The 13 Best Pool Sticks of 2021 to Improve your Game and to get more Wins
Find a Great Pool Stick for Beginners or Grab Yourself a Professional Pool Cue
Are you in the market for a new pool cue and not sure where to start? Are you brand new to billiards or perhaps have some knowledge and are looking to get a good pool stick to up your game? Regardless of what skill level you’re at or how long you’ve been playing, everyone can benefit from having a good quality pool cue. Let’s take a look at the best pool sticks on the market and find the perfect cue for you.
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Best Professional
Pool Cue – Players HXT15
Best Budget
Pool Cue – Viper Commercial
Best Pool Stick Set – TaiBA 2-piece Hardwood
Table of Contents
AB Earth 2-piece 58″ Pool Cue with Ergonomic Design
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If you’re looking for one of the best pool sticks, you can’t go wrong with this one from AB Earth. This cue is a quality 2-piece hand polished pool stick with great options for beginners and experienced players alike.
These pool cues are made from Canadian hardwood maple and feature a wavy handle for a comfortable, ergonomic grip that won’t slip and won’t require a wrap of any kind.
This pool cue is a 58” 2-piece design which makes for easier traveling with it, especially if you pick up a carrying case to go with it. It also has a 13mm tip which is great for giving you plenty of surface with which to strike the ball, although you won’t be able to get as much English, or spin, on the ball.
AB Earth offers plenty of options for customization with this pool stick, so you can pick a cue that will fit your needs and your style. Coming in weights from 18oz to 21oz, you’re sure to find a weight that will feel comfortable for you. If you’re fairly new to playing pool, I recommend a 20oz to get your started. More experienced players may opt for a 19oz cue or even as light as 18oz.
It also comes in 8 different colors/designs, so you can pick your favorite! I like the green and blue options particularly well myself, but there’s also purple, black, pink, silver, white, and red.
Overall this is one of the best pool sticks for beginners to get started and playing. You’re getting a high quality cue that looks great, is well made, and will perform very well for you. If you like the style there are plenty of options to customize cues as you get more experienced or want to tailor your sticks to your game style.
Pick this one up today for a great beginner to intermediate pool cue, one that’s sure to help you play well for quite some time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ High quality cue made with a wavy ergonomic grip that won’t slip and doesn’t require wraps of any kind | ? You’re either going to really like the wavy ergonomic grip or you are going to hate it |
| ✅ Lots of choices to meet your needs, from weight options to color and style choices | ? Some people complain that the cue tip doesn’t last a long time or comes off easily |
| ✅ Buy one of their kits that comes with a case, a 4-in-1 tip tool, 2 chalks, and a pair of gloves |
Aska L2 2-piece Pool Cue Stick
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Aska brings you another great option with their L2 series of pool sticks. This 58” 2-piece cue makes our best pool cue list because of its quality craftsmanship, it’s options for customization, and it’s very affordable price point.
Made of hard rock Canadian maple and then painted in one of many colors, this pool cue makes a perfect beginner option to get you started and playing. It features a 13mm glued on tip and a black rubber bumper on the bottom to protect the cue from damage.
The 2-piece design makes it easy to break down and travel with, so it’s great for tournaments or for playing at pool halls and bars. There’s also a black nylon wrap on the butt of the cue for increased grip.
Most of the options come in 19oz, which is a great weight to start with. Aska does offer sticks in 18oz, 20oz, and 21oz as well, or you can pick up this Set of 4 sticks that comes with one in each of the weights 18-21oz and in multiple colors. This would be a great choice to give you flexibility and options for how you play.
