A spider will be required fairly regularly on a large table and occasionally on smaller tables - so ideally the minimum for any table is both a cross rest and a Spider. This screw-on spider rest will fit any blank shaft and is suitable for all cue sports. It is made from brass. The brass rests are used in the majority of pool and snooker clubs across the world and in televised tournaments. For smaller tables where perhaps the expense of 2 rests is undesirable, Masters Traditional Games suggests, somewhat unconventionally, that if you have only one rest, you could select a Spider. Although it's a harder implement to use than an ordinary rest, it will mean that almost all shots are possible. Standard length spider for a full-size table is around 60 inches but this will be too long for smaller tables. The 48 inch shaft is more suitable for 6 and 7 feet tables and the 54 inch shaft works well for 8 and 9 feet tables. No Snooker or Billiards table, big or small, should be without a spider of some sort and larger tables need several. Even Pool tables should really have a short rest and/or Spider. Rests, Spiders, Swan rests and Butt rests enable players to reach the cue ball when it is out of reach for a normal shot. Although adults might get away without a rest on 6 foot tables for children, many shots are impossible even on a 4 or 5 foot table without a spider and rest. So for youngsters a rest is an essential accessory.