiale5814]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I hope I didn't offend you if I did please forgive me.

[@hasteau4917]

Thanks for the Video's Barry! have been a social player for 15 years and because of these coaching videos i now have the confidence to enter my first District championship. wish me luck and straight cueing :) Kind regards From Sydney Australia.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

haste. I will certainly wish you luck in your competition and hope you do well. I am glad the videos have helped, well done.

[@Thabzzz]

I'm not joking now but I use this channel to help me fall asleep. I'm subscribed for that reason alone. Thank you so much for everything you do!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Thabiet. Not sure if that's a compliment or not but thanks anyway.

[@udaykhanna1]

😂😂

[@Team-fabulous]

Just love these videos. Barry knows his onions...

[@michaelparanormal]

I just changed my ferrule from bass to a titanium and my tip to a Century pro hard one and i think its improved my potting and positioning much better.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Michael. The century tips have become very popular and a lot of pros have changed to a titanium ferrule, great that they help your game.

[@michaelparanormal]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach ty Barry , my cue feels brand new even though i had it for years!

[@VishwaNathGummaRaju]

Barry Stark, you know all about snooker cues. Please let me have your considered opinion on what I have to ask, and it is at length, due to the intricacy of the matter. Recently, after passage of two decades, during which I searched and tried far and wide for the cue which is to be the one and only one, after having lost the first one; a handmade Peradon (& Fletcher at that time!) single piece, ash wood, 58" 9.5 mm ferule 17 half Oz. That cue was a master piece, arrow straight, chevrons placed true to the centre of the flat at the butt, all the way down to the ferule, silky smooth on the bridge (rubbing down regularly with a white a4 paper and burnished regularly with a piece of Chamois leather bit. I tried to describe as near possible so that you can visualize the cue! The cue was lost in our club which is one of the prime centres in amateur world and most probably in hands of someone who does know its worth, since a cue of that sort is difficult to hide if you are a serious player, yes? Cutting the long story short, I recently asked my good friend, while on holiday at London, to bring a peradon, two piece Ebony butt cue, 17half Oz 9.5 mm, ash, full length 58" machine made, to keep price down as I am a retired person and now playing for love of the game and for that wonder pleasure of producing some flashes of the old form despite forgotten basics and wobbly delivery mechanism at far side of sixty years. My friend did, a Joe Davis of above specs and a Crown model for me, unfortunately with specs rose wood butt, almost no chevrons, a minute nick in the joint (unimaginable that it could have passed the Quality Control of Peradon), very thick butt (for likes of someone Lee's Palm). It was a tragic moment for me when I picked up the Cue, instead of sweet dream, alas a nightmare, since there was no option. I decided not to resell for the reason, I might suffer about 75% loss and secondly, whatever be the cue, after two decades plus I had in my hands a Peradon, and my faith in the process their name stands for. Now comes the first part of my question to you; after the agony of miserable first two weeks of play, I am beginning to like the feel of the cue! The cue is arrow straight and has a firmness which only seasoned ash can have. Despite the flaw in the joint, the two halves mate tight and effect of the nick, negligible. Though I am not used to 10mm wide tip, plus point is lesser chance of miscue and longevity of the tip and the ferule. Each day, I have more flashes of the old touch, pure ecstasy! The question is, if you have a well-made cue in your hands, even if the specs are not to your liking, does one get used to the cue over time? My second question is to do with a friend of mine who a fanatic is, very young around twenty three, pursuing his dream of being the best exponent of the game ever!!! Presently he has excellent cueing, equally at home billiards or snooker with regular sixty breaks (no, no century yet). He has made this game his primary life objective and believe me this is true. He loves the game, not to compete but to achieve perfection. He has attended many coaching stints, studied all masters and teachings of Gurus, including you! No avail and he is stuck in this rut and unable to break free. You will of course want may be a video but let me say this. I am going behind his back as I genuinely love the fellow and the steadfast pursuit of his dream. In short, he has cueing of the level of making a neat (no hysterics, no muscle power) screw back from top pocket to bottom cushion and a neat run through in off to bottom pocket with cue and object ball. When I say, he has tried everything, believe me he has during past eight years. I feel, what he lacks is a cue with strong naturally seasoned Ashwood and made by like of Peradon or Hainsworth or Paris. What say you? Pl opine. With regards VishG

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

WiswaNath. Sorry to hear about your cue dilemma I too had a handmade cue stolen, it took me a while to get over the loss and adapt to a new cue. I think it is true to say that some players never really get over the loss of a particular cue whilst others can adapt quite quickly. Having said that two pieces of wood (cues) can look the same, feel the same and to all purposes are the same yet they play entirely different. To answer your first question, good players can adapt and generally play well with almost any cue but that does not mean that the cue is right for them. For example the butt may be slightly on the thick side, this will certainly affect the way they hold the cue and therefore also affect their general play, the balance of the cue may be butt or shaft heavy affecting the timing of the shot. What I am really saying is that you have adapted to the new cue and are playing quite well but would you play a little better if you used a different cue better suited to you. Turning to your friend it is very difficult for me to offer constructive advise without seeing him play. You say he regularly makes sixty breaks but seems to have stagnated around that number. If he is making those breaks he can obviously play most of the shots so I have to question his cue ball control. My advise is to set targets during practise, whatever routine he does he must set a target that is achievable but also makes him think and work hard. An example would possibly be:- colours on the spots with one red. Pot red and black and all the colours. Them two reds and blacks and all the colours, then three reds and blacks and all the colours and so on. Every practise he does tell him to set himself a target and stick at it until he meets that target. Good luck.

