Best Pool Cues for Beginners and Pros

For those who are starting a new hobby, and those who are professionals, having the right equipment can make a big difference. Whether you are a beginner pool player or you have been playing for years and want to improve your game, the right pool cue can level up your game. There are a few things to consider when purchasing a new cue including weight and balance, material, size, and whether you want one that is one piece or a travel one that splits into two.

Why Purchase Your Own Pool Cue

Purchasing your own pool cue allows you to become familiar with it, how it feels in your hand and how the weight balances. Once you are familiar with it you will become more accurate and be able to improve your game reliably. Many people who play pool, both beginners and professionals and everyone in between find that one cue feels and works better for them than the others, and they will gravitate to that one each time they play.

1. Weight and Balance

The weight of a pool cue is key to the comfort of use, and it is necessary to hold a cue before purchase. People who are shorter and have a shorter reach will do best with a short pool cue that is a bit lighter, while those who are taller, even over 6 foot, will require a longer cue that fits their reach. They may also prefer one that is a bit heavier to improve control, and that is balanced well to feel comfortable in the hand and create the necessary momentum.

Several sporting stores will have them lined up on the wall and allow customers to hold them, to feel the weight and the materials, and even try them out on a table installed in the store. This will provide the best success at choosing the right one and can improve the return on investment for buying one. Choosing a pool cue that is already packaged and that is unable to be felt and tested before purchase may be the cause of regret, or it may create a successful pairing. Those who are just beginning are more likely to be less picky on their cue and will have better luck at these types of purchases, while those who are becoming more serious or who play at a professional level will certainly want one they are able to try first.

It should not feel too heavy to hold the entire game, and it should feel balanced in the way that is most comfortable for you. The back end piece may be adapted or changed to add additional weight to the bottom for those who prefer it to be heavier at the bottom than at the tip. It is also possible to change the tip, as it will need to be replace periodically, and find one that fits your needs and bringing a more cohesive feel to the pool cue.

2. Materials

There are several materials that can be used to make a cue, including a wooden cue with various types of wood, a fiberglass pool cue, and a combination. The cue itself is likely to be made of wood, as it is renewable, repairable, and can be made into a beautiful pool cue for lifelong use. Fiberglass may be used for some, or they may be wood inside and fiberglass on the exterior to slow down the wear. The shaft may be hollow or solid, and the tips are attached with wood, plastic, or carbon fiber. Common woods that are used in a cue are male, as it is flexible and durable, ramin wood is common in lower cost versions and this has been known to warp after a bit of use, and other easy to access woods.

Common non-wood materials are fiberglass, which is light and flexible, titanium which is more expensive and does not have the flexibility expected from a high quality pool cue, and aluminum which is less costly than some others but will also not be flexible and can have too much vibration.

Another factor is the material that is used to make the wrap or hand grip on the back end of the pool cue. This is a personal preference that affects both the look and the feel of the cue, and it can be helpful to hold a few to determine which you prefer. Those with no wrap may become slippery if they become damp and if damaged can leave slivers from the wooden versions. A leather grip will allow improved grip and a different feel that may improve control and feel softer on the hand. Linen is often preferred by those who have hands that will become sweaty during a game as it will absorb the moisture and improve the grip. Sports grip uses rubber or silicone to improve control and provide a strong grip on the pool cue. Each player will have their own style of play, and this will affect which grip is the best fit for them.

3. Size

To meet the needs of people of all heights and strengths, there are a few different lengths for pool cues to choose from. Children and those who are shorter or who have a shorter reach will often find the 48-52 inch cues are the best fit. They are not as long and this makes them easier to control, and allows for the proper hand positions. Those who are average height may find the one piece at 57 inches or the two piece at 58 inches are the correct fit. These require a longer reach to have one hand on the grip and the other guiding the cue, and are best fit for those who have longer arm reach than the longest cues. For those players who are very tall there is a range created that is 61 inches in length. Rather than using a short cue that will force the hands to be closer together, this encourages the correct hand positioning and control. It is for these reasons that it is best to hold the cue and try it before purchasing to ensure that it is the right length, fit, and grip. These are key to having control over the cue and having the most successful experience.

