Best Pool Cues Review – Top 5 in the Market & How-to Guide

You’ll likely agree with us that getting the right pool cue to fit your playing style could be quite the hassle. However, it doesn’t have to be once you have the right information.
Luckily, the well curated list below offers some of the best pool cues on the market, with detailed information why they are worth your pennies.

Now, with the top guns introduced and highlighted, let’s take a look at each product in-depth to show you their features, advantages, and disadvantages. Also, we’ll add a couple of more cue sticks if you want more options.

Best Pool Cue – Best 5 Reviews 2020

  1.   Players D-JS White with Jester on Pool Balls and Dripping Card Suits Cue Review

First off is the Players D-JS cue with its excellent design, which is made from grade A hard rock maple. This incredible pool cue features a black Mz multi-grip zone wrap, which grants you separate traction zones. This is important for a secure grip and consistent hand torque regardless of the conditions.

Furthermore, the construction of this cue stick is impeccable with its commitment to quality. Evident in the fact that the manufacturers turn and dry the cue blanks a whopping seven times during the curing process. Hence, the cue stick never warps, and its nelsonite treatment protects the wood from atmospheric changes.

On top of that, it possesses a sturdy stainless steel joint collar that gives it a solid hit with which you can take your game to the next level. Players have been in the cue stick game for over 25 years, and their experience is evident in every product they roll out.

Features

1. Made with grade A maple rock
2. Multi zone wrap for separate traction zones
3. Steady and secure grip
4. Made with the highest quality standards
5. Excellent design that draws you in

If you are in the market for an eye-catching cue stick that doesn’t chip or break, this is certainly the product for you. What’s more. Its grade A maple rock construction ensures it will last a lifetime.

  2.   Champion White Spider Maple Pool Cue Stick Review

Next up is the Champions White Spider, which is just as impressive as it sounds. While we can talk about the exquisite design and striking aesthetics, let’s instead take a look at some of its incredible features. For one, it has an HXT low-deflection ferrule, which is pretty sturdy and helps you maintain both power and accuracy. But that’s not all, as it also improves your spin thanks to the dependable tiger tip, which has the added bonus of a decent grip.

Meanwhile, the shaft is a work of art that is made with hand-selected rock maple. Then there’s the maple which got the epoxy and nelsonite treatment; this combines to create a robust stick that doesn’t snap under pressure. Finally, the product comes with a one-year warranty to put your mind at ease when making the purchase, and with world-class customer service, you can’t go wrong with this stick.

Features

1. Manufactured with hand-selected rock maple
2. Decent HXT low-deflection ferrule
3. Tiger tip for better grip
4. Dependable shaft treated with nelsonite and epoxy
5. Made to last

This is definitely the cue stick to consider if you are looking for some smooth action while playing along with quality construction.

  3.   Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings Cue Review

It speaks to the quality of a manufacturer when their products appear twice on a list like this. That’s the case of the Players Classic Birds- Eye cue, which is the ideal stick for real enthusiasts. First, let’s talk about the design, which features an exquisite maple forearm and butt paired with a black, double-pressed Irish wrap and triple silver ring sets.

Speaking of the Irish wrap, it enables you to maintain a stable grip throughout the game, while its high-quality French leather tip helps you create the ideal spin. Add to that the high-impact ferrule that the cue stick is equipped with, and you can see why it is such a coveted product. What’s more, the ferrule is so robust that it has a lifetime warranty against chipping or cracking, making it a feature you can count on time and again.

Features

1. French leather tip for shot consistency
2. Irish wrap improves your grip
3. Professional taper provides a convenient stroke
4. You can adjust the weight at any time
5. UV finish prevents chipping and fading

Simple, yet classy is the best way to describe this product and is ideal for those who want their game to do the talking.

  4.   CUESOUL SOOCOO Series 58″ 19oz Maple Pool Cue Review

Apart from the ‘big three,’ there are a couple of other cue sticks that can provide you with an excellent experience. One such stick is the Cuesoul Soocoo, which sports a pattern design on top of an impeccable pearl paint finish that is sure to take your breath away.

Additionally, the shaft is sturdy and made with high-quality Canadian maple to give it a smoothness that helps to improve your play. Similarly, the forearm and sleeve also contain Canadian maple and its glossy finish is both aesthetically pleasing and as functional as they come.

Moving on to other parts, it also has a stainless steel pin and a shaft protector that enables the stick to handle regular wear and tear.

