Overall Review
It’s hard to go wrong with the TaiBa 2-Peice Pool Stick for any beginner or casual player. It comes with a pre-scuffed tip and a hard case (awesome bonus) – everything you need to get back on the table. However, other owners have complained about a slight warp, so there is a small gamble you could receive a bad apple. Needless to say, there are not many good cues that look this good on the market at this price point.
About TaiBa
They only serve the beginner market, offering a number of different case options. For those who are worried about ongoing support, they sell quite a few accessories as well.
While we wish TaiBA was US based, it does offer a low price point which is most likely a result of being cheaply produced overseas.
What Kind of Player Does this Suit?
Looking for something with a fairly low deflection and a decent balancing point at an unbeatable price? The TaiBA 2-piece pool stick will get the job done, and then some. If you’re just starting out, or even like to go to the bars and billiard halls on the weekend, you’ll get everything you need — a strap, a hard case, and a storage pouch for chalk and other items.
One word that comes to mind is dependable. Not only is it well-balanced, but the quality of the wood — Canadian maple — along with the grain density, prevents unintended spin.
What Other Owners Have Said About It
The primary drawback of ordering this stick is consistency between models. There’s a one year warranty period, and an excellent Amazon return policy should you run into issues.
- The wood beneath the ferrule is raw, which may cause issues for some players.
- Occasionally, owners complained about receiving a slightly bent shaft. These issues were resolved by the company.
- Several professional pool players have said they felt it could contend with pricier cues.
Comparable Alternatives
Deliberating between several options? Let’s go over a few differences.
#1 AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inch Pool Cue (Amazon)
- Advantage: Sturdy aim and solid feel
- Disadvantage: Contoured grip might not suit all players
#2 CUEASOUL 58 inch 2-Piece Maple Billiard Stick Pool Cue (Amazon)
- Advantage: Tapered shaft for finer playing
- Disadvantage: No screw-on tips for fast swapping
Both alternatives are similarly mass-produced. Assuming quality control is not an issue, it’ll come down the preference for the grip. Some prefer a simple leather wrap, as is the case with the TaiBA, while others might like a wavy contoured grip.
Bottom Line
The TaiBA 2-Piece Hardwood Canadian Maple Professional Billiard Pool Cue Stick is an all-around solid cue. It punches above its weight class when it comes to deflection level, though some may not like the lack of lacquer underneath the cue’s ferrule. But for a sub-$60 dollar pool stick, it’s hard to complain about its professional level performance and years-long reliability.
Here is a quick breakdown of the Pros and Cons:
PROS:
- Understated look with beautifully designed decal
- Comes with a case, bag, and strap
- Uniquely affordable
CONS:
- Wood shaft can come improperly cured from the factory
- Mass produced
- TaiBa is a relatively young company with little reputation
Take advantage of this excellent price point if you’re looking to step up your pool game. The TaiBa 2-Piece is great for amateurs who are looking for a complete starter kit, or for professionals looking for a few sticks to pass around when friends are over.