[@VishwaNathGummaRaju]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I am grateful to you for your considerate and so careful analytical response. I read through your points several times and find that you have addressed my queries after having understood the feelings behind my words, which is a tribute to your greatness as a teacher and coach. Will follow your advice and will report to you after at three months practice. expressing our gratitude again and with high regards, au revoir

[@jonathanstevenson1106]

Hi Barry, fabulous video, as always. Your coaching has inspired me to take up the game. If possible, I would be grateful for your thoughts on a particular characteristic of my new cue (although I appreciate it is hard to judge without seeing it). I recently bought a one-piece ash cue from my local shop. I did not examine the straightness of the cue scrupulously at the time, but later I noticed a very slight (and it really is subtle) curvature towards the tip end of the shaft whilst peering down the cue. This curvature runs vertically i.e. when the maker's nameplate on the butt faces upwards, the bend is in the vertical plane and does not cross the line of aim. This is the way I choose to grip the cue, so I presume there is no issue...but in your experience, for reasons I may not have considered, might this bend cause any technical or other problems? The cue gives a solid feeling of contact during the shot, and I would probably prefer not to swap it. However, I am willing to be patient and make the right choice. Best wishes, Jon

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jon. If the bend is not in your line of sight please don't worry about it. My own cue and several other leading players have a cue that is slightly bent.

[@jonathanstevenson1106]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks for the advice, Barry. I'm sure it will serve me well! Jon

[@DaTux91]

The manufacturing video was beautiful to watch. The craftsmanship involved is amazing. Seeing as your CueCraft cue is a full length cue and your Parris cue is 3/4 jointed, can you comment on how this difference affects the feel of each cue? Is there any difference at all in the types of shot you can play or in the maintenance/life expectancy of the cue? (Perhaps this is all hard to judge given the different butt woods?)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

DaTux. To be perfectly honest I do not notice any discernible difference between the feelings I get when playing a shot with a full length cue as apposed to the 3/4 jointed cue. I can still play all the shots that my ability allows with both cues, obviously there is a slightly different throw when playing with side but this is because it is a different cue not because it is full length. Maintenance for either cue is exactly the same, keep it clean, away from heat or cold extremes, store it in a robust case and give it a light coating of linseed oil twice a year.

[@DaTux91]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you very much for your in-depth and quick response! Thanks to your videos and advice I feel pretty well equipped to go out and buy my first proper cue now. Cheers Barry!

[@moazzarzour8401]

Mr. Stark...greets from Qatar, I have one question ... is there a push on 6 inches extensions or its just all screw on?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Moaz. I have never seen a push on 6 inch extension I'm afraid.

[@DanielNeedham2500]

Great videos Barry Just wondering, what is your view on screw on tips for cues?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Daniel. I have tried them and I am afraid that I do not like them.

[@enzomagnozzi9212]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach --Hello Barry - my question to which I would appreciate your response is - what do you look at when striking the cue ball? Is it the cue ball or the object ball. Thanks for your videos- they are always on the mark! Enzo

[@blackie75]

could you do one on how to change a tip properly barry? thanks :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

I will cover this subject in due course.

[@8ballking8ballking65]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach what glue do you use for your cue please let me know asap

[@michaelsauer3783]

Barry, because I respect your expertise when it comes to cues, I would like your advise on lightly sanding the shaft to remove small flaws (dents) that have developed. I’m worried about moisture once any protective surface is removed. And if I do sand, what type of protective product would you recommend? Thank you for any advise you may wish to give on the subject.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Michael. I am not a cue manufacturer but I would never recommend sanding a cue. I would take the cue to a reputable manufacturer and have it re-furnished.

[@michaelsauer3783]

Thank you Barry … will take your advise.

[@vlu855]

Terrific information there Mr Stark. Can you tell me the importance or need for a flat section at the base of trhe stock

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tony. The flat section on the butt of the cue is possibly a remnant of when the cue was called a mace and the balls were pushed around with a one handed action. It really has no relevance in the modern game except that cue manufacturers tend to use it for their name plate to advertise their product. You will generally find that the chevrons (particularly with ash cues) on the cue line up with the name plate, ensuring that the name plate is uppermost when the cue is in use.

[@vlu855]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Many thanks or taking time to explain my question. I have often wondered about it..

[@noshadraja5546]

Great sir may God give you long life

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Noshad. Many thanks for your well wishes.

[@TheFlyingdeuces]

Chalk will build up on the shaft of the cue especially just below the ferule, staining the wood. I found using WD-40 applied to a cue towel first will remove any excess chalk and dirt and will not damage the wood. Avoid contact with the tip,

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jusus. Useful that these tips keep coming through to snooker players, I am pleased that the channel helps in this respect. Many thanks.

[@michaelsauer3783]

Barry … I love your informative videos and use your techniques for tip replacement but as a pool player and the owner of a LD shaft and a non-describe butt (a sensible cue), would you please recommend someone like yourself that works with two piece pool sticks?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Michael. I would love to help but I am sorry, I do not know anyone that works predominantly with two piece pool sticks.

[@jcchannel2850]

My old cue, I had ca glue on butt for a nice grip. And an oiled shaft. Not sure whats on my newer cue. I think it's some kind of hard setting oil.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

JC. Most good manufacturers certainly put an oil on the cue, some varnish the butt but not the shaft, for me personally I like to get my fingers working and find this easier without the varnish on the butt.

[@oussamazbair1479]

Hi Sir Can You please make a video of different practice routines for beginners and also Amateurs . Thank you

[@muhammadahmedjaved7691]

very good learning video Barry pleaae tell us how to place hands in different positions when ball is tighter or bit tighter to cushion?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

This has already been covered on one off my videos, please check it out, it will help.