Features

1. Made with high-quality Canadian maple
2. Comes with a shaft protector
3. Stainless steel pin
4. Excellent pearl paint finish
5. Accompanied by a special cue towel

If you need a cue stick that is affordable but does the job just as well, then this is the product to go for.

  5.   Iszy Billiards Hardwood Canadian Maple Pool Cue Billiard Table Sticks Review

Finally, we have the Iszy Billiards cue stick, which holds its own as one of the best and with good reason. First off, it is made using high-quality Canadian maple wood that doesn’t break easily while providing you with some quality service. Even more impressive is the steel joint which, coupled with a sturdy fiber ferrule, is sure to last you for a decent amount of time.

Additionally, the glue-on tip improves accuracy, and the unlacquered upper part of the stick is intentionally there to ensure that there’s no friction with your fingers, and you are left with the smoothest stroke possible.  Furthermore, the stick is pretty affordable and doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Even with this, the quality is evident all over the product, and it is a decent purchase that you can easily make.

Features

1. Made with quality Canadian maple
2. Exquisite Irish linen wrap for greater grip
3. Ergonomic design
4. Unlacquered upper part for smooth action
5. Glue-on tip

For a balanced cue stick at an affordable rate that looks good and is beautifully constructed, look no further than this excellent product.

Best Pool Cues – Buyers’ Guide 2020

Now that we’ve had a look at some of the best pool cue sticks you can get on the market, it is time for us to examine some of the things you should look out for when in the market for a new stick. Furthermore, we’ll answer some of the most pressing questions asked about sticks.

Features to look out for when buying a pool cue

Price

Unsurprisingly, price is one of the most important factors to consider before buying a pool cue– or anything for that matter. However, with pool cues, price is also determined by skill level. For instance, a beginner will be better suited to a cheaper pool cue that is easy to control and can act as a stepping stone before joining the big leagues. With that said, the typical pool stick without other bits and bobs should go for around $100. With this, you will get a decent pool cue to learn your craft.

Consequently, as you climb the ladder of expertise, it is only natural that you’ll seek out more expensive cues as some of them have additional features that help you play the game smoothly, with fewer challenges. Therefore, before picking up a new cue stick, think of how much you have and the size of the hole a new accessory will burn into your pocket.

Skill Level

This is tied to the first point, and as mentioned above, a beginner is better off with a cheaper cue stick. That said, the interest level is also of note because, even as a newbie, if you aim to tow the path of a pro, then you will be better served getting a pro cue stick. The reason for this is that getting used to pro sticks early on in your journey is an advantage that will serve you well in the future.

Similarly, pro sticks tend to come with a few added benefits that will serve you well as opposed to a cheaper stick meant for beginners. On the other hand, as an expert, you can use cheaper brands when playing with friends or acquaintances; however, these cue sticks won’t cut it for a tournament, and pro sticks will better serve you. At the end of the day, your intentions, interest, and skill matter when picking a cue stick, so choose wisely.

Individual Style

Just as other athletes decorate the tools of their trade to express their individual style, so also do billiards players. For this reason, it is not uncommon to find cue sticks decorated with different designs, and in some cases, players themselves will customize their sticks. However, it is much better to get a pre-designed cue stick as this is less likely to affect your performance with the stick.

For instance, the Players D-JS stick comes with an eye-catching skull design all over its shaft and butt, and if you are a fan of outlandish designs, then you should consider getting yourself something like that. On the other hand, some players prefer their game to do the talking rather than a cue stick that draws attention. For these people, cue sticks with fewer frills are definitely the way to go.

Weight

The weight of the stick plays a role in the performance and should be carefully considered before making a purchase. Generally, most cue sticks weigh between 18 and 21 ounces, and this is fine, but a lot of brands have the option of adjustable weights for those who need it. An example of a situation where the weight plays a huge role is shorter players using butt-heavy sticks. While the weight might not affect a taller player, smaller players tend to grip the cue too far back to make up for the weight difference.

In other instances, they see the tip pull up on the follow-through while striking the ball. Also of note is that pro sticks tend to be heavier, with some weighing up to 27 ounces. Although, at the end of the day, the most important thing is your comfort. So, pick a stick that feels comfortable for you and allows you to play to the best of your abilities.

Performance

Picking a cue stick based on performance is a little tricky as it is intrinsically tied to the player’s play style. So, some players in a bid to raise their accuracy opt for sticks with low-deflection shafts. An example is the Champion White Spider Maple Pool Cue Stick and it features a low-deflection ferrule, which helps to increase accuracy. Additionally, some cues have other features that affect their abilities, including their butt weight and wrap.

