Billiard Accessories Buying Guide

So you've purchased a pool table, pool cues, and billiard balls. What else do you need? Depending on your budget and your skill level, it can be a lot or very little. Many types of billiard accessories are available online, from basics like triangles and racks, to specialty items such as pool felt and cue tips.

What we've done is organize billiard supplies into two categories: cue and pool tables. For your convenience, we've included brief notes as to their use as well as helpful recommendations.

Accessories for Cues

	Chalk - Chalk keeps the cue tip from slipping when it contacts the ball. Make sure to buy branded chalk, as low-quality or counterfeit chalk can ruin your tip. Chalk by Master, Silver Cup and Brunswick can be trusted. Also consider purchasing a chalk holder, which you can strap onto your belt for easy access.
	Bridge Heads and Sticks - Useful for stabilizing your shot, bridge heads come in everything from plastic and aluminum to brass and wood.
	Pool Cue Rack - Wall mounted or floor racks hold your pool cues, and are made from solid oak, mahogany, walnut or maple. More expensive models may also provide a convenient place to store your billiard balls, billiard rack, and other accessories.
	Cue Case - Provides an easy way to move your cue, and protects it from humidity, temperature, accidental falls, scratching and bending. Soft cases provide the least protection, while hard cases such as tube cases provide maximum protection.
	Joint Protectors - These small, handy accessories are important for several reasons. They prevent rust and dirt build-up in the joints, keep moisture from entering the wood and warping it, and protect your cue from damage if you drop it.
	Tips - Cue tips eventually wear away and become unusable; you can purchase replacement tips, as well as repair and maintenance kits.

While most accessories are optional, certain supplies such as table covers, chalk, and racks are essential.

Accessories for Pool Tables

	Billiard Racks - Available in triangles and diamonds, these are needed to rack your billiard balls before a game.
	Brush - This is used to keep your pool table felt in top condition. The best billiard brushes are usually made out of horsehair.
	Pool Table Covers - Covers are a must. Protect your table from humidity, fading and dust by covering your pool table whenever it is not in use.
	Billiard Cloth - If your cloth is starting to show signs of age, you can recover (also known as refelt) your table with a new billiard cloth. Best Billiards.com has an excellent online recovering resource center if you purchase billiard cloth directly from their website.
	Rail Rubbers - The rails form the physical edge of your playing surface; you can replace them yourself, but make sure to order the cushion that fits your particular table.