[@ramziso3453]

تقدر تشترك عندي

[@DarrenJohnson1973]

Is there any difference between your Parris cue and your Cue Craft cue in how it feels when striking the cue ball?....Do you get more feel from one compared to the other? Been playing English pool for years but just started out playing Snooker regularly and found your informative channel.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Darren. I have played with my Parris cue for some time now and have got used to it and its feel. The Cue Craft cue is equally as good but is a little lighter so there is a slightly different feel on contact with the cue ball. However, if I decided to change and use the Cue Craft cue I am confident it would only take me a short time to adapt. Glad you found the channel and I hope you enjoy the content on it.

[@DarrenJohnson1973]

Thanks Barry for your quick response. The channel has certainly gave me many pointers in the right direction to improve my game. Keep up the good work.

[@salimasim5036]

Sir Please tell me about middle class cue with less amount.

[@zayaanzayaan9684]

Do they still do wafers I remember u had to soak them in water and then put in on and wait for it to dry and then you glued the tip on , it provided a kind of cushion when striking the ball , it done wonders for my game !

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Zayaan. I believe that you can still obtain wafers but from where I am afraid I wouldn't know. They went out of fashion as super glue came on the market.

[@MrUzair67]

Sir! can you make a video on how to shape the cue tip like mushroom or umbrella it would be very much helpfull thank u.

[@theznooker]

how long does it take to get used to a new cue? Hi here are my old cue specs: 17.5 oz 57 lenght cue tip size 10 brand barracuda price $350 aus buying my new cue short story - need suggestion My cue was damaged so i had to buy a new cue. there are only 2 cue shops where i live, so i chose the one who had couple of good peradons. the (shop) guy said peradons come with 58 lenght unless you customze it, and they had options from 18oz to 21oz. they showed me a peradon with 58 lenght, 18 oz, i played few shots and it felt good. the thing is they didnt have 57 so then i thought not a big deal ( the worst decision ) came home, played for 3 days, and still feels heavy, long and it feels i need to control the cue alot more. weighted the cue and it is 18.5 oz not 18 oz emailed the (shop) guy saying that your cue is way heavier and it feels 19oz, at first he said go weight the cue plus we dont take the cue back once you play with it, but i didnt have scale so i told him that it is definately heavier than my old cue, he said he wont take it back, but if everything is perfect and the cue is not damaged he is happy to weight it for me but he cannot guarantree that he would swap it. now today i weighted and its 18.5 oz , which means they said its 18 oz when i bought it although through email i told em it feels 19oz and thats how i satisfied them to let me bring it back to their shop. went back to the club just now and played and i thought maybe they wont change it so just play and get used to it. caz they said its 18oz but its 18.5 and that 0.5 doesnt mean they would take the cue back. new cue specs: peradon king weight 18.5 oz height 58 cue tip size 10 price $460 aus should i keep playing with this new cue and risk/gamble that i might get used to it? or i shouldnt?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

ART. There is no doubt that you would get used to the new cue, whether you will reach the standard that you attained with your old cue is debatable. One ounce of weight and one inch extra in length doesn't seem very significant but it is more about how the balls react when struck. Playing with side for example may cause the cue ball to get pushed off line more, screw shots may be more difficult to achieve because the timing of the shot has been altered etc. Having said all that a decent player will adapt very quickly to the idiosyncrasies that the cue has. I cannot offer a realistic time element for you to get used to it but should you prefer to have the cue shortened and with less weight it is not a major problem for a decent cue manufacturer to make the alterations.

[@theznooker]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thank you, i took the cue back and they gave me 56.5 height 17.3oz weight, and 17 blanace point . while the other one was front heavy and thats y it felt weird. although he said, front weighted cues are better than butt heavy. i chose one peradon cue with 18 balance point, but he said he would never build or choose such a cue, which is more butt heavy. i wil be happy if u can share your knowledge on this, and would really appreciate if you could make a video on this topic and thank you for the reply

[@adamn9660]

Im getting my cue from cuecraft i live 15 minuets away, they make stunning cues

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Adamn. I have visited the factory and show room, they take a lot of care in cue manufacture and have some wonderful cues on display.

[@adamn9660]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach im getting a one peice i think

[@borisivanisevic3855]

Hello Barry. I have a question in regards to cue length. The cue I'm planning to acquire is offered in cues length up to 59". I'm between 6'4 and 6'5 and physically built quite normal for my height (proportional length of hands, I don't have disproportionately long arms like some other tall lads). In your opinion and with your experience is it realistic for me to go for a 59" cue or is it better to stick with a standard 58" cue size?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Boris. I very much doubt that a 58" cue (which is standard) would be long enough and I would go for the 59".

[@borisivanisevic3855]

Thank you very much Barry for your answer. I'm not yet sure how to measure, because I'm a beginner and only know and play normal shots with about 6 inches of follow through that you have mentioned in your videos. And of course for power shots more follow through is needed. For now I will delay the purchase. Do you have any method on how to determine the right cue size for a player?

[@vmax4steve524]

@@borisivanisevic3855 Measure from the floor to the point of your shoulder, anything within an inch of that would be OK, less would be a problem, bang on would be perfect.

[@יט-ס1ק]

Where do you recommend 3/4 Jointed at 14 ″ or 16"? And do you think there is a meaning between tip 9.5 and tip 9.75? tanx Barry

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

I personally would go for 14 inches because the joint is in a slightly more robust area of the cue because of the diameter there. There is a very noticeable difference between 9.5 and 9.75 especially to a good player.

[@lordmorley7561]

Mr Stark, I am really enjoying your videos,and tips and advice are very helpful. Keep up the good work Sir. I have a question you or maybe a fellow subscriber may be able to answer : butt end joints, what on Earth does SD stand for. I have searched high and low for the answer and come away empty. I would be most grateful for a reply.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Alan, sorry you have got me on that one.

[@healthiswealth7899]

SD=standard? maybe?

