How to Choose The Cue That Works Best for You

 As any snooker or pool player would vouch for, cues are one of the most important elements while playing a match! Every individual snooker player needs his personal cue to develop his abilities in this game. There are several types of cues available, and one can choose them according to the needs, requirements, skill level, etc. However, it is not very difficult to find the ideal cue for you if you know what to look for!

The first thing that you need to understand is that the cues required for playing snooker are different from the ones required to play pool. Though both these sports look quite similar, they are widely different; snooker requires more skill because the balls are smaller and heavier, the table is larger, the pockets are narrower, and the pocket lead-in is also curved.

The snooker cues are available in various forms that include 1 piece snooker cues (which uses a single piece of timber), 2 piece snooker cues (which has a single joint at the halfway point) and 3/4 jointed snooker cues (which are jointed three quarters of the way from the tip) and special short or junior cues measuring 36 to 54 inches.

Traditional Pool Cues, popularly also known as UK pool and 8-ball pool, have a very similar specification to snooker cues except for a smaller tip (around 8 to 9 mm on average) and the different configuration of joints (such as short butts and 4/5 jointed cues). The 8 ball cue is available in a wide selection of designs and styles. Some of the most popular 8 ball cues include Mirage Short Butt English Pool Cue, Peradon Saturn 3/4 Jointed 8 Ball Pool Cue with Mini Butt, Galaxy 8 Ball Pool Cue, Storm 8 Ball Pool Cue, and Meteor 8 Ball Pool Cue. For more information on 8 ball cues, visit: www.cuepower.co.uk

It is very important to choose the right type of wood for you. Generally, Ash and Maple are used to make cues. Ash wood is mainly used for snooker cues; it is tougher and exhibits dark grain lines. On the other hand, Maple wood is mainly used for pool cues and exhibits tighter grain lines. You also need to choose the correct weight, as snooker cues are available in three different weights; 17, 18, and 19 ounces. You should opt for any one of them depending upon your skill level; the heavier it is, the more advanced level player you should be.

Standard cues are anywhere between 57 - 58 inches long. To find the correct cue length for you, you should determine the height to which the cue reaches on being held upright, with the tip pointing upwards. The cue should ideally reach just below your shoulder. You should also thoughtfully consider buying the right size of cue tip in order to perform really well, as it is the only partwhich directly interacts with the ball! Generally, tip sizes for snooker cues are between 8 – 10 mm and pool cues are between 10 – 13 mm.

However, just buying the right cue is not enough if you want to improve your game. You need to take proper care of your cues in order to prevent any kind of damage to them. They should always be kept dry and away from heaters and radiators. Proper attention should be paid to keep them free of chalk dust, as it might stain the shaft and discolour the tip of the cue in the long term. The cues need to be handled well and should ideally be stored in cue racks or a cue case.

This post is written in association with Cuepower. They provide snooker and pool players with high quality products for every level of ability and budget. Staffed with great enthusiasts of these sports, they also help players to select the perfect cue, case and other accessories.

Personalised Golf Gifts - For Greater Visibility and Impact
If you have a business or run a company, and want to create a long lasting and positive impression on your clients, you need to engage them and connect to them at a deeper level. Traditional marketing strategies have evolved to include various promotional techniques that fundamentally endeavour to create greater visibility and impact among people. The increasing use of personalised gifts in corporate events is a living testimony to this fact!

Events such as golf tournaments are a great venue to indulge in some promotional marketing tactics because they ensure that your brand message is effectively conveyed to your target audience. You can use various personalised golf gifts imprinted with your company’s logo to register your brand in the mind of your clients and customers.

Even if it is a friendly golf event or golf day for your clients and associates, these personalised gifts serve the dual function of utility, as well as brand image enhancement. They form a positive image of the company and create stronger ties among the clients and staff. They can be used as prizes to winners, thank you gifts, or giveaways at golf events; for more information on personalised golf gifts and personalised golf balls, click here

You can find a wide range of golf prizes and personalised golf gifts that are perfect for tournaments. They may include handy accessory sets featuring golf tees and pitch repair tools, which are the perfect gifts for a golf enthusiast. Luxury velour golf towels in a wide range of colours and sizes make excellent prizes and can be embroidered with your company name, logo and slogan. Water bottles are aanother great option, as they are regularly used by golfers. A company’s name and logo can be beautifully reproduced on the bottle, guaranteeing maximum brand exposure.

