Two Different Types of RAVEN Jump Cues

Just like any other type of cue, not all jump cues are alike. RAVEN Custom Cues builds two distinctly different jump cues. One jump cue is not better than the other one. They are just intended for different types and styles of jumping. There are 3 basic styles of legally jumping the cue ball. It is illegal to scoop the cue ball from underneath. It is not my intention here to explain the three methods in detail nor is it my intention to provide enough information to try to teach a person how to accomplish the different shots. I intend only to identify the styles to assist people in determining which jump cue is the right jump cue choice for their style of jumping. As with almost all examples these are in general terms not absolutes. Players tend to utilize one of these methods more than the others although some players may use all 3.

STYLE 1

Style 1 is to simply elevate the butt of the cue from about a 25-degree to about a 45-degree angle and stroke through the cue ball very much like a normal shot. The cue ball is struck slightly above or below it’s center. This is a conventional jump shot like some people perform with a full cue. It is much easier with the correct jump cue. This style is easy to learn, requires little practice and is effective for most jump shots. It can be used when the ball, or balls, to be jumped are from a ball and a half distance to several feet from the cue ball. Depending on the tip used and the skill level of the player, draw, follow and sidespin can be applied to the cue ball in addition to making it jump. The longest jumps can be executed with this style.

STYLE 2

Style 2 is to elevate the butt of the cue more drastically. Sometimes even to the range of 70 to 80 degrees. It almost always requires the player to move his or her body to the side to execute the shot but the cue is typically still held by a grip like one normally uses to hold a cue. Generally the player will stroke through the cue ball very much like a normal shot but sometimes they ‘pop’ the cue ball with an abbreviated stroke. The cue ball is struck slightly above to well below its center. This is not a conventional jump shot like some people perform with a full cue. It is much easier and sometimes only possible to execute with the correct jump cue. This style is not easy to learn, it requires considerable practice and when performed by an accomplished player is effective for almost any possible jump shot. It can be used when the ball, or balls, to be jumped are from half the distance of a single ball to several feet from the cue ball. Depending on the tip used and the skill level of the player, considerable draw, follow and sidespin can be applied to the cue ball in addition to making it jump.

STYLE 3

Style 3 is to use the jump cue almost like throwing a dart. The cue is grasp with the thumb and forefinger. Depending on the shot to be executed and the preference of the player the stroke used may vary from a full follow through to a jab. The most radical shots performed in this manner are only possible with the correct jump cue. Nothing about this style is conventional. With correct instruction this style is not exceptionally difficult to learn for basic shots. It is however very difficult to master. For the full range of shots this method is capable of performing it requires regular practice. When performed by a very accomplished player or trick shot artist seemingly impossible jump shot can be executed. It can be used when the ball, or balls, to be jumped are less than half the distance of a single ball to several feet from the cue ball. Depending on the tip used and the skill level of the player, extreme draw, follow and sidespin can be applied to the cue ball in addition to making it jump. The closest jumps can be executed with this style.

The Standard RAVEN Jump Cue

The standard RAVEN jump cue will weigh about 7 to 10 ounces. It will range in length from 40.1 inches (minimum legal length is 40 inches) to about 44 inches long by special request. Typically the shaft will be a specially tapered flat laminated shaft with a diameter of approximately13.25mm to 14mm. 13.75mm to 14mm is the recommended diameter. Purpleheart shafts are also an excellent choice for this jump cue. Rock maple can be used but is not recommended for this cue. It will have a short hard fiber ferrule or a ferrule of brass is optional. The handle will be 10 to 14 inches long. The joint pin will be an aluminum 3/8 - 10 thread. It will follow the taper from the joint. The tip will be a RAVEN white, black or blue jump / break tip. A common brown jump tip may also be used.

This cue is excellent for the player of average skill to above average skill. It jumps high and fast so it is especially good for the player who doesn’t practice jump shots often. It is easy to jump with and suitable for most of the jump shots all but the most skilled players would attempt to execute in competition. The larger tip gives more contact with the cue ball. The best usage is in jump Style 1. It is good for all but the more extreme jumps commonly executed in jump Style 2. It has limited effectiveness in jump Style 3. It is not recommended this cue be fitted with a thinner shaft. If you want an inlayed jump cue or one with spliced points work like that can be done to this cue. It will be a bit heavier as a result but still a very light jump cue.

The Extreme RAVEN Jump Cue

The RAVEN Extreme jump cue will weigh about 5 to 7 ounces. It will range in length from 40.1 inches (minimum legal length is 40 inches) to about 44 inches long by special request. The shaft will be a specially tapered flat laminated shaft with a diameter of approximately 13.25mm or less. Purpleheart shafts are also an excellent choice for this jump cue. Rock maple can be used but is not recommended if the shaft is to be less than12.75mm. It will have a short hard fiber ferrule or a ferrule of brass is optional. The handle will be 10 to 14 inches long. It will only slightly follow the taper from the joint and remain quite thin. The joint pin will be an aluminum 3/8 - 10 thread. The tip will be a RAVEN blue jump / break tip. A very hard water buffalo tip is optional. A common brown jump tip may also be used.

This cue is intended for the player of advanced skill to well above average skill in jumping balls and controlling the cue ball on jump shots. It is extremely light and effective for the shots that require a very light jump cue. Because of the light weight and the fact the shaft is not as stiff it is more suitable for jump Style 2 and jump Style 3 than it is for jump Style 1. The more advance player, using the correct tip, will be able to execute virtually any shot using any style with this cue. This cue can be fitted with a second optional thicker shaft that should allow this cue to do everything quite well in the hands of an accomplished player. I advise against inlays or spliced points in this cue as it works best when it is as light as possible.

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