This 2-piece pool cue will get you in and playing without breaking the bank and can likely last you for quite some time. By the time you need to replace it you may be ready to step up to a different weight or to customize your cue more to your liking. Pick this one up today for a budget friendly cue that promises quality and lasting power. It’s one of the best pool sticks at its price point.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Great option for beginners and players with some experience, a quality cue that won’t empty your wallet | ? More experienced players will want more customization or different options in their pool cues |
| ✅ Made of Canadian maple and comes with a nylon grip, a rubber bumper, and breaks down into 2 pieces for travel | ? This pool cue doesn’t come with a carrying case, which you’ll likely want to buy to go with it |
| ✅ Weight options to meet your needs, or buy a set of 4 sticks to have a variety | ? The 13mm glued on tip is great for starting out but as you get more experienced you might want a different size tip or a higher quality one |
Viper Sinister 58″ 2-piece Billiard Cue
- Constructed from quality hard Canadian Maple wood on the shaft
- Designed with a 2-piece billiard cue, allowing for easy transportation and storage
- Features stainless steel joints which help provide consistent feedback during play and includes a removable scuffer
- Each billiard cue is finished off with a 13mm Le Pro leather tip and Irish linen wrap
- Available in 18-21 ounce cue weights, offering a customizable assortment
The Viper Sinister pool cue is a great, customizable pool cue for beginners but also performs well for advanced players. Made of hard Canadian maple wood on the shaft and featuring natural ash with amber and black points, Viper then finishes this cue off with detailed acrylic inlays and 9 layers of varnish.
This pool stick is available in 18oz-21oz options so you can choose the right weight for you based on your preference or can customize your cue for your specific needs. It comes with a 13mm Le Pro leather tip and is equipped with a removable scuffer on the bottom of the stick, which helps with chalk retention.
This signature 58” pool stick is made with stainless steel joints that provide great feedback on your shots. It’s then finished off with a quality Irish linen wrap for enhanced grip. All of this comes together to give you a well-made cue, one of the best pool sticks that will perform wonderfully for a long time. It’s made in two pieces, allowing you to break it down and store it in a case (not included with the cue) or to travel with it to pool halls and competitions.
Viper offers detailed work and quality craftsmanship in this 58” 2-piece pool cue. Grab this stick today for one that will last for years and help get you to the peak of your performance without breaking the bank. It’s one of the best pool cues for beginners and intermediate players.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Quality 2-piece pool cue made of Canadian maple, stainless steel joints, Irish linen wrap, and Le Pro leather tip | ? 2-piece cue but doesn’t come with a case so you’d need to buy one separately |
| ✅ Available in 18oz-21oz options to meet the needs of any player | ? Only available in the one length so may not work for you depending on height and preferences |
| ✅ Removable scuffer can be used on tip for enhanced chalk retention |
CUESOUL 58” 19oz Maple Billiard Stick Pool Cue Set
![CUESOUL 58 Inch 19oz/20oz Maple Billiard Stick Pool Cue Set 11.5mm/13mm Tip[Weight Adjustable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519zoRzqhyL._SL160_.jpg)
- CUESOUL Full Maple Billiard Stick Pool Cue.
- 19oz/21oz,11.5mm/13mm Tip for choose.
- WEIGHT ADJUSTABLE.
- All come with cue clean towel and cue jointed protector.
- It feels smooth when hiting the cue ball.
CUESOUL offers a nice, inexpensive pool stick set, one that’s sure to get you up and going for a great price. This set comes with a 2-piece pool cue, a hard case for transporting and/or storing your cue, joint protectors to protect the joints during travel, and a towel for cleaning your stick.
There’s also an option without the case if you don’t need one. It’s a great deal and perfect for just getting started playing billiards with your own cue or for more experienced players as well.
Made of Canadian maple and built to last, this quality cue really is one of the best pool sticks. CUESOUL finishes this cue off with a 13mm leather cue tip, already scuffed and shaped and ready for chalk. It features a wonderfully intricate design on the stick and is finished with 9 layers of varnish to protect the wood and prevent warping.
The stick comes with a linen thread wrap for better grip and stainless steel joints that screw together and give you a wonderful feel when you strike the cue ball.