4. One Piece or Two

   
   

There are two main types of pool cues, those that are one piece and used at home or that may be found in pubs and other businesses, and those that are designed to travel well and separate into tow pieces to fit in the case. This shortens the length to half while maintaining the stability of the cue, and when stored and used correctly they will last several years and remain in top condition. If you do not plan to take it to other location a one piece cue is often cheaper and is suitable for ongoing use, but for those who will be engaged in competitions and traveling with it, one that divides and stores in two parts is a better fit. A one piece pool cue can be difficult to transport and uncomfortable to take places. For this reason, many beginners will have a one piece that remains at the home or is taken to a friends or other location rarely, and professionals will have a two piece that they can take anywhere for competitions or exhibitions.

5. Pool Cue Care

Regardless of what material that a pool cue is made from, it is key to care for it properly to prevent it from wearing out early and becoming damaged or warped. A warped cue will perform poorly, and cause missed shots even from simple ones. It will curve one way or the other with no recourse to adjust the angles or how it is held to make up for it. One of the most important ways to prevent this and to care for any pool cue is to keep it protected from the elements, weather and condensation, humidity and from heat or overly drying temperatures. When not in use it should be kept in a case that is padded and formed to keep it straight and supported or standing in a pool cue rack that will keep it straight and offers at least two areas of support. They should not be leaned against the wall as this can and will create a bend or curve in the material, and they shouldn’t’ be left laying on the table as this will not support the shape appropriately and can also allow it to warp. Never sand or clean it with steel wool, but rather clean with a soft cloth and gentle soap with water. Keeping it clean will improve performance and ensure that your cue lasts. 

Top 3 Pool Cues for Beginners

• Trouble Shooter TS36: This cue is a short pool cue that is ideal for beginners and provides a short cue that doesn’t lack in performance. It runs under $50 and offers a way for beginners to have a cue that is their own without a huge investment or risk if they later no longer want to play. It is well balanced and ideal for smaller rooms and those with other obstacles.

• Rage Cue Heavy Hitter Break Cue: Rage provides a well-balanced and weighted cue that performs on a budget. It is 100% maple and provides great control. It has a nylon wrap to offer a stable handle and reduce slipping, while being 58 inches in length and only 25oz weight, making it suited to many beginning players. It retails for just over $100, staying economical but a step up from the cheapest cues.

• Lucky L03 Cue: Offering the best of both worlds, the Lucky L03 comes in colours suited to anyone, has a unique design bringing style to the game, and is built with hard rock maple. The precise build transfers to high levels of control and precision in each shot. It provides no wrap but is high luster and includes a premium leather trip.

  
  

Top 3 Pool cues for Professionals

• Predator P3 Metallic Black with Wrap: Built with a 3rd generation shaft and 30 piece construction, the P3 is sturdy, has a customizable weight cartridge system allowing weight control to within a tenth of an ounce. The Ash core remains straight and provides extreme accuracy, a quick release stainless steel joint and collar, and a lifetime warranty. At just over a thousand, it is an investment cue for those who are looking to step up their game.

• Cuetec Cynergy 95-130: Designed with 0 time champion Shane Van Boening, the Cynergy is made with kiln dried Canaian maple with fiber composite shaft. It also uses the Accueweight system to find just the right weight and balance for each player and can be extended with the Smart Extension. Available in 4 weights, it comes in around $600.

• Balabushka Era Series: This series provides options for professional players to find the right fit with many options, stunning designs, and comfort. The black leather wrap creates a stable handhold and improves control, and the weight is precisely balanced across the cue.

• When selecting the right pool cue, there are many things to consider and doing the research before shopping can save both time and money. It should be the right size, material, grip, and weight for your size and experience. While they come at a wide range of costs, there is one to fit almost any budget, with professionals spending significantly more to get the right one for their personal needs than a beginner will need to spend. Stores that allow trial of the cues with their own tables onsite are the best for choosing a more professional and expensive cues, while others will be find for those who are just beginning and simply want their own so they can adjust to one specific pool cue rather than changing each time.