how heavy should the break cue be in pool?

Question

i know that a 19 oz is average for running a rack but how heavy should the break cue be? heavier or lighter than 19 ounces?

Answer 1

This is a good question. First of all, it's going to depend somewhat on the game you are playing. Games like straight pool and one pocket often utilize a fairly soft breaking technique, so most often players will use their main playing cue. If we are referrring to games with an open break shot like 8-ball or 9-ball, then we are entering controversial territory. There are a few main schools of thought regarding break cues and their respective weights. One theory is that a heavier cue will have a greater mass, thereby delivering more force into the cue ball. Another theory states that a lighter cue stick will travel faster, allowing you to impart more speed into the cue ball. Some believe that you should have no trouble breaking with your main playing cue, as long as you aren't hitting the ball with ridiculous, uncontrolled force and bending the shaft at an extreme angle. My main philosophy regarding break shots is that speed without control is worse than nothing. A controlled break shot doesn't require excessive speed to effectively break up the balls nicely and give you a favorable table position. It all has to do with the transfer of energy from the cue ball to the apex ball (usually). Whenever you are shooting at the head ball, you should try to hit it as full as possible. This will allow you to transfer the maximum amount of energy into the rack and to park the cue ball in the middle of the table. If you are utilizing proper stroke mechanics, you can be extremely effective. By this reasoning, you should just experiment and see what works for you. M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 2

If you have a good stroke and follow-through weight really makes no difference. I have found that when I'm breaking, say a 9-ball rack, once I find the sweet spot (the angle the path the cue ball is taking to the head ball) and make balls - that's where I'm breaking from throughout the match. I have broke open racks from the center of the table about 8-10 inches off the end rail and stayed there all day. Other times I break from the side rails. For me, it's finding the sweet spot.
But, some players don't have a strong break so probably a heavy stick would be good for them. It doesn't take as much power. It's all in the feel. Good luck.

Answer 3

Consider the physics of the shot. Mass X Velocity = A powerful break. The best cue for your break is one that you can accelerate quickly and accurately. Consider something light if you do not have lightning quick "Tiger Woods reflexes".
Then there is the Mass of the equation, how heavy is the cue ball? Huge balls on a coin-op bar table obviously require a heavier cue than does a small snooker ball.

Answer 4

Break with your shooting stick the break is almost as imporant as the money ball if your stick wont handle a break shot go shopping..my own is a 21 but they call me the wild indian --among other things The idea of a super hard break is the biggest myth for most people even pros i will make 3-4 balls with a shot that would not bank 3 rails aka know where your q ball is going a roundhouse break how many times have you broke and made 2-3 balls and no shot on table any 16 0r 25 oz your choice dont discount the break .I win 40% 9ball off the break

Answer 5

as previous posters mentioned break cues are whatever feels comfortable to the shooter...most of the guys I used to play with broke with cues that were 20 to 22 ounces (usually a cue just for breaking) some much heavier...and although it doesnt take a godzilla break to make balls, a lot of the big players have one...

Answer 6

I break with my shooting cue. It is a 20.5 ounce. It all depends with what your most comfortable with though. I know some guys who break with their 16-17oz. cues and others who break with a 21+oz cue. So to answer your question, the weight of your breaking cue depends on you.

Answer 7

Depends on your break and game but 21oz is normal for a break stick. In most cases the joint is more important than the weight.

Answer 8

Mick Parker and David Hopkins asked the same question. You should see their answers side by side.