Take your pick of colors and grab one of these pool stick sets today. You really can’t beat it for the price, plus the added bonuses of joint protectors, a towel, and a case all make this a great value buy and one of the best options out there.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ High quality stick made of Canadian hardwood maple, a leather cue tip and a linen wrap | ? No way to change the weight of the stick, so won’t work for you if you need something other than 19oz |
| ✅ Great bundle for the price including joint protectors, a cleaning towel, and a hard case | ? Some complaints about the stick warping over time, but CUESOUL is very responsive if you reach out to them |
| ✅ Available in multiple colors and several wonderfully intricate designs to suit your style |
GSE Games and Sports Expert 1-piece Canadian Hardwood Maple Pool Cue
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If you’re looking for one of the best pool sticks in a 1-piece design, something that would be great for home play, check out this stick from GSE Games and Sports Expert. There’s nothing too fancy with this cue, but it performs really well and features a very affordable price point.
It’s also offered in 36”, 42”, and 48” options that are lighter, making a great choice for kids to get into playing billiards or if you need a smaller cue for tighter spaces.
Made of Canadian hardwood maple, this cue features a very basic design and is finished with layers of varnish to protect against fading and warping of the stick. It also has a 12mm tip with a fiber ferrule glued onto the end and a rubber bumper on the bottom to help protect the stick. The 58” stick is 20oz, while the 36” is 12oz, the 42” is 14oz and the 28” is 15oz.
This stick won’t wow you with decals, designs, or colors but it will give you a quality pool cue that will perform well and that is very kind to your wallet. If you want a good stick to use at home or to introduce kids to the game, this stick is the one for you. And if space is at a premium around your table the shorter stick options will really come in handy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Good quality pool cue for a great price | ? 12mm cue tip is a little smaller than some which makes it slightly harder to strike the ball cleanly for less experienced players |
| ✅ Made of high quality Canadian hardwood maple | ? No way to adjust the weight on these |
| ✅ Available in 4 length options, great for kids or for taking shots in smaller areas | ? 1-piece option is harder for travel |
Players C-960 Classic Crimson Birds Eye Maple
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The Players C-960 is a top quality cue that will look great and perform even better. It’s one of the best pool cues for under 200 and a perfect option for advanced players. A gorgeous look to it, great materials throughout the stick, and backed by a lifetime warranty, this pool cue will shine in both it’s look and it’s performance.
The C-960 features North American hard rock maple with a crimson stained butt and shaft. It’s then coated in Nelsonite to protect the stick from changes in atmosphere and is finished off with layers of epoxy to help prevent warping of the stick and to prevent the stain and design from fading over time.
A 2-piece, 58” pool stick, this model features a stainless steel joint collar, a 13mm Le Pro leather cue tip, and a black double-pressed Irish linen wrap for increased grip. Depending on your preferences, it is available in half-ounce increments from 18oz to 21oz, so you can truly get the right weight for your play style.
This is one of the best pool cues on this list, although you’ll have to pay a bit more to get this quality option. If you’re an intermediate or professional level player looking for a cue that will help you play at the top of your game, this is the right cue for you.
The company has outdone themselves with craftsmanship and quality parts that come together to make a wonderful pool cue. Pick this one up today and you may never need another cue for your playing career.
Players cues are one of the best pool cue brands on the market today. For more great options, check out our post on the Best Pool Cue Brands.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ High quality materials come together into this professional pool cue | ? Be prepared to pay extra for the quality of this cue |
| ✅ Available in many weight options to meet your needs | ? No fancy designs or decals; just quality stained wood |
| ✅ Backed by a lifetime warranty, including warranty against warping | ? This stick doesn’t come with a case, so you’ll need to buy one separately |
Iszy Billiards Hardwood Canadian Maple Cue Stick
This 2-piece pool cue from Iszy Billiards is another great affordable option, a perfect option for beginner pool players. It features some nice design work on the butt of the stick, good quality materials, and lets you choose between multiple weights to meet your needs.
Made from Canadian hardwood maple, this 58” 2-piece cue comes in a brown and black option or a red and black color choice. It features steel joints and a 13mm fiber ferrule glued-on tip. They then equip it with an Irish linen wrap to help with your grip on the cue.
