An Overview of Snooker Equipment

If you'd like to get started playing snooker, you'll need to find a pub, club, or organization that has the proper equipment. Your other option is to purchase the equipment for your own home. But, because snooker equipment can be costly, you should know what kind of items you'll need and the approximate cost of each. In this article, we'll describe snooker balls, cues and tables and discuss how much you can expect to invest in each.

Balls

As you likely already know, playing snooker requires 22 balls: 1 cue ball, 15 red balls and 6 colored balls. Regulation size balls have a diameter of 2-1/8 inches. A set of 22 balls typically costs between $50 and $80, depending upon the craftsmanship and durability. If you buy a set of balls and one (or more) become damaged (or lost), you can purchase smaller sets of replacement balls. These replacement sets typically come in packs of 3 balls. So, you can buy them to replace the cue ball, red balls, or selected color balls, according to your needs. Replacement sets cost approximately $20 and offer the same quality as full sets.

Cues

Your snooker cue stick is arguably the most important piece of equipment you'll purchase. Once you grow accustomed to the feel and weight of your personal cue, it will become an extension of your body. All professional snooker players use their personal cues during tournaments. They know the feel of their cue stick so well that it has a dramatic impact on how well they play.

Snooker cues are available in 1-piece or multiple pieces. High-quality cues (at least, those used for snooker) are usually constructed of ash wood. The butt of your cue stick is where most of the cue's weight is distributed. The cue tip is made of leather and comes with varying degrees of hardness. You should note that the more rounded a tip is, the more spin you can put on the ball.

A good snooker cue can cost as little as $30 or as much as $1,000. The price of the cue reflects the material used in its construction, the quality with which it's made, the ornate design on the butt and more. If you're investing a lot of money in a cue stick, you'll need to purchase a case. It will protect your cue and prevent scratching and other damage. While some cases can cost nearly $500, you can purchase a good one for $50.

Tables

Snooker tables require the biggest investment. There are several sizes available. The largest (called corinthian tables) are constructed of mahogany and are adjusted for superior leveling and accuracy. With a price tag that can reach thousands of dollars, corinthian snooker tables are 12 feet long and 6 feet wide. If you're on a tight budget, you can purchase a smaller table constructed of less-durable materials. For example, tables that are only 4 feet long and 2 feet wide and come with folding legs can be purchased for less than $100.

Investing In Your Own Equipment

Snooker is a game that involves years of practice and discipline to master. If you're considering buying the equipment for your home, think of it as an investment. While the amount of money you spend on your snooker balls, cue and table don't always reflect the quality of the equipment, high-quality cues and tables cost more money than lesser-quality gear. To ensure you enjoy playing snooker for years to come, buy equipment that is built to last.