[@hashkel24]

I think "SD" stands for Standard as in SD Telescopic Extension

[@DaveInBridport]

I was once told: when selecting your first cue, avoid the ones with rubber ends. They are generally cheap and low quality. Is this true?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Southmead. Certainly the better cue makers don't normally have rubber ends on their cues.

[@Haiderr98]

Does a straight cue make a significant difference to your game as opposed to a crooked, slightly warped cue? Would a straight cue mean more consistency in cueing straight and potting?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Haider. There are many good players who play with a warped or bent cue but generally they position the cue so that any bend is not visible when in the cueing position. My own cue has a slight distortion in it but I have got used to it over the years.

[@Haiderr98]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you Sir! Your comment has been of much help.

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

Hi Barry, which online retailer would you recommend for the push on extension? Happy holidays!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Damn. Most retailers will stock and sell these, but if you are having trouble try CueCraft, if they don't have one they will certainly get you one.

[@andreimarius3874]

Hi, Mr. Stark! Much respect and apreciation for you and your work! It is true that if a player is bigger, he must use a lighter cue?! My cue that I use in the past 3 years is 20.75 oZ, 3/4 and I ordered a month ago a 1 piece cue, 18.25 oZ this time! I've done that because I'm big (tall&big weight)! Do you think it's a good decision?! Thank you!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Andrei. The weight of a cue is a personal thing and the size of the player has no influence on this at all. A taller player will possibly need a longer cue and it could be argued that if it is longer it will also be heavier but that is not always the case. 20.75 oz is on the heavy side and I think you have made a good decision by going for a cue at 18.25oz but not for the reason that you have given.

[@andreimarius3874]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach, this was the reason why I ordered the cue that I use in the last 3 years heavier, I was thinking if it is longer (61"), it must be heavier! I did not have to much experience back then! THANK YOU very much for your reply! 🙏

[@theshoedr]

Hi Barry, I love snooker, been watching it for years now and only just started getting out to a club to play, absolutely loving it and your videos are a great help. I know the club cues are not great and wondering is it best to get my own cue as I’m tall 6ft2 and all the club cues are small. I’m looking to keep playing and get better. Unfortunately I’m in Northern Ireland and there isn’t many shops to try however I’ve found on the cue craft website I can get my own made up 59” and a cue I like for £120. Sorry for waffling on but I’d love a bit of direction on what to do. Thanks Shéa

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

The Shoe. I would always recommend getting your own cue. Cue Craft do make a good product at a reasonable price. I understand Judd Trump used one of their products for some years so they cannot be too bad.

[@Spezia6]

Hello Barry, i would like to know what is the model of the tips is used in this video, because it has a well rounded and low format, i wanted to do it in my cue too.. thanks..

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Spezia6. The tip used in the video is an Elk Master tip.

[@Spezia6]

Thanks Barry Stark you are the best coach...

[@letsdothat]

Thank you very much sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Reza. My pleasure.

[@Seri-Katil]

I understand the benefits of having a smaller tip than a larger one but I was curious to know why 8/9/10-ball cues go only as small as maybe 11.75mm tip vs the 9mm tip of a snooker cue, is there a particular reason non-snooker cues don't use 9mm tips for normal 8/9/10-ball?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

American pool balls are larger and heavier than snooker balls. To play some of the shots necessary with a small tip would run the risk of damaging the cue.

[@aaronrose882]

Hello Barry love your videos, just getting into snooker in the past few months and would like to buy a case, what would you recommend, I have a two piece cue and extensions

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Aaron. This depends so much on your budget, but rather than looking for something fancy, please remember its function is to protect the cue. In achieving this objective perhaps a metal case is best, there are lots of aluminium cases listed on the internet at various prices.

[@Stephen_Clarkin_2023]

Sorry I’m so late to this comment and you probably already have a case by now but if your case should ever get worn down I highly recommend giving John parrot sports a visit they do amazing cue cases, there was an aluminium case at around £60 so I would highly recommend giving them a shot. 😁

[@paxplayalong]

Are these screw on mini butt and extension standard between all manufacturer or does each cue have it's extension ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

pax. They are not standard, each manufacturer has their own joint system, threads can vary, lengths can vary and indeed some do not provide the extensions at all.

[@juliandonaldson696]

Hi Barry could you please tell me the best way to remove glue off my cue

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Julian. I would love to help but I am afraid that this is not my field of expertise.

[@faisalraja9108]

I have few questions to ask related to cue care. 1. My cue gets damp. Due to rainy weather in my city. And tips feels damp after a day or two of continuous raining... Although i put my cue in a good and secured cue case with foam. Lining inside. To get it dry i put it in sunlight for few minutes every now. And than. Is it a good practice?? Or shall i do something else to avoid its tip from. Getting damp? 2. There is a minor crack at the joint of ash peace with the brass peace.. Is it ok or something serious? How can i control this crack and what i can i do to avoid any such occurrences in future again? 3. How can i repair this crack please respond.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Faisal. Allowing a cue to get damp is not good because water and wood really do not mix unless the wood is protected with varnish and I literally hate varnish on a cue. To then place the cue in sunlight will to my mind cause the cue to warp or crack as it already has. I always take my cue home with me rather than leaving it in conditions that I have no control over, I would never leave it in the boot of the car for instance or anywhere else where there is likely to be changes in temperature or moisture. If the tip gets damp the fibres will expand and make it useless for playing, you can buy little tip protectors which slide over the end of the cue to protect it, failing that make your own with a little piece of leather. Any crack in a cue can be serious or certainly develop into something serious, I can only suggest taking it to a cue manufacturer to have it assessed and hopefully repaired.