You can choose between 4 weights; 18oz, 19oz, 20oz, and 21oz. If you aren’t sure where to begin, start with a 20/21oz cue to give you good weight and force behind your strikes, and then you can move to a lighter weight if desired as you get more comfortable playing.
Another great option at a lower price point, Iszy Billiards gives you a nice beginner to intermediate cue. Being able to choose different weights is a plus here so you can make sure to get the right one for you. It features quality craftsmanship and materials, and looks really nice. Pick this one up today, and make sure you grab a case for it, too, since this one doesn’t come with one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Quality 2-piece cue at a great price point | ? Doesn’t come with a case, which you’ll want if you plan on traveling with it or playing in pool halls or tournaments |
| ✅ Canadian Hardwood maple, steel joints, a fiber ferrule, and an Irish linen wrap all make for a very nice feel and great performance | ? Some complaints about the cue tip coming off after use, but the tip can be replaced relatively easily |
| ✅ Available in 2 color options and 4 weights to customize the best pool cue for you |
CUESOUL 57” Maple Pool Cue Stick Kit – Rockin Series
- Hand Selected North Canadian Hard Maple Wood Material Butt and Shafts
- Stainless steel joint M/18
- Kit also includes Joint Protectors,1 piece billiard towel,1 blue carrying cue bag.
- 13mm Leather Tip for Ultimate Ball Control
- Black and White Genuine Irish Linen Wrap
Another great choice from CUESOUL, this 57” stick offers a slightly shorter option than the 58” cues but still comes in 2 pieces for ease during travel. If you’re looking for the best affordable pool cue, check out this Rockin’ Series.
Made of Canadian hardwood maple, these pool sticks are then finished with intricate, unique designs to make them stand out from the rest. They come in several different colors and designs and are packaged in a kit that also includes joint protectors, a billiard towel, and a carrying case.
To add to the quality look and feel of the sticks, the Rockin’ Series is equipped with 13mm leather cue tips, stainless steel joints, and a Irish linen wrap so it won’t slip from your grip. These cues can be purchased in 19-21oz options so you can choose a weight that works for you.
These pool cues are a great quality choice and will give you a stick that will last a while for a great price. Pick this pool stick set up for everything you’d need to get playing at home or competing in tournaments or at pool halls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Quality cues made from hardwood maple finished with intricate designs, a leather cue tip, and linen wrap | ? Not everyone likes the particular style of these Rockin’ Series cues |
| ✅ Available in 19-21oz weight options | ? Not all designs are available in all weights, so check carefully before purchasing |
| ✅ Sold in a kit that comes with joint protectors, a towel, and a case |
Viking Valhalla 2-piece Pool Cue Stick
- IMPROVE YOUR GAME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK. Features a 58” maple shaft cue, two piece design for easy transport, industry standard stainless steel 5/16” x 18” threaded joint, and 13mm leather tip.
- A PREMIUM IMPORT. Designed by our Viking Cue Artisans, Valhalla cues take full advantage of our production knowledge. We stay involved in the manufacturing process to ensure each cue is top quality.
- STATE-OF-THE-ART UNRIVALED QUALITY. Before a pool cue is shipped, it is assembled, rolled, and closely inspected to make sure it meets our high quality standards.
- HIGH-END FEATURES. All Valhalla cues are fitted with a proprietary tip and the same stackable, interchangeable weight bolt system that comes standard in our American Made Viking lineup.
- STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD. Get a pool cue that matches your individual style. Valhalla offers over 100 unique designs and colors to choose from.
Pick yourself up one of the best pool cues for intermediate players with this Viking Valhalla 2-piece Pool Cue. This one comes in several bright colors so you can choose a pool stick that reflects your style and that performs extremely well. Backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty, you can rest easy knowing that if anything goes wrong with this quality cue that it will be taken care of.
The Viking Valhalla stick measures 58” long and is a 2-piece model that’s great for traveling and playing in pool halls. It doesn’t come with a case, though, so be sure to pick up one to protect it during travel. This pool cue features a stainless steel joint, a 13mm leather tip that comes pre-scuffed and shaped, and a rubber bumper on the bottom for increased protection.
It’s made of hard rock maple and is finished with UV urethane, so you know it’s a quality-made cue that will last. It can be purchased in 18-21oz weight options, depending on your preference. If you like a wrap on your stick for increased grip this one doesn’t come with one, so you’ll need to pick that up separately.
Viking brings another great cue that will get you up and playing for a long time without breaking the bank. The colors are bright and fun, so you can have a cue in your favorite color or can buy a different color for each person in the family! Pick this up for a fun, affordable, well-performing stick, one of the best pool cues for advanced players.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Made of quality hard rock maple, stainless steel joint, and leather tip | ? Case and wrap must be purchased separately, as this cue doesn’t come with them |
| ✅ Backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty | ? Some people complain the tip comes off after use, but this can be easily replaced |
| ✅ Can customize the weight of the cue to match your preference and play style |
Viper Commercial 1-piece Hardwood Billiard/Pool House Cue
- Constructed from quality hard Canadian Maple wood; Coated with 9 layers of varnish
- Reliable and dependable these billiard cues are intended for high volume use
- Each billiard cue is finished off with a 13mm Le Pro leather tip and an ABS bumper
- Available in 18-21 ounce cue weights, offering a customizable assortment
If you’re looking for a quality, affordable pool cue to get you playing and learning the game, or maybe a few inexpensive cues to round out the collection at home, then the Viper Commercial 1-piece is a great choice. A simple design but with quality materials means you can rest easy knowing that they will perform well and hold up to regular use.
Coming in at 57”, this 1-piece billiards cue is made from Canadian maple hardwood with a simple wooden design. It’s then finished with 9 layers of varnish, protecting the stick from fading and chipping.
The cue is then equipped with a 13mm Le Pro leather tip, scuffed and shaped and ready to chalk and play. It also has an ABS bumper for shock absorption and to help protect the cue. You can pick up this pool stick in 18-21oz options, as well as a 36” shorty and a 48” 18oz cue.
This pool cue won’t wow anyone with it’s fancy decals or designs, but it will perform extremely well and hold up to regular use. For it’s extremely inexpensive price, it’s hard to beat it for a great starter cue or to pick up a couple for the home billiards room. If you run a pool hall or bar these could be the best pool sticks to supply your pool tables on a budget. All of the pool cues are backed by a 90-day limited warranty as well. Grab one of these (or several) today and get playing!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Great cue for a very affordable price | ? This is a 1-piece cue which is much harder to travel with |
| ✅ Made of quality Canadian maple wood finished with varnish, Le Pro cue tip, and ABS bumper | ? Very basic design, which may not be everyone’s favorite |
| ✅ Available in 18-21oz weights, as well as a 36” and 48” height option |
TaiBA 2-piece Hardwood Canadian Maple Pool Stick and Hard Case Set
TaiBA offers up a top-quality cue for a great price with this 58” 2-piece cue set, complete with a hard case, a set of joint protectors, a tip pick, and a 3-finger glove. It’s available in several colors with gorgeous designs, so you’re sure to find one you like. It’s one of the best pool sticks that you’ll find in its price range.
Made from hardwood Canadian maple wood, this cue is fitted with a 13mm leather tip, a resin ferrule, and brass joints that fit together smoothly and feel really nice when shooting pool. The designs and stain of the stick are coated in 9 layers of varnish that protect the wood and colors from fading, moisture, and warping. All cues are then fitted with a rubber bumper on the bottom for added protection.
No matter what weight preference you have for pool cues, you can find one that fits you here, with options ranging from 18oz-22oz. This is one of very few pool sticks that can regularly be ordered in a 22oz weight, which helps this option stand out. It’s also fitted with an imitation leather wrap for increased grip, which won’t unravel over time like some linen wraps do.
TaiBA offers up the best beginner to intermediate pool stick set set for the money. You’ll be hard-pressed to put together a cue with the accessories this one comes with for anywhere close to the price with other companies. Couple that with a really nice quality cue that will perform well for years and you have a bundle that is absolutely worth picking up to complement your billiards game. Grab one for you and another for a friend!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ A great quality bundle that comes with a pool cue, a hard case, a tip pick, joint protectors, and a glove | ? Not everyone likes the imitation leather wraps so if you prefer linen then this choice isn’t for you |
| ✅ Available in 5 different colors and comes in weights from 18-22oz, and weight can be adjusted later if you change your mind or your preferences change | ? Weight changes must be purchased separately |
| ✅ 2-piece design is great for travelling and competing at pool halls or in tournaments |
Champion Spider Billiards Maple Pool Cue Stick
Champion Sports Company brings another one of the best pool sticks to take your game to the next level with this spider billiards maple pool stick. Put together in a bundle that comes with a hard case and a glove, this is the best pool stick set for professionals and advanced players.
You’ll have plenty of options to customize your 58’ 2-piece cue, choosing from 8 different colors for the shaft, having options for cue tips from 11.75mm up to 13mm, and being able to choose weights from 18oz-21oz.
All cues are made from hard rock maple, are treated with Nelsonite to balance the cue against atmosphere changes, and then are finished with epoxy to protect the wood. Each cue’s butt and forearm are finished with a wonderful nutmeg stain.
This pool stick is equipped with stainless steel joints and comes with joint protectors for when the cue is broken down. You get a low deflection ferrule on the cue to go with your cue tip. Your pool cue is also finished off with either a snake skin textured leather wrap or a hybrid leather wrap, depending on which color option you choose.
If you’re familiar with billiards and are looking for the best pool cue to take your game to its highest level, you can’t go wrong with the Champion Spider pool stick. You can be sure you’re getting the highest quality materials put into a great cue, and have plenty of options to tailor the stick to your preferences and playstyle. Pick this one up today; you won’t regret it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Tons of customization options from color, tip size, wrap type, and weight | ? Not all options are available in specific weights or tip sizes |
| ✅ Top quality 2-piece cue for experienced players, and it comes with a hard case | |
| ✅ Pool cue is treated with Nelsonite to protect against changes in weather and finished with epoxy to resist fading |
Players HXT15 Pool Cue
- Cue Shaft is Crafted from Premium Grade, Hand-Selected, 100 percent North American Hard Rock Maple / Treated with Nelsonite, a Patented Stabilizer that Protects it from Atmospheric Changes / Special Epoxy Finish Protects Cue from Moisture and Warping
- Comes Standard with Kamui Black Tip Made from 10 Layers of Pig Skin Specially-Treated for Superior Grip, Spin and Durability
- Includes Proprietary HXT Low-Deflection Ferrule Drastically Reduces Deflection for Increased Power and Accuracy
- Features Stainless Steel Joint and Slimline White Implex Butt Cap
- Solid Black Double-Pressed Irish Linen Wrap
Here’s our pick for best professional pool cue, the Players HXT15 Pool Cue. Quality components from top to bottom, as well as advanced technology, come together for a pool stick that will help you perform at the top of your game. And with all of this backed by Players’ lifetime guarantee against warranty, you can focus on your game and not worry about whether your cue will continue to perform.
Measuring 58” and in a 2-piece model, this pool cue can be purchased in half ounce increments ranging from 18oz-21oz to truly give you customization over how your stick feels. The HXT15 boasts a HXT low deflection shaft and a deflection absorbing core to give you a great, smooth feel for each and every hit.
It has a 1” HXT low deflection ferrule and a light polymer core topped off with a Kamui Black Soft Tip, a highly durable cue tip that gives you great control over grip and spin on the ball.
The forearm and butt of the Players HXT15 is made from North American birds eye maple finished in a gorgeous walnut stain. The two pieces come together with a stainless steel joint collar that will stay together and give you a wonderful smooth feel to each strike. The cue comes with a double-pressed Irish linen wrap for increased grip as well.
This company didn’t hold back with the care, attention to detail, and high-quality materials that went into the HXT15. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line pool cue that will help you to be competitive then this is the cue for you. Buy it today and rest easy knowing that you’re using the best pool stick out there.
Check out our post on the Best Pool Cue Brands to find other great choices to take your game to it’s top level!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Gorgeous design and top-end materials make for a truly superior pool cue | ? You’ll definitely want a case for this cue, but it doesn’t come with one |
| ✅ Lifetime guarantee from the company against warping in the stick | ? Some people complain that the cue tip is too small and is harder to hit cleanly |
| ✅ Available in weights ranging from 18oz to 21oz |
How to Choose the Best Pool Stick
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best pool stick for you. How much does it weigh? Do you want a 1-piece cue or a 2-piece cue? Do you want a wrap for increased grip and if so what kind do you want? Let’s break down each of the considerations to make when selecting your best pool cue.
You can also check out 5 Essential Tips to Choose the Right Pool Cue for more great information.
These factors are in no particular order and do not reflect how important each factor is.
Cue Tip Size and Type – having a good cue tip is a must for a quality pool stick. The legal sizes of cue tips for competitions range from 11-14mm. If you’re fairly new to the game then start with 13mm for a good sized tip that will allow you to cleanly strike the ball.
As you get more experienced you can move to a smaller tip if you would like. Smaller cue tips can allow for more English on the ball when you hit it, but have a smaller surface to get a clean strike.
Many cue tips are made of leather and often come pre-scuffed and shaped so they are immediately ready to chalk and play. The Le Pro leather tip is a popular option on the top pool sticks. Most cue tips are glued onto the stick but some people prefer a screwed on tip. Cue tips will wear out over time but are relatively easy to replace.
Ferrule – A ferrule is the white piece that sits at the top of the stick and acts kind of like a shock absorber for when you strike the ball. Having a quality ferrule helps to protect the end of your stick and gives you a better feel when you take your shot. They also make changing out the cue tip easier and quicker, which is a nice plus.
Straight Design – When searching for the best pool sticks, you want to make sure you have a pool cue that is straight. If the cue isn’t crafted correctly or is bowed then you won’t be able to make clean shots. A pool cue should be able to sit flat on the pool table and not roll. Some pool cue companies offer warranties or guarantees on their sticks against bowing or warping, which is always a nice thing to have.
Wood Type – with wood making up the vast majority of the pool cue, getting a stick with quality wood in it is a must. Maple wood is by far the most popular wood type used to make pool sticks, so it is very common to see this. It is fairly inexpensive, holds up well to regular use, and looks great. It can be stained with a number of colors and often will have designs or decals put on it as well to customize the look of the cue.
The higher end pool cues are made of other woods, graphite, or composite materials. These are really nicely made and perform superbly, but be prepared for a much higher price point to get the best pool sticks in these materials.
1-piece or 2-piece – Pool cues are offered in 1-piece or 2-piece options. Most 1 piece cues come at a 57” length, which 2 piece cues are usually 58”. Depending on how you like to play and where you like to play may help make your decision for which you prefer. If you do a lot of traveling for tournaments and competitions or like to play at local pool halls then the 2-piece cues will be the best pool sticks for you.
Make sure to have a case for it as well. If you have a pool table at home and enjoy the friendly game in your house, a 1 piece stick will suit you just fine.
Weight – Pool cues are offered in a variety of weights, usually ranging between 18oz and 21oz, although you can also find shorter pool cues for kids or for tight spaces that will come in lighter weights. If you aren’t sure where to begin I would start with a 20oz cue. This should give you a nice weight and allow you to get some good power behind your breaks, while still allowing you to get good spin on the ball. As you get more experienced playing billiards you may decide to move to a lighter cue.
It isn’t uncommon for players to end up with multiple sticks of different weights that they can use for different situations. Many people opt for a break cue that they only use for breaks which is often heavier. There is no one weight for the best pool stick; it’s different for each individual and for different situations.
Check out this article on Standard Cue Weight for a closer look.
