"Two-Piece, Wooden, Please"
Avoid aluminum and graphite cues, except perhaps for a solid break cue. These space-age materials that help golfers and baseball players smash a ball to Kingdom Come, wreck the pool shooter's needed “feel” through the stroke. Wood is the last word for the pool purist.The standard wooden cue separates into two sections. This serves two purposes, the separated cue can be carried easily and the separate pieces may be used to imitate Bruce Lee during a dangerous bar fight at the pool hall!
Warning: Never buy a cheap cuestick that separates into more than two sections! The multi-section cues sold for between $10 and $30 at department and sporting goods stores, warp almost immediately during play with rare exceptions.
Custom cues with three or more sections transform from a regular pool cue to a special cue for breaking, jump shots or massé shots. The custom made section switches, when need arises, with one half of these versatile cues or extends the cue from one end as a third piece. The new shaft or butt makes for a helpful specialty cue, while retaining some qualities of the original stick.
Some tournaments' rules stipulate that changing sections this way is illegal. Check your local league's rules first.
