Pro vs. Conical Taper: Which Shaft Profile Fits Your Stroke?

When choosing a pool cue, players often focus on shaft diameter, weight, or tip hardness. But one detail that dramatically influences how a cue feels and performs is the shaft taper. The way a shaft gradually narrows (or doesn’t) from the butt to the tip determines comfort, accuracy, and consistency.

The two most common profiles are pro taper and conical taper. Both have their strengths, but which one fits your style of play? Let’s break it down.

1. What Is Shaft Taper?

Shaft taper refers to how the diameter of a cue shaft changes from the tip down toward the butt.

  • A pro taper means the shaft stays almost the same diameter for a set distance (usually 10–15 inches) from the tip, then begins widening gradually.

  • A conical taper means the shaft increases in diameter continuously and evenly from the tip to the joint, forming a cone-like shape.

Think of pro taper as “straight up top, gradual after,” while conical taper is “smoothly widening all the way.”

2. The Pro Taper: Smooth and Familiar

The pro taper is the most common shaft shape, especially in American pool.

Key benefits:

  • Consistent bridge feel: Because the shaft remains the same size for a long section, it glides smoothly through your bridge hand.

  • Comfortable for players who use longer strokes.

  • Excellent for applying English: Less resistance, so spin feels natural.

  • Preferred by professionals: Most touring pros use pro-tapered shafts for their balance of comfort and control.

Downside:

  • Slightly less stiff than conical tapers, meaning some extra vibration on hard breaks or power shots.

👉 Great for: 9-ball, 8-ball, players who like finesse, spin, and a modern feel.

3. The Conical Taper: Stiff and Stable

The conical taper resembles snooker cues and traditional billiard cues.

Key benefits:

  • Extra stiffness: Because the shaft thickens steadily, it resists flex more.

  • More solid hit feel: Especially noticeable on power shots, banks, and straight strokes.

  • Durability: Less prone to long-term warping compared to thinner pro tapers.

  • Precision on straight shots: The rigid feel reduces “whip.”

Downside:

  • Less comfortable for players who like using a lot of English.

  • Feels thicker in the bridge hand, especially during long strokes.

👉 Great for: Straight pool, snooker, players who favor accuracy and firmness over extreme spin.

4. How to Decide Which Is Right for You

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do you use a lot of English (spin)?

    • Yes → Pro taper gives smoother control.

    • No → Conical taper may give you more confidence on center-ball shots.

  2. Do you like finesse or power?

    • Finesse → Pro taper suits fluid, controlled players.

    • Power → Conical taper delivers stability on hard breaks.

  3. What game do you play most often?

    • American 9-ball or bar table pool → Pro taper dominates.

    • Snooker, carom, or straight pool → Conical taper feels more traditional.

5. The Role of Technology

Traditional shafts, whether pro or conical, had to balance feel and durability. But with modern carbon fiber shafts, players can enjoy the best of both worlds.

  • Carbon fiber pro tapers offer smooth stroke comfort with reduced deflection.

  • Carbon fiber conical tapers maintain rock-solid stiffness while still minimizing squirt.

  • Both resist warping and deliver consistent performance in any climate.

At BIZU Billiards, our Mars Impact series is designed with low-deflection pro taper shafts, giving players a familiar feel with modern precision. For those who prefer firmer feedback, conical-inspired profiles are available too—bridging tradition and innovation.

6. Try Before You Decide

If possible, test both taper styles before committing:

  • Borrow a friend’s cue.

  • Hit a few straight-in shots and a few spin-heavy shots.

  • Pay attention to how the shaft feels in your bridge hand, and whether your stroke feels natural or restricted.

Many players discover they have an instinctive preference within just a few racks.

Conclusion

Choosing between pro taper and conical taper isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about matching your cue to your playing style.

  • If you value comfort, spin, and modern control → Pro taper may be best.

  • If you value stiffness, stability, and traditional precision → Conical taper could be your choice.

And with carbon fiber technology like BIZU’s low-deflection shafts, you can enjoy consistency and performance no matter which profile you choose.

The right taper = a natural stroke. Find your fit, and let your game shine.