The Surge in Billiard Cue Consumption: Young People Reshaping the Traditional Sports Equipment Market
The Revival of Billiards and Industrial Upgrading
In recent years, billiards, once labeled as a "street sport," is experiencing an unprecedented revival. According to the latest data from Zhongyan Puhua Industry Research Institute, it is expected that by 2025, the number of billiard enthusiasts in China will exceed 210 million, far surpassing many emerging sports' audience sizes. This revival is not coincidental but rather a result of multiple factors working together.
From an industrial perspective, the number of billiard halls has seen explosive growth. Data from enterprise information inquiry platforms shows that between 2021 and 2024, the number of new billiard halls nationwide surged from 20,100 to 55,300 with an average annual growth rate exceeding 40%. This trend has been particularly pronounced in the post-pandemic era, reflecting strong market demand for offline social entertainment venues. Notably, these emerging billiard establishments have largely abandoned traditional smoky environments and instead created bright and clean modern spaces that inject new vitality into the sport.
The Phenomenon of Consumption Upgrade in Billiard Cues
With the popularity of billiards growing rapidly, there has been a significant consumption upgrade within sports equipment markets. For instance, on platforms like Dewu (a resale platform), a well-known brand of billiard cues achieved sales exceeding ten million yuan within just five months. Behind this phenomenon lies consumers' rapid increase in demand for professional equipment. In high-end venues such as Beijing Yong'an Tuo Li Billiards Club, about 90% of regular customers own personal cues; thus club's private cue cabinets are often at full capacity.
This consumption upgrade exhibits clear stratification characteristics. Taking Hebei billiards enthusiast Xiao Feng as an example: consumers choose products across different price ranges based on their needs. Market surveys indicate beginners typically start with entry-level cues priced between RMB 200-500 while seasoned players tend towards mid-to-high-end products costing RMB 2,000-5,000 or more. Interestingly enough; second-hand cue trading markets have also become active forming a complete consumer ecosystem.
Challenges Facing Public Cues and Rise of Private Equipment
Traditional operating models for pool halls are facing challenges due to intensified industry competition forcing operators to control costs leading to generally poor quality public cues available today . Technicians at professional cue manufacturers Chihu point out most public cues are procured at prices ranging only one or two hundred yuan lacking proper maintenance . These cues struggle meeting advanced players’ demands regarding weight balance material affecting overall playing experience performance improvement significantly .
Such supply-demand contradictions directly drive prosperity within private cue markets where users frequently report issues like tip wear shaft deformation impacting shot accuracy negatively when using shared equipment compared personalized ones which offer stable performance customizable adjustments tailored individual habits even beginners now prefer purchasing exclusive sticks something quite rare five years ago according managers clubs around Beijing .
Self-expression Needs Among Young Consumers
Billiards youth trend infuses fresh energy into gear marketplace statistics show individuals aged twenty-nine account over forty percent demographic viewing their sticks essential self-expressive tools unlike other sports less stringent attire requirements make them primary carriers showcasing unique styles social media amplifies expression need topics related pool garner views surpassing conventional popular athletics young gamers eager share techniques discuss attributes various brands this viral communication enhances excitement surrounding activity attributing symbolic meanings beyond mere functionality objects observed insiders Z generation perceives their rods not merely instruments but forms currency identity symbols respectively .