Material

Typically, cue sticks are made from wood with American and Canadian maple being the materials of choice. The materials used to make the stick is essential as it affects the performance and longevity of the cue. For example, Players cue sticks tend to use authentic American maple, which isn’t only sturdy but is also less likely to warp. This makes it quite ideal for pool players.

Apart from wood, other materials are used to make cue sticks like graphite or fiberglass. In the case of fiberglass, it tends to last longer and can handle hot, muggy conditions with no hassles. However, wood sometimes warps, which could reduce its lifespan and is also generally more expensive. That said, wood is still the go-to material for serious players and is recommended for tournaments and other official games.

Tips

For many players, the tip is the difference between a win or a defeat. Pool cue tips are normally made using leather or other materials and are usually hard to the touch. This hardness makes it possible to strike the ball with the desired force, and while it provides you with more control, the same cannot be said for the ball.

On the other side of things, some players opt for soft tips, which gives more control over the ball but conversely requires regular shaping and maintenance. Besides, soft tips need to be replaced often, and this is extra money being spent every so often. Apart from all this, you can go for a slip-on tip which, as the name implies, is worn on the cue stick. Unfortunately, they are typically of low quality and are more suited for short-term use.

Length

The length of the cue stick is more important than you might first think. This is because depending on your size and height, you might need something a little different from the normal length available. So, the normal length of most cue sticks is 57-58 inches, and this is fine, but for significantly taller people, this could be a bit of a problem.

Therefore, if you are a taller person, your best bet is to go for a longer cue stick (typically around 61 inches.) Meanwhile, if you are a lot shorter, then using a regular length stick could put you at a disadvantage, and you are better off going with something slightly shorter.

One-Piece or Jointed

There are two types of cues sticks: those that come in a single piece and those that have a shaft and butt area. The former is called a Ramin cue, and they tend to come with pool tables and are pretty decent. However, they are a bit of a nightmare to transport as they are quite long (about 57 inches).

Also, they don’t have some of the features that regular sticks have to give you the best experience. On the other side of things, jointed sticks are easier to transport and are unlikely to split. However, you need to ensure that both joints are straight as you wouldn’t want to be holding a warped cue stick when both ends are joined.

What are all the different parts of a pool cue?

Generally speaking, the pool cue is divided into two parts: the shaft and the butt; however, even within this broad division, several subsets exist. Therefore, to give you a better understanding of the anatomy of pool sticks, we will be looking into some of the parts they are made up of and the role they play in making the stick what it is.

Shaft

The shaft is the upper part of the stick and is usually made of wood (as examined above). It further helps to help strike the ball. Shafts are usually smooth, and it isn’t uncommon to find a shaft that is unlacquered as this keeps it smooth and makes for a much better experience. On the other hand, rough shafts cause friction and could hamper performance, making them a very undesired trait. Also, as mentioned above, fiberglass and graphite are options for shafts, and they have a few advantages of their own, including price and longevity.

Tip

The tip of the pool cue is the part of the stick that strikes the ball and is usually made from leather or some other material. Cue tips are usually quite hard, as this enables it to strike the ball effectively. However, as mentioned earlier, some players go for softer tips as they grant more control over the ball. On the downside, they tend to require regular maintenance. Then there are the hard tips, which is preferred by most players and grants you control, not over the ball, but in terms of striking power.

Ferrule

The ferrule resides just below the tip, and its major function is to prevent extra vibrations after the tip strikes the ball– as a shock absorber. Therefore, it is necessary for ferrules to be strong and sturdy as they also help your aim and accuracy. Hence, many ferrules are made with linen fiber or ivory to ensure that they are strong enough to stay intact even after heavy use. The importance of ferrules cannot be overstated as a broken ferrule usually means a lot less control and consistency.

Joint Collar

This is the middle man of the cue stick, and it serves to unite the shaft and cue. Usually, it features a silver ring and helps to provide the power and stability you need when taking shots.

Butt

This is the bottom part of the cue stick, and it has a couple of parts that help it support the shaft for a better pool experience.

Pin

This is the topmost component of the butt, and it serves as a connector between the shaft and butt. Therefore, the pin needs to be durable as a weak one makes for a vulnerable cue stick. Even more, they are usually metal and tend to connect two wooden joints together.

Wrap

This is the part of the stick that you will interact with the most and it acts as the grip. Thus, it must be made with quality material and should be capable of absorbing a great deal of moisture. Additionally, most wraps are made from Irish linen and are ergonomically designed to fit you perfectly.

