New cue - Does a 1/4" length make a difference?

[k9nrad]

Hello, I'm pretty new to snooker, from the USA, sorry if this is a dumb question.

My current stick is 58", but I just placed an order for a better cue at 58.25" with the idea that it won't make a huge difference in playability and any ferrule/tip drama repairs down the line will keep it closer to 58" length.

Questions are:
Will I notice the 1/4" (Has anyone here played with both 58" and 58.25")?
How often do ferrules get replaced and is this a legitimate worry?

Also am about 5'11" - would 58.25" be even better? Sadly am in US and can only imagine what it'll actually feel like.

Thanks!

[k9nrad]

Im leaning toward sticking with a 58", it's not too late to change the order. Please help me decide if I should!

[dottcom]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvgwbpAOpcA

It's difficult to help without seeing you in person, but this is a good clip to start off with.

[k9nrad]

Thanks for the reply.

According to this video, 58" cue leaves me fractionally over an inch of cue left behind with a straight armed bridge. Im assuming 58.25" would leave me 1.5-1.75 inches behind in the normal address position.

I suppose for the shots that require a little bit of reach, this isn't a bad thing?

Not to mention, I feel my shoulder flexibility may increase as I play the game more. A lot of fuss to be made over a quarter of an inch, I realize this.

[k9nrad]

I notice many pros around my height seem to stick with 58" even, however... though that may be a matter of them training entire lives with such a setup, I'd assume.

[dottcom]

Thanks for the reply.

According to this video, 58" cue leaves me fractionally over an inch of cue left behind with a straight armed bridge. Im assuming 58.25" would leave me 1.5-1.75 inches behind in the normal address position.

I suppose for the shots that require a little bit of reach, this isn't a bad thing?

Not to mention, I feel my shoulder flexibility may increase as I play the game more. A lot of fuss to be made over a quarter of an inch, I realize this.

at 58", if your cue needs to be repaired in the future you still have an inch to work with. A lot of the cue doctors out there don't need to shorten your cue when changing ferrules, unless it is damaged beyond repair.
You may notice a little difference at the start, but being human beings and the way we are, you will eventually adapt.

[k9nrad]

So what would your verdict be? Thanks for being attentive to the post, I know this subject has probably been beaten to death on this forum.

[dottcom]

So what would your verdict be? Thanks for being attentive to the post, I know this subject has probably been beaten to death on this forum.

I would personally stick to 58' , an inch is plenty for future repairs.

[k9nrad]

Thanks for the help. Sent an update to change it, as I agree.

By the way, do cue makers typically measure from butt end to end of ferrule? If that were the case, the cue would end up being around 58-58.25 with tip anyway, wouldnt it?

Whereas if I ordered a length of 58.25", it may get into 58.25+ territory with tip on, which I think would be too long, if this is true.

[dottcom]

From my experience it differs with cuemakers.
e.g.
JP's 57" = butt to top of the tip
Maximus + TW 57" = butt to top of the ferrule