There are hundreds, if not thousands of choices to choose when purchasing a pool cue.
It is so easy to get overwhelmed by all the different brands and styles. What I have done is narrowed down the list to 4 different pool cues which will fit every type of player ranging from beginner to expert. These different pool cues will also differ in the price range so if you are looking to save money and get the most for your money, you are in the right place!
I have done hours of research to find out the best pool cues for different types of purposes. I also urge you to do your own research because this is all opinion based and what I may prefer may differ drastically from someone else’s opinion.
I have researched in person at my local billiard stores and also looked through several online threads to see which pool cues are the best quality. I’ve spent a great amount of time reading Amazon/PoolDawg reviews after review about how people love the way certain pool cues feel when shooting and how smooth it is.
Action VAL
My first option would be the Action VAL13. This is a great pool cue made by “Action”; they have been creating quality pool cues for a long time and are a perfect choice if you do not want to spend too much money.
The Action Val (any Action cues) is perfect for beginners in pool. It is a pool cue that is not going to break the bank but still delivers straight and smooth accuracy.
Pool cues and products can easily cost over hundreds of dollars and even thousands sometimes. Most Action pool cues are well priced under $100, but you will need to click the link here to see the full price on PoolDawgs website.
Pro’s:
- Cheap and Well priced
- Good Quality
- Recognized Brand
Con’s:
- No low-deflection shaft
- Advanced players may prefer a low-deflection shaft
Action Cues have been a high selling brand in billiards for a very long time. They also sell a lot of house cues (bought in bulk) to bars and pool halls so you have probably held or seen an Action standard pool cue before. They have been consistent in bringing good quality and affordably priced products to the public. They have a variety of products and have been in the business for over 10 years.
Hard to go wrong with an Action cue, especially if it’s intended for a young player or a beginner player who is just getting their feet wet.
Another color options if you do not like the blue in the VAL13 are the VAL05 which has a blue/black color scheme.
Predator Sport
My 2nd choice of pool cues would be the Predator Sport. If you haven’t heard me write about Predator before, they are an outstanding brand and have dominated the pool/billiard scene for a long time – Especially in the low-deflection business.
This is the perfect pool cue for intermediate to advanced pool players. The 314-3 low deflection shaft is great for players who need a cue to accommodate for deflection when applying spin.
They arguably have the lowest deflection shaft on the market and the Predator Sport is rocking the 314-3 (3rd generation) shaft with a matching yellow and black Predator butt to pair with it.
Pros:
The Predator 314-3 is one the best low-deflection shafts on the market
– High-Quality Product
– Highly recognized Billiard Brand
– 1-year Manufacturing Warranty
– Stylish Black & Yellow Predator Design
Con’s:
– Expensive
Predator has created a couple of the top popular shafts in the billiard world today. They have been striving to create the best low-deflection shafts, playing cues, and break cues in the world.
They have been in the billiard industry since 1994. The 314-3 is actually the choice of a number of Pro pool players like Ralf Souquet and Jasmin Ouschan (There are more but that is just to name one or two).
A good tidbit is that all or most Predator cue comes standard with a 314 shaft. What’s even more awesome is that most Predator Cue qualifies for Free Ground Shipping in the lower 48 USA!
BONUS – ALL Predator products include a whopping 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects!
Check out my full Review on the Predator 314-3 shaft here (Just the top part, the shaft).
Specs:
- Tip: 12.75 Predator Victory Tip
- Ferrule: MaxLite
- Shaft: 29″ 314 3rd generation with a 15″ pro taper
- Collar: Black
- Pin: Uni-Loc
- Piloted: Yes
- Forearm: Black Maple
- Rings: None
- Wrap: Black and Yellow Predator Sport Grip
- Sleeve: Black Maple
- Plate: Black with Predator emblem
- Bumper: Black rubber
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Manufacturer
- Weight Adjustable: Yes, using Predator Weight Bolt
This is a great cue and the price tag certainly represents that. If you can afford to shell out the extra money, I would suggest this a great purchase. The bright yellow and black color design on this pool cue are extraordinary.
