Reach For More: The Ultimate Pool Cue Extension Guide
Say goodbye to pool balls being all the way across the table and out of reach. If you’re a taller player with a short cue, a shorter player, or just extremely annoyed when you have to uncomfortably stretch across the table, a cue extension will help cure those frustrations.
In this article, we’ll discuss what cue extensions are, how they can benefit you, the different types of cue extensions you can buy, how to use one, and different situations that might call for a cue extension.
Let’s start with the basics…
What Is a Cue Extension?
A pool cue extension, or cue stick extension, is a cue attachment that you can use to add extra length to your pool cue. Using a cue extension allows you access to hard-to-reach parts of the pool table without using a mechanical bridge.
Pool cue extensions are usually available in sizes from 3 to 12-inches. Cue extensions come in various styles to suit the needs of different pool players.
Benefits of Cue Extensions
Cue extensions aren’t for everyone, but extra cue length can provide several benefits for certain players. Extensions can address certain issues for different players to help improve their overall performance at the table.
Here are four important benefits of using cue extensions:
1. You get a longer reach
Cue extensions make it easier to reach the cue ball on all those far away shots. Shot precision is improved as a result of a better reach, especially when playing on larger tables.
With a cue extension, you will not have to stretch out too far to make a shot or use a mechanical bridge, both of which can lead to an awkward stance and affect your play.
2. Improved cue control
You can benefit from a cue extension if you always hold your cue almost at the bottom or keep changing your bridge hand position when making a shot. These behaviors often indicate that the cue is not long enough for you.
Adding an extension will help you maintain a consistent bridge hand position, which will improve your cue control and shot consistency.
3. Adds more versatility to your game
Cue extensions can eliminate the need to buy different size cues. It’s easy to add or remove the extension to change your cue length.
Some cue extensions even have an adjustable length. They allow you to fine-tune your cue to suit your preferences for different shots or situations when playing.
4. More comfort when playing
If you are a taller player (over 6’4”) or a player with very long arms and very broad shoulders, the standard 58-inch cue can feel awkward and uncomfortable.
In this case, you’d benefit from using an extension as it makes your cue a little longer to maintain a more natural and comfortable stance.
Types of Cue Extensions
Pool cue extensions are screwed or pressed on when attaching to the cue, depending on the type you buy.
Here are the 3 most common cue extension types:
1. Universal extensions
Universal cue extensions are those that can work for any cue brand. They are typically rear extensions that attach to the butt end of the cue.
These extensions are meant to give players extra reach when making hard-to-reach shots. Universal extensions are the longest, and can be up to 24-inches long.
2. Joint/Mid-cue extensions
The joint extensions attach at the cue’s joint where the butt and shaft meet. These extensions are meant to give taller than average players a more natural stroke by eliminating the need to hold the cue very close to the bottom. They are also shorter than the universal extensions, as most are just 3 to 6-inches long.
Joint extensions also protect the cue’s joint, especially for players who regularly assemble and disassemble their pool cues.
3. Adjustable or Telescoping extensions
The telescoping extensions are more popular with snooker players than pool players. As the name suggests, they have a telescoping design with several sections that you can extend or collapse to adjust your cue length.
These are perfect when you want to adjust your cue length on the fly without stopping to add or remove the extension.
How and When to Use a Cue Extension
Most cue extensions easily screw on and off the cue without much effort. Still, make sure you do not over-tighten. Adding an extension over 6-inches is often too much. Such a long cue extension will add too much weight to your cue and affect the balance, feel, and comfort.
There are two main reasons you might need a cue extension:
- You’re stretching across the table all the time
- You’re too tall for your cue and always hold it near the end of the butt
If you find yourself having to use a very long hand bridge when making a shot, you need a longer cue than what you are using. You can always buy a longer cue or have one customized for you, but the easiest and cheapest option is adding an extension to your current cue.
Also, if you have to hold your cue almost at the bottom of the butt, this is another sign you need a longer cue. The reason you are holding the cue at the bottom is because the balance point is further back than it should be.
Using too short of a cue creates an awkward stance and is often caused by having very broad shoulders and/or very long arms. Adding a few extra inches to your cue with an extension can easily fix the cue balance point issue for taller players.
Wrap Up
A cue extension can help you reach more shots by giving your cue extra length. It can also help improve a cue’s feel and balance and shorten your hand bridge.
But, it is important to know when and how to use an extension correctly. Otherwise, the extra load can do more harm to your play than good.
All in all, cue extensions provide an easier and cheaper way to make your pool cue longer. Try one out to see if a cue extension is for you!
As always, Happy Shooting!