Forearm

This piece comes below the butt collar and is easily the longest part of the lower section. To this end, it typically houses the overlays or inlays on the stick. Most importantly, it is made of wood and features a protective coating that enables it to withstand the normal wear and tear that comes with usage.

Bumper

This resides at the very bottom of the stick and is usually made of rubber to protect the cue. Also of note is that some bumpers can be screwed on, which enables the stick to drop a few ounces if necessary.

What are the different types of pool cues?

There are different types of pool cues, and we’ll look at some of the most common ones below.

American Pool Cues

These are strong and durable sticks and are about 57-59 inches in length. To ensure its longevity, most of these sticks are made using American maple and feature large tips that enable them to strike the ball effectively. Typically, American tips are about 12-13mm, and they come in various weights.

Snooker

Snooker is slightly different from the normal pool game and therefore requires a specific type of cue stick. Generally, snooker sticks are slightly shorter than pool cues with a tip diameter of about 9-10.5mm, which is connected to a brass ferrule. Also, they are made from North American ash trees, which grants them a great deal of durability.

Ramin Cues

These are the ones you would find at a bar or pub and, unlike typical cues, come as one piece. Thus, they are a lot cheaper and tend to come with the pool table like a bundle. Moreover, they are quite light, which is good if those who prefer a lighter experience. On the downside, it isn’t the best product for accuracy and consistency; therefore, pros stay away from it.

FAQs

What are the best brands of pool cues?

This depends on what you’re looking for in a cue brand. However, Players is an excellent brand for pool cues and have been in the business for over 25 years. In that time, the company has grown in size and has made it a habit of churning out quality cue sticks for both beginners and professionals. Apart from Players, Champion is also an outstanding brand that has made a name with exquisite designs and impeccable construction for all its products.

That said, there are other brands that do a good job in manufacturing cue sticks, including Katana, Meucci, and Predator, all of which are uniquely suited to professionals in the game. But what about novices? As mentioned before, it is important to pick the right cue stick depending on your level of expertise, and with brands like Elite and Athena, you have all the best tools for beginners. It should be noted that brands that cater to elite players tend to be a lot more expensive and, therefore, require a great deal of consideration before buying.

Are expensive pool cues worth it?

This is a question that both enthusiasts and novices ask before buying a new cue stick. The truth is that the answer is ‘it depends.’ Wait, hear us out. There are so many factors that go into determining whether a cue stick is worth the price or not. For example, most decent cue sticks will go for about $100- $200, and this is fine if you are a novice or a casual player of the game. Thus, casual players aren’t advised to buy really expensive cue sticks as they aren’t as useful and don’t improve performance. However, for a pro, a case can be made for shelling some real money on a pool stick.

For example, many pro players go for high-end tips like tiger or Kamui tips, which could go for about $30 a pop. But for that price, they provide almost unerring accuracy and consistency, which is a must for any pro player. Similarly, quality wraps don’t come cheap, but they also provide you with a dependable grip and absorb moisture very well. With all of this said, once a cue stick costs more than $1500, then the idea that they provide better service starts to unravel. So, you are better off sticking with something around the $350-$500 range.

How much does a decent pool cue cost?

Decent pool sticks come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and picking the best one for you doesn’t have to decimate your pocket. But, if you are looking for the easy answer, a decent pool cue should cost you between $150-$200. However, this is still dependent on a lot of factors, including personal style and expertise. For instance, many of the pro sticks that cater to veterans usually cost about $350 and above and with good reason as they make use of quality materials to ensure that you have the best pool experience.

On the flip side, a $100 stick could be the perfect one for you, especially if you are a newbie or a casual player. Also worth noting is that fiberglass cue sticks cost less than wooden ones and are also pretty decent as they are better suited for humid conditions. Hence, you can get a very good fiberglass cue stick for between $100-$200.

What weight pool cue do pros use?

Pro players tend to go for lighter sticks and stick to about 19 ounces. But, cue sticks vary in size with some weighing as light as 15 ounces and others as heavy as 27 ounces. But which weight is better? Most enthusiasts will swear by the effectiveness of a lighter stick as this grants you a lot more control over your shots, and even when you screw up, it’s never by too much. On the other hand, heavier cues are easier to keep steady in your hands, and also you can move the ball around with much less effort.

It is, for this reason, that a lot of beginners try out heavy sticks; but the general consensus is that you move to a lighter stick as you get better at the game. In some cases, you can even switch between weights; some bumpers are pretty heavy and add substantial weight to the cue stick. Therefore, some players, depending on the situation, will detach the bumper to lighten the cue.