[@faisalraja9108]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thanks for replying sir barry. I already have shown the crack to the cue manufacturers. Its just a hair line crack in the joints of ash shaft and the black wood near the brass joint towards the ash shaft. They say it will. Not effect the play or stroke of the cue. And that it can be repaired by opening up the brass joint fixture in the ash sjaft and then re opening the joints of asj shaft with the black wood but it really is not required. And thank you once again for your training videos. I have improved my game alot

[@mzzzzz2179]

My tip constantly gets shiny. I use an ElkMaster medium-soft tip. I recently put on a new tip and as part of the dome-shaping, I've sanded it down using 320grit sand paper. I tried Emery paper but this made it too smooth whereas I wanted to achieve a more rough finish so the chalk has something to grab on to. However using 320gri sand paper still made the tip smooth. Do you happen to have any advice on making the cue tip a little rough?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mzz. There are plenty of what are called tip scuffers on the market, but all you need is a file. Don't use it in the conventional way but just press it down on the tip whilst slowly and gently rolling it over the tip. This will put slight indentations on the tip surface, it will also serve to break down any build up of chalk.

[@mzzzzz2179]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks Barry as always for taking the time out to comment :) always appreciate it. I actually wanted to buy a tip tapper but they're out of stock currently. Strangely enough, I thought using a file would be worse than using sand/emery paper! I will try your technique. I wonder if this is what the professionals do? They seem to just gently apply chalk over the tip on a couple of strides, whereas I'm constantly having to thoroughly put chalk over the tip to get any coverage.

[@thakurabhay2173]

Do I need to replace tip for new cue ?? I mean default tip which comes with new cue stick

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Thakur. That depends on the manufacturer, some put good tips on, others are not so selective. The only way to tell really is to play a few shots with it, if you are happy leave well alone.

[@Mastermonik15]

Hi... I have my own personal cue... 3 quarter cue. Its been more than 4- 5 months now... Everything was good but suddenly since few days i have started noticing some unwanted noise out of my cue when i hit the cue ball. Maybe some vibration from the joint, and i am not feeling good about that when play.. what should i do.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Monik. Obviously it could be the joint to blame but also sometimes the ferrule can become loose. Either way it is quite a simple task to rectify for a reputable cue manufacturer. Try taking the tip off to see if the ferrule is loose, if so a little super glue may fix it. If it is the joint then that is a job for the manufacturer.

[@mintyspool2835]

Hi Barry, in the video you speak about the importance of the butt of the cue not being to thick so you have a good grip on the cue. Now I'm having a new cue made and have very small hand for a 30 year old. What butt diameter would you recommend for me? And also what butt diameter do you have for your cue?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Minty. The thickness of the butt is often ignored when it comes down to purchasing a cue, we are not all of average size and build. I cannot give you a definitive dimension for the ideal butt diameter because I don't know the size of your hand. A very good guide however is to make a circle with your fore finger and thumb, this circle should be able to fit comfortably around the butt of the cue. If the butt is too thick you will struggle to do this comfortably. Too thin and the tip of the fore finger will almost be touching the very base of the thumb. I too have short, stocky fingers and have to be very selective with the thickness of the butt on any cue I select. At its thickest part, the diameter of the butt on my present cue is 30mm. Please don't forget with a variation of 1mm on the diameter that this has to be multiplied by 3.14 to get the circumference and this can feel like a massive amount. please be careful.

[@hotstarab]

What should be the size of the tip of the cue so as to achieve maximum cue action?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

This again is down to personal preference, but somewhere between 9mm and 10mm is usually okay.

[@babarmasood8329]

Such a decent personality

[@damianj1561]

Hi Barry, is there a difference between a hand spliced cue and a machine spliced cue in terms of playability? REPLY

[@slickman44444]

😂 Even more respect for Barry who has ignored you for 3 long years for your awful manners haha!

[@ajaysuryaa5102]

Hello sir I am planning to buy a new cue.Would you recommend a 3/4 cue or a 1 pc cue.Is there a difference in playing.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

AJ. This is purely down to personal preference, some players are adamant that they get a different feel on the shot with a one piece cue and will not use a jointed cue, others feel there is no difference. Personally I believe whichever you purchase you will soon get used to it.

[@athanasiospolitis8538]

Mr. Stark I really appreciate your videos. I am a huge fan of snooker but unfortunately in Greece it is almost impossible to find a snooker table to play, so it remains un unfulfilled dream to come. I've been hearing lately that it is impossible to learn to play snooker coming from 8 or 9 ball for a decent player (as I consider myself) or even for a professional one. What would be your opinion? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!

[@Maggieeification]

Thats not true..i can understand that because coming from pool you get very frustratet in the beginning when you play snooker...you just have to keep in mind that these are different types of playing... when playing snooker you have to be perfectly accurate. by that i mean you have to aim for the poket and not for the direction of the poket like in pool (exeggeration). and of course everything in the world is learnable by practising it. and i think if you use your experience from pool in positional playing etc. you can learn to play "good" way faster than a person who never picked up a cue. you just have to get used to it. i also played pool before snooker and i think that helped me a lot. and in general: dont let other people tell you what is possible or not.. make the experience by yourself ;-)

[@athanasiospolitis8538]

That's what I wanted to hear to be honest. I understand that there are minor differences in stance and other aspects (eg. due to table height) but I could not accept that it is impossible to get used to snooker. The same people discouraged me from buying a snooker cue for pool but as I tried many pool cues I found that my BCE snooker cue is perfect for my taste. I can sacrifice a bit of "shock" due to heavier balls for the thinner shaft that gives me more precision. I follow snooker for many years but I have never managed to play. I personally despised the period I used to play 9ball in order to improve my positional play as I find it rather "vulgar" and quite unfair. I now play only 8ball or 10ball as you have to call pockets. I hope I will make my dream come true and play snooker soon.

