How to Tell If a Pool Cue Is Straight: 4 Simple Tests
Quick answer: The easiest way to tell if a pool cue is straight is to roll it slowly across a flat pool table. Watch the tip end and the butt end. If the cue rolls smoothly with no gap under it and no wobble, it is straight. If you see the tip lift up or the cue bounce as it rolls, it may be warped. You can also look down the length of the cue like you are aiming a rifle. Check a two piece cue both put together and apart.
A warped cue can make it harder to hit the cue ball where you aim. If you are buying a used cue, picking a house cue, or checking your own, these simple tests will help.
Why Does a Straight Cue Matter?
A cue that bends can change how the tip lines up with the cue ball. Many players feel that a straight cue is easier to aim and stroke. A small bend may not matter much, but a big warp can make the cue hard to use.
Test 1: The Roll Test
This is the most common test.
- Find a flat pool table. Make sure there is nothing on the cloth.
- Lay the cue across the table.
- Roll it slowly with your fingers, away from you and back.
- Watch the tip end closely. Look for a gap between the cue and the cloth, or for the tip lifting up and down.
If the cue rolls smoothly and stays flat, it is likely straight. If one end moves up and down as it rolls, there may be a warp.
Keep in mind that some cues have a taper or a joint that makes them roll a little unevenly, even when they are straight. Look for a clear wobble, not a tiny one.
Test 2: The Sight Test
Hold the cue by the butt and look down its length toward the tip, with one eye closed. Turn the cue slowly in your hand. A straight cue looks like a straight line the whole way around. A warped cue will seem to curve as you turn it.
Test 3: Check Each Piece
If you have a two piece cue:
- Roll the shaft alone.
- Roll the butt alone.
- Then screw them together and roll the whole cue.
Sometimes the shaft and butt are straight on their own, but the joint is not lined up. Sometimes only the shaft is warped. Checking each piece tells you where the problem is.
Test 4: The Hit Test
Shoot a few straight shots with a center hit. If the cue feels fine and the ball goes where you aim, a tiny bend may not affect you. If shots seem to go off line for no reason, check the cue with the roll test again.
What Causes a Warped Cue?
Many things can cause a wood cue to bend:
- Heat. Leaving a cue in a hot car can cause problems.
- Moisture. Damp places can affect wood.
- Leaning it against a wall. Leaving a cue standing at an angle for a long time can put pressure on it.
- Big changes in temperature.
How to Keep Your Cue Straight
| Do | Do Not |
|---|---|
| Store it in a hard case | Leave it in a hot or cold car |
| Keep it in a room with steady temperature | Lean it against a wall for days |
| Lay it flat or hang it straight | Store it in a damp basement |
| Use a cue rack at home | Leave it standing in a corner |
A hard case is one of the best ways to protect a cue when you carry it to the pool room.
Can a Warped Cue Be Fixed?
Sometimes a cue repair shop can help, but it depends on the cue and how bad the warp is. A new shaft is another option for some two piece cues. Ask a local cue repair person for advice.
Buying a Used Cue?
Always roll test it first. Check both pieces and the joint. Look at the tip and ferrule too. A cue that rolls straight and has a good tip is a good start. For care tips, read our post on how to clean a pool cue shaft.
A few seconds of rolling can tell you a lot. Make the roll test a habit any time you pick up a new cue.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Shape a Pool Cue Tip: 6 Easy Steps for a Rounded Tip
- How to Replace a Pool Cue Tip: 7 Steps for a Clean Glue On Tip
- Follow Shot in Pool: How to Make the Cue Ball Roll Forward in 5 Steps
- Billiard Lessons Online: 6 Ways to Learn Pool From Home
- How to Clean a Pool Cue Shaft: 5 Safe Steps for a Smooth Stroke
- Soft vs Hard Pool Cue Tip: 5 Differences to Help You Choose
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you check if a pool cue is straight?
Roll it slowly on a flat pool table and watch the tip end for a gap or a wobble.
Can a pool cue be a little bit warped?
Yes. A tiny bend may not affect play much, but a clear wobble can make shots harder.
What makes a pool cue warp?
Heat, moisture, big temperature changes, and leaning it against a wall for a long time can all cause problems.
Should I check each piece of a two piece cue?
Yes. Roll the shaft, the butt, and then the whole cue together to find where any warp is.