Overall Review
If you’re just starting out but willing to spend a little extra, the Action ACTSP39 Sneaky Pete Cue will serve you fine. Pulling the stick out in league play may not be the most advisable course of action.
Then again, there are many amateurs and semi-professionals who sing the cue’s praises. And, if you think you may find yourself getting more serious in time, you can custom-order a third-party tip from Pooldawgs.
About Action
For over a decade, Action has been putting out high-quality merchandise without compromising quality control. Such an arrangement is rare for a company that mass-produces cues overseas.
They often sell their cues through warehouses, and supply restaurant and bar owners with bulk orders. So, if you want a Sneaky Pete cue that really resembles a house stick, there’s no better contender.
What Player Does this Suit
While the Action ACTSP39 Sneaky Pete Cue is still firmly in the beginner camp, with a few modifications, you can take this cue far. We’d recommend this cue for a player who doesn’t want break the bank, yet is certain they’ll be playing in three months time.
It’s a notch above the lowest price point that Action offers (as far as cues are concerned).
What Other Owners Have Said About It
The majority of players have very few complaints about the Action ACTSP39 Sneaky Pete Cue.
- A large percentage of people compliment the balance and feel of the cue.
- No complaints about warped or unfinished shafts.
- A small minority of players have noticed a strange weight distribution across the shaft, though it doesn’t seem to affect play.
Comparable Alternatives
Few Sneaky Pete Cues are this inexpensive. So, let’s compare the Action between a few others.
#1 Lucasi LZ2000SP Sneaky Pete Pool Cue (Pool Dawg)
- Advantage: Professional level control with a Uni-Loc joint and Birdseye maple.
- Disadvantage: Much, much more expensive than the Action.
#2 Schmelke Schmo2 Sneaky Pete Cue (Pool Dawg)
- Advantage: American-made in Wisconsin using Cocobolo wood.
- Disadvantage: Stock shaft whips a bit during impact.
As an entry-point to Sneaky Pete style cues, there is no better alternative. The Lucasi is just too expensive for a beginner. But if you’re willing to forego the hustler house cue vibe for a more traditional cue, you can get a few extras and goodies for the same price.
The Schmelke Schmo2 may not be as sturdy as the Action. Still, if you value high craftsmanship and exotic wood, you won’t be disappointed.
Bottom Line
The Action ACTSP39 Sneaky Pete Cue does what it sets out to do: It’s a no-frills hitter with impressive accuracy and a host of customization options. And, if you swap out the tip, you may be able to contend in an APA league.
That said, for this price, you may be able to get a similar option with a low-deflection shaft. Granted, it won’t be the best low-deflection shaft, but using English will become a lot easier.
Here is a quick breakdown of the Pros and Cons:
PROS:
- It’s a sleeper cue — surprise your friends, fool your enemies.
- Comes with a one-year warranty and an accessory.
- Action has an outstanding reputation.
CONS:
- In the price range, you can get a whole lot more.
- No low-deflection shaft.
- Somewhat average by every measure. Doesn’t stand out, but is never an outright bad performer.
Beginners who are attracted to the Sneaky Pete wood-to-wood joint will find a lot to love here. Quality control is high and the cue seems to handle heavy hitters with aplomb. But if you’re not attached to the look, other alternatives promise the same, if not more.