Pool Cues

Types of Pool Cues

Different situations at the table call for different gear. Understanding how playing cues, break cues, and specialty sticks work will help you fill out your case so you're ready for anything.

Playing Cues

This is your "main shooter." Unlike the one-piece cues you find hanging on the wall at the bar, a personal two-piece playing cue gives you a consistent feel, a tip you can actually trust, and a shaft designed for performance. These range from solid beginner sticks ($70–$300) to professional setups featuring the latest carbon fiber technology. If you want to stop guessing how the cue is going to react, this is where you start.

Break Cues and Jump Cues

A break cue is engineered to transfer maximum power to the rack, while protecting your playing cue from the wear that comes with a heavy break stroke. Jump cues are shorter and stiffer, designed to help you get the cue ball airborne to get you over obstacles. Serious players keep each of these alongside their playing cue to cover these situations.

Sneaky Pete and Specialty Cues

Sometimes you need a specific tool for a specific player.

• Sneaky Petes: For the player who likes an unassuming traditional look, these are built to look like a simple house cue but hide high-performance features.
• Women's Pool Cues: These tend to be regular cues with a more feminine aesthetic but brands like Athena go beyond the surface by tailoring the cue's ergonomics to a smaller frame. They feature thinner shaft diameters for a more comfortable closed bridge and a slightly shorter length to optimize balance, ensuring that your equipment feels just as good as it looks.
• Junior Cues: Sized right for younger players so they can develop a proper stroke from day one.
• Snooker Cues: Built with smaller tips and slimmer profiles to handle those tiny snooker balls and tight pockets.
• Left-Handed Pool Cues: These are built completely differently for players that use their right hand to bridge. Just kidding! All of our cues perform the same no matter which way you shoot!

Popular Pool Cue Brands

We carry over 40 of the top brands in billiards, but a few names are legendary for a reason:

• Predator: The leaders in low deflection technology and "science-backed" performance. Top players from all around the world shoot with Predator cues.
• McDermott: Known for incredible American-made craftsmanship and a "hit" that players love.
• Cuetec: Delivers the ultimate playing experience with "performance you can feel" — Cuetec cues are used by some of the best competitive players on the planet, including World Champions like Shane Van Boening and Florian "Venom" Kohler.
• Meucci: Famous for a distinctively soft feel and smooth stroke that has a massive loyal following.
• Viking: Dependable, traditionally crafted cues that offer great performance for the price.
• Action: Huge selection of styles and the perfect choice for league players who are looking to move up the rankings.

Each brand brings something different to the table with its feel and price point, so you can find the perfect one to match your preferences.

Finding the Right Pool Cue for Sale

With thousands of options, narrowing down your search comes down to how you play and how much you want to invest in your game. Whether you're choosing a cue for yourself or as a gift for someone, check out these five key things to consider when buying a pool cue.

Choosing Based on Skill Level

Choosing the best pool cue comes down to where you are today and where you want to be years from now. Don't worry about buying 'too much' cue — if you can start with a pro-level model, you'll benefit from the consistency and precision of high-end gear from day one.

• New Players: Look for a quality starter in the $80–$250 range. These usually feature Hard Rock Maple shafts and layered tips that will outperform any barroom stick immediately.
• Intermediate/League Players: Once you start using English (side spin), you'll want to look at low deflection cue options in the $250–$450 range. These shafts minimize "squirt," helping your aim stay true.
• Advanced Players: At this level, it's all about the shaft. Carbon fiber and high-end low-deflection shafts offer the biggest performance gains, allowing you to focus on the butt of the cue for weight, wrap preference, and aesthetics.

Considering Shaft Type and Feel

The shaft is where 95% of the performance comes from on your cue. While North American Hard Rock Maple is the time-tested standard for feel and flexibility, modern players have options beyond the basic wood:

• Low Deflection Maple: By reducing the front-end mass of the shaft through various manufacturing processes and materials, these shafts are engineered to keep the cue ball on your aim line when you use side spin.
• Kielwood: These shafts are low deflection taken to the next level through a kiln-dried torrification process that removes moisture and sugars from the wood, creating a more consistent feel and pleasant tonal feedback.
• Carbon Fiber: The pinnacle of performance. They are virtually warp-proof, require almost no maintenance, and offer the lowest deflection possible.

To learn more about pool cue shaft performance, check out this short video, Understanding Cue Ball Deflection and English.

Need Help Choosing a Pool Cue?

We aren't just selling sticks; we're part of the billiards community. Our team plays the game, and we're happy to help you find a cue that fits your budget and your stroke. Give us a call at 866-843-3294.

FAQs About Pool Cues

What are the best pool cues for sale for beginners?

The best beginner pool cues are two-piece sticks with a Hard Rock Maple shaft, a professional taper, and a layered leather tip. Most players will find a great fit in the $100 to $250 range. Brands like Action, Talon, and Elite all offer solid starter options that will outperform any house cue right out of the box.

How do I choose the right pool cue for my playing style?

Start with shaft type and tip size. Players who use English and spin will benefit most from a low deflection shaft, while others may prefer the natural feel of a standard maple shaft. Skill level and budget will help narrow things down from there. Not sure where to start? Our staff can help point you in the right direction.

What is the difference between low deflection and standard pool cues?

Low deflection cues are designed to minimize cue ball squirt when you apply left or right English, letting you aim more naturally and trust your contact point. Standard maple shafts have more deflection, which some old-school players actually prefer for the feedback and feel it provides.

What weight pool cue should I use?

Most players use cues between 18 and 21 ounces, with 19 ounces being the most popular choice by far. Lighter cues offer more touch and control, while heavier cues help generate more power. Most cues at PoolDawg are weight-adjustable, so you can customize your cue to your preference without needing a new stick.