Chinese-style billiard cue It is a striking tool made of high-quality wood, with a slender tip and a thicker butt; its length can vary, but generally it should not be shorter than 91 cm. A club that is too long is difficult to handle, as it impairs both aiming and striking. Therefore, it is important to choose a club that suits your own height and playing style. Typically, the club has a round shaft that tapers from front to back, is straight, and measures 1.3 to 1.5 meters in length, with the tip (the narrower end) having a diameter of about 9 to 12 millimeters. The quality of the leather head directly affects the shot: a good leather head is highly elastic, allowing precise control over impact force and preventing slippage. To avoid slipping, after three or four strokes, apply a dusting powder to the leather head to help it grip the ball more securely, and regularly trim and polish the leather surface to keep it in optimal condition. In most cases, the clubhead is made of hard metal or plastic, with the leather head affixed to protect the clubface.

　　How should a Chinese-style billiard cue be maintained and cared for?

　　A high-quality golf club is crafted from natural wood. Although the material undergoes multiple processing and quality-control steps, its unvarnished surface means that, without careful maintenance, both the exterior and internal structure can deteriorate over time. Moreover, given the club’s slender design and frequent impact during play, it is prone to damage. Therefore, to ensure stability and prolong the club’s service life, meticulous care and regular maintenance are essential.

　　1. During use, keep the club clean and regularly wipe it with a dry cloth to prevent sweat and other contaminants from seeping into the wood and corroding the shaft. For putters with a screw-in grip, ensure the threaded contact surfaces remain clean, and avoid wiping the club with a wet cloth. In addition, apply club oil on a regular basis to protect the club from performance degradation caused by fluctuations between dry and humid air.

　　2. When not in use, keep your clubs upright whenever possible, or store them in a well-structured club case. Avoid leaving your clubs for extended periods in environments with extreme temperatures, significant temperature fluctuations, or high humidity—such as near a heater or in the trunk of a car.

　　3. If the wood surface shows even slight changes, stop sanding with coarse-grit sandpaper; if necessary, gently buff it with fine-grit polishing sandpaper, then immediately apply a wood finish. For any significant changes, professional maintenance is essential.

　　4. Avoid frequent hammering or vibration of the club (especially clubs with ferrules), and do not strike the ball with a non-grip-friendly clubhead. If any components—such as copper rings or threaded parts—become loose, repair them promptly to prevent damage to the wood that could be irreparable.

　　Billiard cues are crafted from various types of solid wood, which has the characteristic of absorbing moisture in humid environments and releasing it in dry conditions, potentially causing the cue to warp or shrink. To prevent warping and finish damage in Chinese-style billiard cues, proper storage is crucial. Users are advised to store their cues in a cue case in a room maintained at 23–26°C. Additionally, it is not recommended to leave cues in a car, trunk, or any location with extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity.