My shopping list — ready to play
My level: ☐ Casual ☐ Club ☐ Competition Date: __ / __ / ____
Details and links
www.espritbillard.com/en/materiel/
www.espritbillard.com/en/materiel/
Casual: I mostly want to play
About €40 to €100 for a complete cue
- Cue: complete, 2-piece, entry-level (guide: about €65). Above all, straight.
- Chalk: ordinary chalk is enough: a pack of 4 costs about €6.
- Glove: optional, useful in hot weather or with a sweaty hand.
- ✕Not needed: decorative finishes or an expensive case at this stage.
Club: I'm getting into it, I play regularly
About €100 to €300 for the cue
- Cue: more consistent wood, a more reliable shaft, 11 to 12 mm tip (guide: about €110). Weight 480 to 540 g, chosen by trying it.
- Chalk: a brand that grips better and dirties the cloth less.
- Case: to carry it to the club.
- Upkeep: tip shaper and fine sandpaper to keep the tip slightly domed.
- Glove: optional.
Competition: I play tournaments
From about €300 for the cue
- Cue: 3-piece, chosen in a specialist shop or at the club, after trying it.
- Spare shaft: compatible with your cue's joint.
- Chalk: always the same brand, to keep the same feel.
- Case: rigid or reinforced for travel.
- Carbon?: not a first purchase: keep it for people who already play a lot.
Before you pay: 5 checks
- Straight: roll the cue on a flat surface; it must not wobble.
- Weight: between 480 and 540 g, but the right one is the one that suits you in hand.
- Tip: 11 to 12 mm to start with, thinner later if you like.
- Trial: try several cues at a club or shop before choosing.
- Level: move up when you feel a limit, not before.
Where to try, where to buy
- At the club: they lend cues and give advice (see the Find a club page).
- Specialist shop: for competition cues and advice on the spot.
- Online: chalk, cases, gloves, entry-level cues; some of the site's links are affiliate links and are marked.
- Budget: keep some room for a few lessons.