Predator Revo
My 3rd option would have to be the Predator Revo! This is the lowest-deflection shaft on the market BUT unfortunately, they are sold out everywhere!!
This is the perfect pool cue for advanced players. Beginners can still use this pool cue but the technology in the shaft is meant to compliment high skilled players who use English/spin.
Update: 2/13/19 – Online websites are finally starting to stock them. They may have one in stock while the other is out of stock (12.4mm or 12.9mm).
Description:
People all around the world are saying this is the best-advanced shaft in the world today. The REVO is made of a carbon composite shaft. It is made from high-quality carbon fiber composite and has the lightest front end mass.
This comes standard with their Predator Victory Tip.
Available joints:
- Uni-Loc
- Quick Release
- Radial Joints
Specifications:
- Tip: 12.9 mm Predator Victory Soft
- Ferrule: Ferrule-less
- Shaft: 29″ carbon fiber composite with Low-rise taper with 5% rise over the first 14 inches
- Pin Sizes: Uni-Loc®, Radial
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime Manufacturer
If someone asked me what the absolute best pool shaft is in the world – My answer is the Predator Revo.
McDermott G225
The McDermott G225 is a great pool cue that is easy on the eyes and pairs well with their awesome G-core Shaft. This is the perfect pool cue for beginners or intermediate skill leveled players because the G-core is a good low-deflection shaft that will allow players to freely use English/Spin without worry.
McDermott is American-made and has been creating amazing quality pool cues that use a process of over 125 procedures in the construction of their pool cues! What’s even crazy amazing is they offer a LIFETIME Manufacturer’s warranty against warping and defects. Yes, you read right, Lifetime!!
Pros:
- G-Core Shaft technology
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Semi-expensive
- Low deflection isn’t as good as it could be
G-Core Shaft Technology
The G-Core shaft combines shaft technology with a great feel. It has carbon fiber technology inside with the classic maple shaft. It comes standard with all of McDermott G-series pool cues which are in a certain price range.
- Triple Layer Carbon Fiber Core
- The core is made out of triple-layer carbon fiber which stabilizes the front impact area of the shaft. This helps with control and predictability. The carbon fiber is in the first 7 inches of the shaft and helps reduce the vibrations that are usually found in a classic maple shaft.
- Carbon Tenon Technology
- The G-core shaft has a carbon fiber ferrule core inside with a red ring at its base which assists in absorbing the shock on hit.
- Radial Consistency
- The shaft has an ability to perform the exact same way, time after time on each shot. With the technology in the G-core it helps negate the need to compensate for English and spin.
Available Joint Sizes:
- McDermott Standard 3/8″-10
- 5/16″ -14
- 5/16″-18
- McDermott Quick Release
- Radial
- Uni-Loc
McDermott does a great job with their available joint sizes so that if you only want to purchase the shaft, they will most likely have a size to fit with your pool butt.
Specs:
- Tip: 13mm Tiger Everest
- Ferrule: 1/4″ Juma
- Shaft: 29″ G Core 10 – 12″ Pro Taper
- Collar: Black
- Pin: 3/8×10
- Piloted: No
- Forearm: Birdseye Maple with a Natural European Organic Walnut stain
- Rings: Cocobolo and Bocote Index Rings
- Wrap: Black Irish Linen
- Sleeve: Maple with Recon Ebony Stain
- Plate: Black with Gold McDermott Logo
- Bumper: Black Rubber
- Warranty: Lifetime (Yay)
- Weight Adjustable: Yes, this is totally adjustable with the McDermott Weight Bolt
Summary
I know I only listed a few pool cues, but there are just what seems like a limitless number of pool cues to choose. There will be people who agree with this list and other people who absolutely disagree with every pool cue I listed above. When it boils down to it, a lot of this is opinion based and everyone will have their own perspective – so again, do your own research too!
When it comes down to it, the player’s skill will weigh more than the pool cue you choose. Buying an expensive pool cue will not make you an amazing player overnight. Make sure that you do your own research and pick the best pool cue for you. I hope that this list helped you narrow down your choices. Thanks for reading and have a great day!