[@wayneday5529]

Hi Barry great video. I used to play a little snooker as a teen and want to take it back up again and was wondering what cue you would recommend to buy. As online or Argos seems the only option here thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Wayne. This depends on so many things, not least of which is the budget available. May I suggest CueCraft have a wide range of styles and prices, they made a cue for me and I believe Judd Trump used to use one of their cues. They have a good reputation, make a good product and have friendly service.

[@wayneday5529]

That's great thanks Barry. I'm willing to spend a whatever it takes so I'll check out there website as I'm in Ireland. Thanks again for your help and these videos

[@faisalm6999]

What to look when buying a new one piece cue. How to check the grains and judge that stroke of the cue going to be superb.... like if i want to buy a cue so what weight i should buy and what length? I am 5.10” :/ please do help me out as i am so much confused what i should order customised one according to my needs :( sir i need ur help

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Faisal. At 5ft 10" a standard length cue of 58" should be okay. You need to choose between an Ash or Maple shaft, I can't help you with that one its down to personal preference, I can tell you that Ash is generally the most popular choice for snooker. I personally would go for a cue weighing 18oz with a tip size between 9.5mm and 10mm whichever you prefer. Good manufacturers know how to choose the best pieces of wood based on their experience, they also know where the balance should be, they don't use varnish on the shaft either, only oils.

[@newmovies7612]

Barry would you plz tell me Which tip brand is good for snooker????

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Total. This is down to personal preference, there are so many. However, most professionals use the Elk Master tips.

[@scottchalk7808]

Hi Barry I'm new to the game been using club cues and going to get my first cue being 6"5 what length cue would you recommend I find club cues short I'm holding on to the end of the cue and feel awkward

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Scott. There is no doubt that very tall players like yourself can have problems with this game, even the height of the table can present difficulties. The real problem with tall people is the length of their arms, because of this they tend to run out of cue.The standard length of a cue is 58 inches and when you start to significantly lengthen it it can become very whippy. It is very difficult for me to give you an exact measurement without seeing you play. May I suggest you look at my video that shows where to place the bridge hand, how the bridge arm should have a slight bend in it, where to place your grip and from those points you will be able to determine the best length of cue for you. I would also advise you to purchase a 3/4 jointed cue, that way should the need arise a different butt can be made without the need to purchase a new cue.

[@srsachan]

hello! Can you please give detailed difference between ash and maple cues..

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Saurabh. Ash has a very prominent grain whilst Maple does not. There is definitely a different sound as the cue strikes the cue ball with Maple having more of a ring to it than Ash. Maple is generally smoother than Ash but tends to lack the individuality that Ash can offer, in other words one piece of Maple tends to look like any other piece of Maple. That does not mean that it plays the same but merely looks the same. I personally prefer Ash but also feel that it would not take long to get used to a Maple cue. At the end of the day its down to personal preference.

[@anujsharma3929]

Hello Barry, I recently bought 56" one piece snooker cue and it's 2" shorter than my previous cue. Can you please enlighten me if it ok to play with 56" or should I go back to my previous length. Many thanks in advance.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Anuj. 2" off the length of a cue is quite a drastic reduction, so much depends upon your physical stature, arm length etc. To determine the length of a cue you should be able to adopt a natural position and the cueing arm should hang about vertically from the point of the elbow to the front of the grip hand. The standard length for a cue is 58"

[@getrecked3582]

Mr. Stark i really appreciate these videos, they are shinning with experience, i just have a question if i may. What's the brand of your cue that you are using?

[@johnnymonkey66]

GetRecked it's made by Cuecraft

[@getrecked3582]

the original one ?

[@getrecked3582]

i mean the one he usually used to use

[@getrecked3582]

johnnymonkey66

[@johnnymonkey66]

GetRecked looks like a John Parris Regal cue with the green veneers!

[@魔都剑侠]

I went Sheffield united FC today. They said you moved. Please tell me where you moved to. Thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Liran. The new address for the Star Snooker Academy is:- Steelers Sports Bar, 2b Birley Moor Road, Sheffield, S12 2AU.

[@MrSGH21]

+Barry Stark Snooker Coach I have a question that i have been wondering since the last video. What do you mean by not storing it in the car? I don't really understand that. I keep my cue inside my car. Just want to know why I cant do that

[@TheZizzly]

Answer is in the video.

[@johnnymonkey66]

saul g hernandez .....it's to do with the different temperatures the cue will be exposed to while say in the car which doesn't do the wood (or the tip) any good & can cause problems after a while!!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Saul. I don't know where you live but in England we suffer from varying temperatures , ranging from very hot to freezing cold. This does the wood no good at all and it is particularly true that any heat source will tend to warp the cue.

[@AtulyaISMite]

Hi Barry, I am facing issues in aiming because the grains on my cue are not straight. Will it be okay if I use a pen to draw straight lines on my cue and make the grains appear straight?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Atulya. I would not advise drawing lines on the cue but surely the chevrons (arrows) are in line and I would suggest playing with these on the top of the cue, The rest of the grain should not be so off putting if you do this.

[@sminty415]

Hi Barry. I know this video is 5 years old so I don't know whether you will see this or reply.. Is having a one piece cue better than having a 3/4 joint? I am looking to buy a cue and unsure whether a one piece is better or not. Please help Thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Smint. Most professionals (not all) will argue that a one piece cue is better, giving more feel as you play the shot. My own view is that you can get used to either and there is very little difference, at the end of the day it is down to the individual.

[@tentso7771]

mr barry m about 5 feet 8 inch tall n i have recently purchased a cue which is 58 inch long n m really struggling playing with it,so wat should be the right size for me?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

tentso. Nothing really wrong with that length of cue for you, if you are struggling with it there is another reason, if you hold it at the very end that could present a few problems. Have a look at my video which shows where to place the bridge hand and the grip, from that you will be able to decide what length you will be comfortable with.

