Snooker and Pool Cues: Protecting Your Investment
You have finally decided on the cue that you want, it feels right, looks great and plays like a dream. But for the money you have spent how are you now going to adequately protect it? The first port of call is almost certainly going to be a cue case. However, with so much on offer in today’s marketplace what do you opt for?

Budget Soft Cases
For under $10 you can buy a budget soft case. These cases usually only fit a two piece centre-jointed cue and offer minimal protection. They are usually made of plastic and have a very thin layer of foam by way of protection. These cases are ideal for the casual player or for someone that does not really worry about the state of their cue.

They are really only designed for carrying a cue from place to place and should not be used as full protection for your cue.

Padded Soft Cases
These usually cost in the region of $15. These cases offer slightly more protection than the budget versions and are designed with padding in mind. At this level you can also get a version for three quarter jointed cues as well as versions that will hold an extension.

Standard Attache (Box) Cases
For around the same price as a padded soft case you can buy an attaché case. These cases are designed to give a lot more protection to your cue and come in a variety of sizes for cues of all types.

The design of the case will protect your cue from knocks, bumps and even the odd drop, while it is stored. However, they do have a tendency to split at the sides as they are usually only made of a heavy-duty cardboard material with a leatherette or plastic finish. These can be bulky to carry but will protect your cue much more effectively than a soft case.

Aluminium Attache Cases
This type of case provides the best protection available. Soft padded foam interiors prevent the sections of your cue from knocking together whilst in transit. The exterior is made from aluminium, which is very light but also extremely strong and robust. However, for this type of protection expect to pay up to $70.

An aluminium case will protect your cue whilst in storage from all manner of knocks and bumps.

When it comes to purchasing a cue case, have a look to see which type of case suits you best. Find one that really suits your needs. If you are a casual player with a relatively cheap cue then a £60 aluminium case is probably too much, on the other hand, if you have spent over $200 on a cue then only spending a fiver on a cue case is a false economy.