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Best Pool Sticks Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Bottom Line
Your own personal ability will also affect which stick you want to buy - do you need a good beginner stick or are you more advanced in your game? Would you like something specifically for those tight shots, or do you just want to get the ball in the pocket? Straightness of the stick, feedback throughout, grip, and quality of the materials used to make the stick are also important factors. Common things to look for in a pool cue include feeling smooth to the touch. When you run your hand across the assembled cue there should be no edges poking out where they shouldn’t be, the finish should be smooth and without visible scratches. There should be no glue to be seen, no nicks or blemishes anywhere. If you are seeing any of these things on a finished cue stick, you should keep looking. Another thing to consider when purchasing a cue stick online is the reputation of the dealer. Do your research and find how long, and how well, that company has been in business. What is their return policy? What sort of guarantees do they have on their cues? Also, check how well they present their cues?
They should have large photos so you can see the detail of the stick. People who take the time and care to show you the cue in high-resolution detail have nothing to hide and are trying to allow you to see the cue’s quality as best they can through the internet. People who use small and low-resolution images should be avoided. The seller of the cue you choose should take the time to provide clear descriptions and large images, otherwise, you should keep looking. We can help you make those decisions.
Features
Cue length and weight discussions should really start with a discussion about your general skill. Typically, if you’re between 5 foot 9 inches and 6 foot tall, you would want about a 59” stick. However, with a shorter (not smaller in diameter, per se), you will eventually get a more accurate shot as your skill level continues to improve. There is no magic stick made just for you but using our criteria you should be able to really improve on your game. Beginners and intermediate players should look at getting a slightly heavier cue stick as well. Somewhere between the 20 oz - 21 oz would be best for you.
Advanced Features
Finding that ideal fit with your 2-piece stick is very important. You need to make sure that the joints fit together seamlessly in order to slide smoothly through your hands which will provide you with the consistent feedback needed to understand how it “feels” each time your stick hits the ball. You shouldn't see any light between the two ends once assembled. The pin needs to center perfectly in the butt.
Materials
You will find that most pool cue sticks are made of premium quality Canadian Maple Hardwood. Maple is one of the hardest woods. It is used for a lot of quality wood products because it has a fine, consistent grain that makes a beautiful, uniform appearance, and sands down to be nearly glass smooth. It is strong and straight and holds its shape very well. It also has a warm and consistent shading that takes staining remarkably well.
You can test the straightness of the stick by the traditional method of rolling the cue on a snooker table, but this is not always reliable as the pool table may not be exactly flat. Another way is to hold the cue at eye level, slightly sloped downward, and sight it from the butt end. Slowly roll the stick a full 360* and check it that way. You will be able to see if it is warped. Rolling the stick may not show this effect. Pool tables are notorious for having small little or rolls to the table that will give you a false read on the condition of the cue.
Style
If you knew me at all, you would know I choose hot pink. Everything. The brighter the better! So while I am definitely a proponent of good bright colors, you also need to make sure that the color of your stick is either a stain or a nice style wrap. The wrap should be smooth and flush to the body of the cue. If it is a string wrap, it should be smoothly pressed with no knots or raised areas. Always inspect your wrap for any loose threads. Most linen wraps will stay tight and consistent for years to come. You also need to be aware that decals, decorative wraps, or paint will affect the weight and the grip on your stick. This is something you can definitely become accustomed to, just be aware when purchasing that you’ll need to work through some of those things.
10 Bets Pool Cues Reviewed & Rated for Quality
1. AB Earth 2-Piece
This pool cue stick is made of ergonomic design hardwood Canadian Maple and comes in a variety of lengths, weights, and colors. Each stick has a unique design decals, which add to the character. It has a maple shaft with a 13 mm glue tip. As mentioned in the name, it is 2-piece and easy to take apart and put back together, thus making it very easy to transport to your favorite place to play. It also comes with a 1-year quality warranty.
Weight Variation Options
One of the nice things about this cue stick is that you can order whichever size you like, from 18-21 oz. It is important that your pool stick is weighted comfortably to you so you can make that break shot and ensure a good contact point with the ball. Each shot is unique and you need to be able to have a good follow through with whichever weight you choose.
Color & Decal Options
While, of course, you want to make the bank shots and be the ace, it is also nice to look the part! This pool cue stick offers a variety of colors with different specific decals so you can custom order the look you want. It is always nice to be able to have your personality easily noted by the look of the pool stick you choose.