Light or heavy cue weight – which to use?

We have looked at the advantages of both light and heavy cues in the previous question, but if you had to ask about what weight to go for, the general answer is to pick the lighter cue stick over the heavier ones. This is because you have a lot more control over your shots and are less prone to mistakes, double hits, or other screw-ups.

What length pool cue should I use?

The length of the pool cue is of utmost importance, and the general length of a two-piece cue is about 58 inches. This is fine for most people, and even a one-piece cue stick at 57 inches will satisfy most players within normal height. But, things could get a little tricky if you are over 6 foot 5 inches as at that height, a standard cue stick will be unsuitable. If you are in this position, you can order custom made, special cue sticks that measure around 61 inches. For the most part, this makes up for any deficiency you might have faced with a regular stick.

On the other end of the spectrum, children or vertically challenged people are advised to use shorter sticks with 48-52 inches being the ideal size for them. Meanwhile, you should also ensure that your cue stick is straight as this affects performance. This is important to note because there are two-piece cue sticks that aren’t quite straight when joined together and are, therefore, unsuitable.

What is the best size pool cue tip??

The tip is an incredibly important part of the cue stick as it is the part that strikes the ball and determines the flow of the game. Therefore, they are usually made of leather and are made to be hard. But, what is the ideal size for a cue tip? Well, the answer is a little complicated as the best size for the cue tip is determined by the size of the ball. So, in simple terms, the larger the ball, the larger the size of the cue tip that is perfect for it.

For example, a 1 7/8 ball would require an 8-8.5mm cue tip as this enables it to strike the ball perfectly. Similarly, slightly larger balls will require slightly larger cue tips, so a 2 1/16 cue ball is best paired with a 9mm cue tip. Beyond this, though, there are some even bigger cue balls (especially those used in American pool), and for these balls, you need an even larger tip. Consequently, many veterans of American pool tend to favor 13mm cue tips when playing.

What do you clean pool cues with?

For most users, wiping it down with a rag is enough to do the trick. But, if you want a deep clean that returns it to mint condition, you may require a few more steps. So, you can make use of a cleaner (Mr. Clean or some other brand) and apply it to a rag and then gently wipe down your cue stick.

Furthermore, you can make use of cotton cloth to clean off the excess moisture and grease to have it looking as good as new. You can go even further by using a coarse material to burnish the stick and the cue tip. To make this work, all you need to do is moisten the cue tip and rub it with a dollar bill or a cloth with a coarse surface to get it shining like new.

How do you shape a pool cue tip?

The tip of the cue stick needs to be perfectly rounded for it to function correctly. Therefore, basic knowledge of shaping a cue tip is necessary if you are serious about pool. One of the most common ways to round the suggestion is to make use of sandpaper to rub the tip. Subsequently, ensure that your sanding strokes are in one direction only and then turn the cue tip in a circular motion under your sanding hand. With that said, make sure that you work slowly and carefully to avoid whittling down the tip too much.

How do I keep my pool cue from warping?

Cue stick warpage has been the source of sorrow for many players, and it severely limits the performance of the stick. So, how do you avoid it? Well, the easiest way to do this is to store your cue stick properly. A good example is keeping your cue stick in a padded or polyform cue case as this helps to keep the stick straight. Another consideration is to ensure that your cue stick is in a stable environment at all times and is protected from extreme temperature changes and shifts.

So, now that you have that knowledge, what do you do if your cue stick is warped? Well, there are one or two methods to fix the problem, but they all require quite a bit of patience. One of the ways to do it is to dampen the cue stick and make use of a tip clamp to steadily feed a piece of string through its center then place it on the cue. Subsequently, lightly sand the stick and then hang it from the ceiling after applying copious amounts of water to the stick. Note that for best results, you can tie a few socks filled with sand to act as weights and leave it hanging for days. At that time, ensure that the cue stick remains damp and is hanging straight.

Final Verdict

So, here’s hoping that you have all the information you need about cue sticks, the best ones to buy, how to pick the right one, and how to maintain them. As mentioned earlier in the article, if you are looking for the best option, the Players D-JS White with Jester on Pool Balls and Dripping Card Suits Cue is the best of the bunch. This is because of its excellent composition, which includes a professional leather tip and an exquisite wrap that provides you with the grip you need to play at your best.

With this information, you shouldn’t have a problem picking out the best cue stick for you.