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A cue stick is an implement used in the various billiard or pool games to strike a ball, usually the cue ball. Cues are tapered sticks, typically about 1.5m (5ft) and 510-600g (18-21oz). Cues are typically made of wood, but occasionally are made of other materials including graphite, graphite covered wood, or aluminium.
Cues are of two major types. One type is a one piece cue. These are generally stocked in pool halls for use by the casual player. They have a uniform taper, meaning they decrease in diameter evenly from the end or butt to the tip. The other type is the two piece cue, divided in the middle for ease of transport. The large heavy piece of the cue is known as the cue butt and the smaller end is known as the shaft. The two pieces of the cue are attached at the joint, which is normally a screw. Shafts are made with various tapers, the two most common being the pro taper and the European taper. The end of the shaft has a cuff known as the ferrule which is used to hold the cue tip in place. This is typically made of ivory or a plastic such as phenolic resin. The cue tip is made of leather of various degrees of hardness. The end of the cue will vary in diameter but is typically in the 12 millimetre range for pool cues and 10 millimetres for snooker cues.
The leather tip of a pool cue is used in conjunction with chalk to impart spin to the ball.
The cue butt is often enlayed with exotic woods and other materials and includes decorative rings. The use of wraps on the cue butt provide a better grip, and absorb hand moisture. Two common type of this are the Irish linen wrap and leather wraps.
The choice of materials used in the construction of the cue butt and the artistry of the design can lead to cues of great beauty and high price. A good quality pool cue is typically made from maple wood, especially the shaft. Snooker cues are generally made of ash. Cues are not always for play -- some are collectible. There have been a number of famous cue makers over the years. The most famous are Herman J Rambow, and George Balabushka, whose cues are very valuable to collectors. Unlike most collectible cues, their cues are valued because of how well they worked as a pool cue.
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