Wraps: The Grip of The Cue
If you are looking to buy a cue or want to have your current cue repaired, it is important to know each part and it's importance to help you decide the cue or cue part that is best for you. In this section, you will find extensive information about each part of a cue.
This section features:
Tips | Ferrules | Shafts | Joints
Inlays | Wraps | Weight
The area where the player grips the cue often features a wrap made with leather or Irish linen. Different materials affect how the grip feels in the hand. Players who sweat heavily might prefer Irish linen wraps, which are known for absorbing perspiration. Some players prefer no wrap at all.
No Wrap
Some players do not like to feel a wrap when they grip the cue. To work with this preference, cue makers typically decorate the wood with designs & inlays. They may also use exotic woods with a finish to give it the "no wrap" feel.
One Piece Wraps
Snakeskin, leather, cork, elephant ear are examples of a one-piece wrap. These wraps are usually glued on with carpenters glue (white glue) or rubber contact adhesive. These wraps will have a seam that will always be visible.
Irish Linen
This type of wrap offers more color variations and looks like very thick sewing thread. The cue maker uses white carpenter glue or a glue stick then spins the butt of the cue on a lathe to wrap the string.
Irish linen can be pressed to feel smooth or have a textured finish. It can also be covered with a clear coat or automotive finish to give the look of a wrap and the feel of having no wrap on the cue.
Stacked Leather
Stacked leather wraps are put on the same way as an Irish Linen wrap but with a size of 3/16 to 5/16 inches wide. Leather, suede and high burnished leather materials are used to give the cue a different look and feel and are a matter of personal preference.
Cue Butt Finishes
When cues are finished, a cue maker typically uses an epoxy, automotive (clear coat) or UV coatings & finishes. Wood finishes, lacquer, shellacs and polyurethane are not used because they will not endure the abuse cues typically take during play.
To find your preference for wraps by visiting your local billiard retail store or at your next pool & billiard event and ask about what kind of wrap is on the cue.
Learn how to maintain your cue in our Cue Maintenance & Repair article or find a professional to replace or repair your wrap in our Pool & Billiard Directory.