When it comes to playing a good game of pool, there are several factors that can and do affect your game. The table, the balls, and the pool cue certainly matter, but you may be wondering about pool chalk as there are so many different brands and makes. So let’s find out: Does pool chalk brand matter, and is it worth the extra cost?
Extensive studies have shown that pool chalk brand really doesn’t matter when it comes to playing a good game; it all depends on how much chalk you use and when. However, more expensive chalk usually lasts quite a lot longer, saving you money in the long run.
If you want to learn everything there is to know about pool chalk brands and whether or not they will affect your game, as well as the various prices and whether or not the higher price tags are worth it, keep reading! You are going to be a pool chalk expert in just a few minutes.
What Does Pool Chalk Do?
Before we talk about the various brands and prices of pool chalk and how they compare to each other, it’s vital to first understand exactly what chalk is supposed to do and how it can improve your game.
Pool chalk can make the difference from a bad game to a great game, whether you are an amateur or a professional player. Essentially, pool chalk creates friction between the pool cue and the cue ball so whether you’re shooting straight or English, you don’t miscue.
Most players re-chalk their cue regularly throughout the game, and some use it before every single shot.
But you are probably still wondering, does the brand and price of chalk actually make a difference?
Do Pool Chalk Brands Matter?
Whether you are an expert pool shark or simply learning to play the game, you certainly use chalk every time you play. But have you noticed the brand of the chalk you use?
There are dozens of pool chalk brands; however, the general consensus among pool players is that the brand doesn’t really matter when it comes to pool chalk; the only important factor that you need to decide on is the texture of the chalk.
Pool chalk is either hard and crumbly, soft and wax-like, or somewhere in between. The most popular brand of hard chalk is Felson, whereas the most beloved brand of gel chalk is Kamui.
So as you now know, most players don’t really care about the brand, they only care about the consistency as it affects the shot, as well as how often you should and have to use the pool chalk.
If you are trying to improve your game, it could certainly benefit you to try the various textures of chalk so you can figure out which one improves your game the most, but you don’t need to get too hung up on the actual brand names.
Is Expensive Pool Chalk Worth It?
When you are choosing a chalk, you can either opt for a budget brand such as Felson, a mid to low price such as Masters or Predator, or the most expensive option, Kamui.
Once again, most players have noted that the more expensive chalk doesn’t necessarily make it better for your game; it’s much more about the type of chalk that works for you.
However, it is important to understand that the cheaper chalks, such as Felson, often fall apart quickly, as well as the fact that they wear off the cue faster, and therefore, the chalk needs to be reapplied constantly. So while you may pay next to nothing for 12 cubes of Felson chalk, you will fly through them.
On the other hand, chalk cubes such as Kamui, which are the most expensive on the market, last forever. The wax-like consistency means that you will only have to apply the chalk once or twice throughout the game and that the cube itself won’t crumble and deteriorate before you’ve used it all.
So, expensive chalk is worth it if you like how it feels on your cue because it is likely that it will last a lot longer than the budget option; however, if you prefer the rough and ready cheap chalk, there’s no point in paying more for the expensive options.
The Bottom Line
So, does pool chalk brand matter, and is expensive chalk worth the extra cost?
Experts have proven that the pool chalk brand does not matter, and neither does the price tag. It all depends on the player and what feels right on their pool cue.
However, it’s important to note that the most expensive chalk options usually last a whole lot longer, so in regards to saving money, it usually evens out in the end anyway.