Do I need a Shorter Cue?

[weezer]

I play with a 58 inch cue. I have been told by a few people that my bridge hand to cue ball is too long (14 - 15 inches from 'V' in bridge hand to cue ball). I am quite short at 5 foot 6 so would a shorter cue be better for me? Say a 57 inch or even 56 inch cue? This in theory should shorten my bridge. Or do I simply hold my existing 58 inch cue (which I like) further down the butt so in theory shortening my bridge hand to cue ball to the supposedly recommended 10 to 12 inches from bridge hand to cue ball?

[the lone wolf]

Do the balls go into the pocket on a consistent basis?
If yes - Don't listen to anyone and carry on as normal.
If no - Your cue should be well balanced and if it is; then change your bridge distance not the cue.... :snooker:

[weezer]

Lone Wolf - Sometimes they go in consistently, other times not. I am a 30 - 40 break maker with a HB of 77 but I feel there is something stopping me being more consistent. As you say though maybe it is better to shorten my bridge hand to cue ball rather than changing cues.

[DeanH]

Do I need a Shorter Cue?

find a rack cue or a friend with a shorter cue and give it a session try to see if a shorter cue suits
Don't hack at your cue before you have considered other options

[weezer]

Dean, yes I will try what you suggested and try a shorter cue from the rack. But I was wondering from a technical viewpoint whether a shorter cue would be better for me as it might automatically shorten my bridge hand to cue call?

[DeanH]

Do I need a Shorter Cue?

I would say yes a shorter cue will help reduce the bridge length
Finding one that fits and compliments your play is the tricky bit :wink:

[the lone wolf]

Personally I'd move my grip further up and bridge hand closer to CB.
should you go for a shorter cue you will lose that additional inch when reaching for certain shots...
See it as an advantage rather than disadvantage- Try and utilise that additional length to your benefit.
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Or perhaps you just want a new cue nothing wrong with that. A new cue can be good for the soul... :snooker: