Whether you are just starting your new pool adventure or you have been hustling for a while now, sometimes you may feel tired of the old bent non-tips cues at the bars, for example. Therefore, we have gathered some information to help you with your buying options, enhance your skills, and bring up your game to the next level. There is always a beginning for everything, and you should be prepared for it.
Table of Contents
BUYING GUIDE
To start with, here are some tips that will help you choose the right cue for your level. Since each pool cue has its own specifications, each part of the pool cue plays an important role in how the overall cue is going to feel and act. However, as a beginner, in addition to knowing the main parts of a pool cue, you will only need to know the basics or the main aspects of getting the right pool cue which are:
POOL CUE LENGTH
When considering buying a new pool stick, you need to put into consideration the length of the stick. The standard for a one-piece cue is 57 inches and 58 inches for the two pieces stick. However, if you are taller than 6’5”, you might need an extension to your cue or special-request your desired length. If you are below the average height, it is better to go for shorter cues between 48 inches and 52 inches.
POOL CUE WEIGHT
Now that you know which length is good for you, you are asking yourself again, what weight should I choose? And to be honest, it is all up to your comfort and how you will use the cue. The standard weights for pool cues are between 17 to 21 ounce except for special orders. Most pool players prefer to play with a 19 to 20-ounce pool cue. This fits the game style, which is played with heavier balls compared to snooker. With snooker, you will need a lighter cue for lighter balls. In general, heavier sticks are used to break and lighter sticks are used for skill shots.
CUE WRAP TYPE
It is very important to have a solid grip on your cue that feels comfortable in your hand to make your best shot. Most wraps are made from leather material or Irish linen. If your hands tend to sweat more frequently while playing, it is better to use the Irish linen wrapped cue types instead of leather. Irish linen wrap type is best for sweat absorption. However, if you prefer a luxury and smooth feel, leather is a good option to consider. Also, Many pool cues come without wraps if you prefer not to have one.
POOL CUE TIP
Cue tips vary based on their composition from hard to soft, which affects how long they last and how often you need to maintain them. Most pool cue tips are made from compressed leather, and they come with medium to hard strength. Softer cue tips tend to stay in contact with the cue ball longer and leave it slower, which causes the cue ball to spin.
POOL CUE CASE
If you have decided to buy a pool cue, you also need to consider getting a good cue case, which will keep your cue safe. It should be hard, easy to store, and easy to carry around. Most cases are designed for two-piece pool cues. It is not recommended to use light soft cases as they tend to create contact between the pieces and might lead to damaging the cue.
Now that you have an idea of what to consider on a pool cue, we have found 5 of the best options available on Amazon in order to help you make smooth and easy decisions. Each review will contain an overview of what the product specifications are, the features, and the pros and cons of each product with an overall conclusion. In doing so, you will easily figure out which product is best suited for you.
So, let’s dive in!
AB EARTH 2-PIECE 58 INCHES POOL CUE
“With over 50 manufacturing steps that go into the creation of the Cues, the Economic Series from AB EARTH are sure to start taking the billiards world by storm not only with their looks but with performance to back it all up in the cue.” – AB Earth
AB Earth has been in the market for about 21 years now, and with this oil hand painted ergonomic non-traditional grip design, AB Earth takes the pool game grip comfort to the next level.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
ERGONOMIC GRIP DESIGN
AB Earth 2-Piece 58 inch Pool Cue comes with a friendly anti-slip ergonomic grip design, which is designed for a firm grip. The non-traditional style eliminates the problem of unraveling cue wraps found in some low-quality leather or Irish linen wraps.
UNIQUE EYE-CATCHING BLACK
This pool cue is hand-painted in shiny and unique eye-catching black with a high-quality finish oil paint. It looks vivid and feels very smooth.
STRAIGHT AND STRONG
AB Earth 2-Piece 58 inch Pool Cue is straight as an arrow, designed with wavy hardwood Canadian maple grip and medium deflection shaft to provide better consistent playtime for beginners and intermediate players.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Length | Wrap Type | Material | Weight | Color | Tip Size | Joint Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58” | None | Hard Rock Maple | 19 to 21 oz | Available in 8 Different Colors | 13 mm Durable Tip | 5/16" x 18 Joint |
SUMMARY AND THOUGHTS
As a beginner, if you are just looking for a casual play: With this pool cue ergonomic-grip new design and price point, this cue pool is a really good option to level up your game and be stylish at the same time.
VIKING VALHALLA 2 PIECE POOL CUE STICK WITH IRISH LINEN WRAP
“it is our mission to create cutting edge designs and developing new performance products for the billiards industry. Led by our employees, retailers, and fans” – Valhalla
Viking cues have been in the market since 1965. They have been evolving since then, and their vision is to be a dominant force in high-end product innovation, personalized customer service, and meaningful user experiences.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
IRISH LINEN WRAP
This elegant pool cue comes with Irish linen wrap, which is considered very common among pool players for its sweat absorbent characteristics compared to leather. It is very comfortable, and it also has a nice grip feel to it as well.
POOL CUE TIP
Viking Valhalla 2 Piece Pool Cue tip is made from premium leather and its size is 13 mm. It comes with high impact resin ferrule which improves ball contact. Viking ferrules are mostly indestructible.
POOL CUE TAPER
All Viking cues come with a 12 to 14 inches pro taper which provides a natural low-deflection performance.
FINISH PROCESS
Each Viking cue goes under a 27-Step finishing process to give them the beautiful glass-like appearance, which the company is known for. To their finishing process, they apply ultra-violet urethane layers, which are then sanded by hand to give it that elegant look.
LIFETIME MANUFACTURER WARRANTY
This product comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty from Vikings themselves. The warranty even includes any warpage damages to your pool cue as well.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Length | Wrap Type | Material | Weight | Color | Tip Size | Joint Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58” | Irish Linen | Hard Rock Maple | 18 to 21 oz | Available in 8 Different Colors | 13 mm Premium Leather | 5/16” x 18 |
SUMMARY AND THOUGHTS
To sum up our thoughts about this lovely cue pool, for what it is made from and how many features this cue has, from having Irish linen wrap and the magnificent coating that Viking is known for, this cue is one of a kind to own as a beginner. It is sure to take your game up to the next level.
ISZY BILLIARDS SHORT 48″ 2 PIECE HARDWOOD MAPLE POOL CUE
Iszy Billiards offers a variety of different low-priced pool table accessories and billiard supplies including cue racks, billiard accessory kits, pool ball sets, maple and fiberglass cues, cases, table covers, lights and many more. Their goal is to provide their customers with the best prices and services available.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
POOL CUE LENGTH
This unique billiard cue is highly recommended for people with short arm lengths. It is also very convenient to use in tight or narrow places and not worry about hitting anybody on the way.
IRISH LINEN WRAP
This cue stick comes with Irish linen wrap, preferred by pool players due to its absorbent material. It holds nicely, looks very cool, and it also feels very convenient.
POOL CUE WEIGHT
Given into consideration that this pool cue is smaller than the normal pool stick length, this billiard stick comes only in two different weights: 18 ounces and 19 ounces. That being said; to balance the weight loss, the cue might be slightly heavier in the back than the front side which is not preferred by professional players and might not be the best for high skill level shots.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Length | WrapType | Material | Weight | Color | Tip Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58” | Irish Linen | Hardwood Canadian Maple | 18 or 19 oz | Available in 3 Different Colors | 13 mm Fiber Ferrule |
SUMMARY AND THOUGHTS
As a beginner billiards player, this pool cue is very nice to start with if you are on a budget and looking for a short billiard stick, whether you have a short arm length, narrow or tight space, or just a better handy option for you when you do not want to hit somebody standing or sitting on the way. Totally worth it for the cause.
VIPER DIAMOND 58″ 2-PIECE BILLIARD/POOL CUE
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
POOL CUE LENGTH
This pool cue is 58” in length and is constructed from high-quality Canadian maple wood. It is also designed with diamond overlays to provide you with better aiming and good precision while shooting. In addition, it features a traditional rubber bumper to prevent the cue butt from hitting the ground and getting damaged.
LEATHER WRAP
This cue is now different from the other cues mentioned before since it is made from faux leather. Leather is a very nice material to grip your hand onto and is very smooth. However, sweating hands are not good with leather simply because leather does not absorb sweat very well. However, if that is not an issue for you, leather has a very nice feeling and a very luxurious look to it.
POOL CUE TIP
Viper Diamond 58″ 2-Piece Pool Cue tip is made from a 13 mm premium Le Pro leather which will give you a solid grip on the ball and reduces any chances of a miscue.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Length | Wrap Type | Material | Weight | Color | Tip Size | Joint Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58” | Faux-leather | Hardwood Canadian Maple | 18 or 21 oz | Available in 4 Different Colors | 13 mm Le Pro leather | 5/16" x 18 |
SUMMARY AND THOUGHTS
To summarize our thoughts about Viper Diamond 58″ 2-Piece Pool Cue, it is made with high-quality Canadian maple hardwood, holds and feels very smooth and it is very convenient. It also has a beautiful design and finish. Overall, it is a really good option if you are looking to try a leather grip with a tight budget. You can’t go wrong with this beautiful beast.
PLAYERS CLASSIC BIRDS-EYE MAPLE WITH TRIPLE SILVER RINGS CUE
“Players” which is the company name, is one of the best manufacturers for pool cues in the United States. They are very well known for their premium quality products and their stunning designs along with their variety of high-end and exotic pool cues to choose from, as well as many other pool cue related accessories. They have got it all.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
EXOTIC HARDWOOD MADE
This Players Classic Birds-Eye billiard cue is 58” in length and it is beautifully crafted from North American Grade A Hard Rock Maple that undergoes multiple processes and treatments in order to ensure a high-end manufacturing process to produce high quality, stunning products.
POOL CUE FOREARM AND BUTT
This unique “Players Classics C-960” traditional-looking billiard cue forearm and butt are uniquely designed with nutmeg-stained Birdseye Maple, which gives each side of them a special look that every pool player wishes to own one day. Birds-eye Maple is a rare type of wood that is not easy to manufacture.
POOL CUE SHAFT
Players pool cue shafts are made of the same material as the cue butt: North American Grade A Hard Rock Maple. Players Classics C-960 is given a professional taper for a long stroke and is treated with a special French cue wax, which provides that smooth finish feel and look for you to enjoy nice and smooth glides through your fingers for many years to come.
LEATHER WRAP
This traditional Players Classics C-960 pool stick wrap is made from Irish linen which is double-pressed and is given a solid black genuine color to fit the beautiful design. Double-pressed wraps feel much smoother and have a better grip feeling to it than the regular traditional Irish Linen single pressed pool cue wraps.
CUE FERRULE AND TIP MADE
Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings pool cue comes with a high-impact ferrule which is very durable and is guaranteed against chipping or cracking. These ferrules never crack. They are harder than rocks.
POOL CUE FINISHING
This Players Classics C-960 is professionally finished with a high gloss super UV coating which provides it with a protective coating against fading and chipping.
LIFETIME WARRANTY
Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings Cue comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty, even against warpage unless stated otherwise.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| Length | Wrap Type | Material | Weight | Color | Tip Size | Joint Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58” | Pressed Black Irish Linen | Hard Rock Maple | 18 or 21 oz | Available in 3 Different Colors | 13 mm Le Pro | 5/16” x 18 |
SUMMARY AND THOUGHTS
If you are just starting to hustle harder with your folks, Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple is for serious beginner pool players who want to step up their game to the next level and join the pros. This pool cue is also used by professional pool players to play or as a backup stick. That being said; if you have a little more money to spend on this highly rated beauty, it is totally worth it, given the fact that this pool cue comes with a lifetime warranty, even against warping.
CONCLUSION
As a conclusion to this post, we recommend that you know the basic elements of a pool cue, which we mentioned above, and how to choose a pool cue that suits your needs and fits your budget. Our top 5 Amazon best pool cues selection gives you a variety of options and features from basic non-wrapped AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inches Pool Cue with its ergonomic design grip to a high-end Irish linen wrap such as in the beautiful looking Viking Valhalla 2 Piece Pool Cue Stick. Not to forget the more luxurious and smoother faux-leather feeling grip that is featured in the Viper Diamond 58″ 2-Piece Billiard/Pool Cue. In addition to the wrap made type, these pool cues have a nice and unique finish to each one of them that makes them feel and look very special. The Birdseye Maple stain featured on the Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings Cue is uniquely made to impress.
FAQ
What is the right pool cue length for me?
When considering buying a new pool stick, you need to put into consideration the length of the stick. The standard for a one-piece cue is 57 inches and 58 inches for the two pieces stick. However, if you are taller than 6’5”, you might need an extension to your cue or special-request your desired length. If you are below the average height, it is better to go for shorter cues between 48 inches and 52 inches.
What is the right pool cue weight for me?
Now that you know which length is good for you, you are asking yourself again, what weight should I choose? And to be honest, it is all up to your comfort and how you will use the cue. The standard weights for pool cues are between 17 to 21 ounce except for special orders. Most pool players prefer to play with a 19 to 20-ounce range since it fits the game style, which is played with heavier balls compared to playing snooker. With snooker, you will need a lighter cue for lighter balls. In general, heavier sticks are used to break and lighter sticks are used for skill shots.
Wrap Vs. Non-Wrap Pool Cue
It is very important to have a solid grip on your cue that feels comfortable in your hand to make your best shot. Most wraps are made from leather material or Irish linen. If your hands tend to sweat more frequently while playing, it is better to use the Irish linen wrapped cue types instead of leather. Irish linen wrap type is considered best for sweat absorption. However, if you prefer a luxury and smooth feel, leather is a good option to consider. Many pool cues are made without wraps if you prefer not to have one.