[@tentso7771]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thank u sir...

[@tentso7771]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach sir if i happened to shorten my cue frm 58 inchs to 57 inch will it ruin the cue...what would u reccomend

[@kanekeylewer5704]

@@tentso7771 Please don't change the cue in any way, 1 inch shorter will not do you any more good than moving your grip 1 inch down the way. Changing the cue yourself will likely result in damaging the cue. Also Barry, it's great to see you replying to new comments on a more than 2 year old video. It really shows your dedication. Thank you.

[@ryanh3285]

Would a tall player have a slightly longer cue.?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ryan. Generally yes. A tall person tends to have longer arms so it is quite natural for them to need a longer cue.

[@bilalsaeed1001]

sir i have a question about line of aim is it necessary to stand in correct alignment with respect to ball you are playing ? like to stand in an angle relative to ball

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bilal. Placing the cue on the line of aim is the important factor and facing this line is also important. Not sure what you mean by standing in an angle relative to ball, but you should be facing the direction the cue is pointing to make the shot.

[@bilalsaeed1001]

really appreciate your answering sir

[@mlamberg]

Hi Barry, I'm a pretty short player (166cm) and I'm playing with 58" cue. It is way too long for because if I want to have ideal length from bridge to cue ball I have to hold it about 10-15 cm away from the butt to have my arm vertical. Top of my shoulder is about 55" so do you think I should buy a cue of that length? Would appreciate it very much if you could answer me as soon as possible.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Miska. I assume from your question that you have finished growing but I wouldn't worry too much where you hold the cue providing the balance of the cue is still okay when you adopt your cueing position. Because your grip is further forward there is a possible danger that the cue will be butt heavy but this is unlikely in a well made cue. If this is the case the cue will be consistently coming off the bridge hand when you play a shot. If this is not the case I wouldn't about it.

[@mlamberg]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thanks for the answer sir. The balance doesn't feel right because I have to hold it so far from the butt. I saw a coach today at the club and he also said I should buy a shorter cue. I'm still undecided between 55"-56".

[@colintang6236]

Mr. Stark, may I know what kind of paper you were using to clean the cue? What is the purpose of it? Many thanks in advance.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

It is just ordinary white paper screwed up and used just like a piece of cloth. It is used instead of a damp cloth because a damp cloth can lift the grain on the cue and damage it. The purpose is simply another method of removing grime and dirt off the cue without the need for moisture.

[@mzzzzz2179]

7:35 Which MasterCue is this!! I can't find the exact model name. @Barry please can you ask your friend and where he got this cue from. Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mzz. He tells me the cue was made in Thailand by " Maximus"

[@mzzzzz2179]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks Barry. The cue you point at is definitely a Master Cue. I'm just not sure which specific model. Maximus is a completely different brand and have a different logo.

[@YKChau888]

Hi Barry, I learnt a lot from your video, thanks and great work. I have a question about the balancing of the cue weight, is the center of balance(COB) is best at somewhere 3/4 to 3/5 (you say nearly splicing) of the cue? What aspect will be affected if the COB is too rear/front? thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

YK. The balance of the cue is important in that if it is butt heavy it tends to lift off the bridge. If it is shaft heavy it just doesn't feel right and the timing of the shot will be affected. Reputable manufacturers know how to balance a cue and this should not be tampered with. Some players like a SLIGHTLY butt heavy cue, others like a SLIGHTLY shaft heavy cue, its largely down to what you are used to and of course individual preference.

[@YKChau888]

Thanks a lot :-)

[@dilshikista143]

Hallo Sir I want to know, how can I get the weight of Cues?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Masood. Its quite easy to weigh a snooker cue just use some kitchen scales, the usual weight is somewhere between 16 and 19 ounces and simply depends on personal preference.

[@VikasGupta-mj1ue]

HI Barry. Whats the specs of your cue or kyren cue ??

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Vikas. Kyren's cue is one inch longer than standard at 59 inches and he plays with a 9.4mm tip. I am unsure of the weight but it is around 17.5 ounces.

[@VikasGupta-mj1ue]

Thank you so much.

[@mslscorpion]

Hi Barry, can you talk about stiff shaft vs whippy shaft please? The effect on side, screw, long potting etc. My cue is whippy and I do feel that it makes my long potting difficult esp. power shots

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sakaralingam. If your cue is whippy it will tend to bend as you hit the cue ball and as a result it will throw the cue ball off line. Players tend to forget that when you hit the cue ball, it is a stationary object that you are trying to get moving, the more power you apply to achieve this will result in more bend on the cue, with the likely result that the cue ball will be thrown off line more. Long potting will be the biggest loser in this with any small deviation being accentuated by the distances involved. There needs to be a little flex in the cue but the key words are LITTLE FLEX.

[@mslscorpion]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach I use Peradon prince, 58 inch, 17.9 Oz which I said is whippy. I love the cue except certain long shots gets deflected due to whippiness. I got a new Phoenix elite, 57 inch, 18.4 Oz STIFF cue this Sunday. Within 2 days of playing with this I concluded that stiff cue is not for me! Not getting the feel on the hit, it’s like hitting cue with stone. Expensive lesson learnt with 600 dollars 😄. Thanks for your insight Barry, much appreciated.

[@daniyalkhalid9628]

my cue is too much flexible is it okay pls tell

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

A flexible cue can cause a problem but so can a very rigid cue. This is always a personal choice but my advise is choose one that is not too rigid or too flexible. I can't offer you a measurement on this but try a few cues until you get one that suits you.