Personalised golf balls also make for amazing gifts or prizes. They offer a way to promote stronger business relationships outside the office environment which balances recreation and a professional image. Sponsors of golf tournaments or corporates hosting a golf event for their staff, associates and/or clients can use printed golf balls to advertise their company or services. High resolution prints in rectangular, square or circular shapes can be easily printed on the golf balls to produce a clear and crisp image.

Another option is using golf goodie bags and custom printed promotional bags as giveaways. These bags can be filled with various golf related accessories, such as tees, caps, pitchforks, etc., imprinted with the company’s logo. Custom clothing such as polo shirts, socks, caddie bibs, etc. can also be created. You can also opt for shoe bags, pouches and umbrellas, which can be embroidered with the company’s logo. Such gifts look like they have been made with effort and thoughtfully designed, making them useful and well admired.

If you need to raise awareness about your company, personalised gifts are a great means by whi h to achieve that. Companies cannot restrict themselves to conventional modes of advertisement and promotion: in order to go beyond the ordinary it is important to think differently. Today’s customers have a wide variety of options and channels, necessitating a change in the outlook and thinking from the perspective of the clients. Branding and brand marketing play a critical role in ensuring the reach of a business. It is essential that companies reach out to their customers and create a positive impression on them. Personalised gifts are ideal for this purpose!

This post is written in association with Event Caddie. They offer a comprehensive range of practical corporate golf gifts, logo golf balls, embroidered golf clothing and display equipment ideal for branding corporate golf events. All their golf gifts are professionally printed or embroidered using the latest technologies.

Karting Parties – The Fun Way to Celebrate All Special Occasions

 Why Go Karting?

Karting parties are becoming increasingly popular across the UK, as they offer a unique, exhilarating experience which is perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply having some fun.

With karting you don’t need a driving licence, simply turn up at your chosen circuit and get ready to accelerate into a brilliant, fun day out.

Which Circuit?

Indoor, purpose built karting circuits are the best option for the ultimate Formula 1 experience. Cannon Raceway, located in Coseley, West Midlands, is one of the UK’s best indoor karting venues and is the only circuit in the Midlands to offer the latest evolution of karts, with race tuned 270cc engines. Not only do they have an amazing karting circuit with a unique layout covering over 40,000 square feet, they also have a multi level laser tag arena, gaming machines, refreshments and hot food facilities, enabling you to experience a full, fun filled day out.

Track Race Experiences:

Cannon Raceway’s track race experiences are perfect for smaller group parties. These races can feature up to 10 participants who will line up on the grid and take part in a 10 lap qualifying session, followed by a 40 lap race. Before racing, you and your party members will be given a full safety briefing where you will be kitted out with F1 styled drivers suits, helmets and gloves, leaving you raring to go.

Those with a competitive streak will love overtaking their friends and family and the top three drivers will be awarded trophies on the podium at the end of the race. All participants will also be given race printouts, offering a perfect memento of the experience. For more information or to book a track race experience Cannon Raceway (click here).

Laser Zone:

Unlike similar activities such as paintballing, with laser tag there is no pain or mess, just pure good fun. Cannon Raceway’s brand new multi level laser tag zone has to be seen to be believed. After completing your karting race, why not continue the fun and step into a surreal space traveller setting? The incredible multi level laser area is perfect for all types of parties, including children’s birthdays and group team adult warfare.

About Cannon Raceway:

Cannon Raceway are a family run company and have been the most popular karting circuit in the Midlands for almost 20 years. Their stylish venue features a large car park, raised gallery with a perfect view of the track – ideal for spectators, briefing theatre, corporate suites and function rooms, free WiFi, gaming machine area and trackside refreshments. Cannon Raceway take pride in offering some of the best facilities in the industry and their venue is regularly approved by the National Karting Association.

Getting to Cannon Raceway:

Cannon Raceway is conveniently located right next to Coseley train station and easily accessible from the M6 Junction 10 and M5 Junction 2, near Birmingham and Wolverhampton. For more information, visit: www.cannonraceway.co.uk