Wrap Material – depending on your preference you may want a wrap on your pool cue to help with grip. Beginner sticks will often come with nylon or Irish linen wraps, but more experienced players or higher end sticks may go with a leather wrap. Leather won’t unravel over time like a nylon or linen wrap might and leather provide better grip overall if your hands tend to sweat while you play,
Other things to keep in mind when choosing the best pool stick is the balance point of the cue and what color or design the pool cue comes in.
Recommended Accessories for your Pool Cue
Case – If you have a 2-piece cue and plan on traveling to pool halls or competitions then a quality pool cue case is a must. A case will protect your cue during travel and make it much easier to carry it around. Many cases can also store other accessories in them as well, so you can pack all you’ll need for your game in one convenient space.
If you are someone who likes having more than one cue with you, then you can find some great 2 cue cases. You won’t want to purchase one of the best pool sticks and then not have a way to protect it.
Joint Protectors – another great accessory for 2-piece cues, joint protectors help keep the pieces at the joints of the cue from getting damaged when the cue is disassembled. One piece will screw into the opening on one part of the cue while the other will screw over the bolt on the other piece.
Some 2-piece cue sticks will come with joint protectors, but I highly recommend picking up a set if your cue doesn’t come with them. Just make sure you know the sizes you need for your cue before you get joint protectors so you can be sure they will fit. You won’t want to invest in a quality pool stick without also taking steps to protect it and to care for it.
Pool Cue Cleaner – a simple but effective accessory, a pool cue cleaner is a cloth or piece of material that will fit over the shaft and can be run along the length of the cue to clean off dust, grime, and sweat. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep your cue in better shape. Pick up one of these today to keep your cue in pristine condition.
3-in-1 Billiard Cue Tip Tool – in order to get the most out of your pool sticks you’ll want to have the best cue tips. This tool is great for getting your cue tip right where you want it. Use the shaper to find that perfect rounded dome to your cue tip, scuff up the tip with the scuffer to help it hold chalk better, and use the aerator on the tip so it’ll hold even more chalk. If you want the most out of your cue and your tips then be sure to pick up this 3-in-1 tool.
Extra Cue Tips – Anyone who has been playing pool for very long can tell you that cue tips won’t last forever. The last thing you want while you’re playing at a competition is for your cue tip to break and to not have a replacement, so be sure to pack a few extras with you to be fully prepared. They’re easy to replace and won’t cost a lot of money.
Glove – Some players like to wear a 3 finger glove for playing pool. This can help you achieve a smoother stroke as the cue slides across your hand. Never worry about the stick catching on your skin or not getting the perfect stroke if you shoot with a glove on. This option comes in 4 different colors, too, so you can pick your favorite.
Chalk – Chalk is really a must have for anyone playing pool. Apply it to the cue tip and it helps increase friction between the ball and the cue, cutting down on miscues and poor shots due to not hitting the ball cleanly. This Master Billiard chalk is a well-known brand and comes in many colors. Match your chalk color to the felt color of your table so marks won’t be noticeable. Don’t waste your pool cue investment by not having quality chalk for it.
Cue Rack – for the home billiards enthusiast, a cue rack is a great accessory to have for storing cues. You can find racks that hang on the wall as well as freestanding ones so you can find the right one for your preference or setup. They will hold multiple cues and often will have spots for other things, too, like triangles, 9-ball racks, chalk, and the billiard balls.
Bridgehead – Having a slip-on bridgehead can be a great accessory to have in your bag. While not needed all the time, it really comes in handy when you have a tough shot or need to shoot over other pool balls. Slip it on, take your shot, and then remove it, rather than needing a separate stick for those uncommon instances.
Highlights from our Best Pool Sticks
Grab yourself the Viper Commercial stick for a budget 1-piece cue. For the best pool stick set to get you in and playing your best, pick up the TaiBA 2-piece bundle. And for our best professional pool cue, get this Players HXT15 pool stick. You can’t go wrong with any of these quality choices; pick one up today!