[@walterwhite6928]

Barry, is a cue over 19 oz too heavy ? and under 17 oz too light ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Walter. This is a matter of personal preference, my own cue is around 18 ounces and that seems to suit me. 17 oz does seem a little light to me and if I had to choose I would probably opt for the 19 oz. Having said that Ding would probably opt for the 17 oz. because he says mine is a little too heavy for him.

[@laughmore9351]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Hey Barry i'm A Pro Amateur And Few Months Back I Got Some Tissues And Some Sensitive Muscles Damaged In My Back Bone And Shoulder Joint And My Own Prefference Is To Use Too Light Cue Because I Could Create Huge Amount Of Momentum Using Wrist Power On A Light Cue How Light A cue Should Be Suitable For Game And Which One Brand Do Yo Prefer??

[@L.Kneemoy]

Barry I enjoy your videos, I have a question about that cue you had made. How much did it cost to have the cue made, thanks much. Cheers..

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Chris. I'm sorry but I do not have that information.

[@sajjadwarya5282]

Good

[@justme.9711]

I will never own another wooden cue, nor would I want a wooden boat when I can get fiberglass.

[@dianehowell2741]

How long should the cue be? Some say that it should come up to the chin. Others say that it doesn't matter.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Diane. The standard length is 58" but so much depends on the physical stature of the player. You should be able to adopt a normal and comfortable position and your cue arm should hang about vertically from the point of the elbow to the front of the grip hand. If you can do this without too much cue butt showing behind the grip hand hand the length of your cue will be okay.

[@shbu98]

best oil for cue????

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Your cue just needs a light smear of good quality linseed oil about once a year.

[@shbu98]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you so much sir

[@chyanfrancisco4818]

Hi Barry, I'm 5'5 and am looking for a new cue. Everything comes in 58" and I was wondering if it's better to get a 58" cue and get it shortened and re-tapered or if it's better to simply use a longer cue.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Chyan. 5'5 is not that small and I would have thought that a standard length cue of 58" would be okay, but please have a look at my video on where to place the bridge hand and where to hold the cue.

[@RetroTekGuyAU]

Imo you just can't beat a one piece. I decided to have a custom cue built using Ronnie's specs and that changed everything. The difference is....Night and day.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

DrQuinn. Many good players will agree with you and will only use a one piece cue.

[@DerZeitenWende]

Good evening , Sir! My question: Would you recommend to play snooker with a 11.75mm poool cue because i'm so used to play with this cue. Greets!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Der. Oh! dear no. That is a very large tip to be playing snooker with, ideal for the lager balls of pool but not for snooker. I recommend 9.5mm to 10mm for snooker. No matter how much you like your cue and the fact that you are used to playing with it, I'm afraid you will not be able to play all the necessary shots required to reach a decent level at snooker.

[@DerZeitenWende]

Ok, that makes sense. Thx for the tip

[@zayaanzayaan9684]

I think these cue makers rip people off , what’s more important veneers and splices or weight and balance , I personally cdnt give a monkeys how the cue looks , prefer maple shaft like Hendrys one piece ebony shaft and that’s it , sometimes you have to adapt certain shots to the capabilities of the cue , I used to own a burwat but didn’t suit my style of play so I sold it , tryed playing with ash but struggled then I got a maple cue made and hey presto my game was back , maybe because as a kid and teenager I just always used maple shaft cues , hunt and obyrne in south London !

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Zayaan. Whether a player uses a Ash or Maple cue is largely down to individual preference, I personally like the grain on Ash cues, for me it adds a little more individuality to a piece of wood. Its the same with the veneers, they are probably there just for show but they make a statement saying it is my piece of wood, veneers can also be used to alter the weight and balance of a cue. Maple cues definitely have a different feel and sound but I am also told that acquiring good quality Maple in England gets harder, I suppose because the best is reserved for the countries in which it is grown.

[@8ballking8ballking65]

what glue do you use for your cue please let me know asap

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

8 BALL I use super glue gel.

[@FabianPyka]

the push on Extension somewhat looks a little bit like a Baseball bat

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Fabian. It is the same type of extension that is provided at every professional tournament, indeed some professionals prefer to use them rather than risk having the balance of their cue disturbed by having a joint inserted at the butt end. They do look at little cumbersome but are effective.

[@FabianPyka]

well i personally prefer the screw on extensions, but i don´t even have the Money to buy me a full snooker Equipment. i just played at a friends place in which i tried various extensions

[@palhetagustavo4705]

Traduz aí ne

[@renkinjutsu4664]

Talk 11 min about nothing, you can be a politician

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Renkin. It may be nothing to you, but not every one has your knowledge about cues and have written in asking for a video about them.

[@SHADOW.GGG-]

A truly amateurish video

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

gordon. Sorry you feel that way, we are well aware that we will never please everyone.

[@MOVEOVERROVER69]

gordon gibson what a nasty thing to say,no respect MORON !

[@nickmiller3319]

Some viewpoints, such as yours, are subjective, others, such as Barry Stark being a consummate professional, are objective. To be so amateur that you cannot even recognise professionalism is embarrassing.

[@MalikUsman-yg7iy]

Berry stark sir, I have a problem with my grip little bit confusion tell me please I squeeze my grip while hitting the cue ball but I cant check that is it happens after hitting or at the moment of hitting . Can you guide me how can I check .. which angle will help me in finding this fault?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Malik. If you are having problems with your grip the best thing is to just be aware of the contact points between the hand and the cue throughout the cue action. All you have to remember is that at the point of contact with the cue ball the hand should have returned to a fullish grip. Feel the cue in the 'V' as you take the cue back, feel the cue on the third finger and allow the hand to close naturally on the forward drive. Not every player squeezes the cue forward.

[@MalikUsman-yg7iy]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thanks you sir