Cost and Value
Cost is dependent on length, weight, and color of the pool cue stick. It is considerably less than you’d think for a pool stick of this quality and portability. It will run at a less expensive price as opposed to many other more personalized pool sticks. Overall, this stick is a bang for your buck and will land you in the side pocket every time.
2. ISZY Billiards
This billiard stick comes in your natural wood color featuring an Irish wrap design. It has a steel wrap and 13 mm fiber ferrule. It is available in the classic 21 oz weight and 58-inch length. The 2-piece design makes for easy storage and portability. It easily comes apart and goes back together nicely. It has a seamless joint which will provide consistent feedback.
2-Piece Design
One of the nice things about this pool stick is that it has a steel joint and the juncture so when it is together it is very stable and straight. You will hardly notice that it is a 2-piece stick until you’re ready to take it home with you in a crowded car but you can easily take it apart and stow it with you. Ideal for a night out with friends.
Irish Wrap Design Grip
This natural wood colored stick comes with an Irish wrap design which is strategically placed for your best grip while handling the stick. No matter the rotation you need for that perfect shot, this stick will provide you with the best hold and comfort for play.
Cost and Value
Cost of this billiard pool stick is very reasonable and will be a great stick for any level of player. It has a better grip than most pool sticks which allows for a higher quality level of play. You will enjoy this compact, portable, and durable stick for years to come.
3. Viper Junior 48”
Made of Canadian hardwood maple, this pool cue stick features edgy tattoo style graphics down the entire length of the stick. It is available in a 16 oz weight, so is perfect for those tight spaces or for a younger player who needs a lighter weight. It has lightweight ABS joints which provide consistent feedback during play.
Lightweight ABS Joints
Lightweight ABS Joints allow for the same consistency and feel during each hit. When you know how a good hit feels, that’s the feel you aim for each time. The motion of these joints will allow you to get the ideal vibration every time. The joints screw together seamlessly and easily.
Lighter Weight and Length
The lighter weight and length of this cue stick will allow the most experienced players to get into a tight spot and still make the hit. It is also great for younger, more novice players to learn the ropes of the game while being able to get to shots that are harder to make successfully with a heavier and longer pool stick.
Cost and Value
With all the perks of owning a lighter weight pool cue, you’re almost silly not to jump on it! Even if you’re an experienced player you’ll love this shorter version which still offers the grip and versatility of the longer versions. The cost is very reasonable and commonly less than a similar quality pool stick of a longer length.
4. Valley House Bar
These pool cues are commercial quality and probably the closest to a typical house pool cue that you’ll find. They are all natural wood color, easy to grip, and professional. They come in a variety of weights and lengths, and also have special packages you can buy which include a variety of pool cues so you can really have it all.
Commercial Grade Quality
These are very good quality, nice and straight, and uniform in feedback. They come with a good variety of weights and are nicely constructed. They have good tips that are pre-shaped and scuffed, ready for chalking.
Well Known Name Brand
There is a certain confidence in buying a brand that has been around for a long time and that you know delivers a quality product. The Valley Brand is well known worldwide for its high-quality products that endure a lot of years.
Cost and Value
Compared to other sticks on this review, these are a little more expensive. However, there are a lot of good qualities you should consider when purchasing these sticks. There are also packages you can buy, with a variety of weights and sizes, for a discounted price which makes them more of a reasonable amount.
5. Imperial Premier Cyclone
This pool cue stick is also a 2-piece model and is easily attached. Made of good, hardwood with all the joints centered and a nice finish. They have a grippy polyurethane at the butt and a nice smooth head. You will be impressed by the quality and weight balance for the price!
Hardrock Maple Quality
One of the most important features of any pool stick is its strength and durability. The hard rock maple is sturdy, straight, and weight balanced. The joints fit together seamlessly and you will always get consistent feedback.
2-Piece Design Feature
I will always be a proponent for this 2-piece design. Whether you are traveling and transporting your pool stick, or just need a compact place to store it, this is the design you want. It screws together easily and is seamless when attached.
Cost and Value
This is a very high quality, the inexpensive pool cue stick. No matter your level of play you’ll appreciate the grip, the design options, the seamless joints, and the consistent feedback. The price of this stick depends on which weight and length you choose but is an affordable option whichever you decide.
6. Players Classically Styled
This is a beautiful crimson stained pool cue with a lifetime guarantee against warping. What? Yes, that’s right. A lifetime guarantee against warping. It has a super high gloss UV finish which also helps protect against fading and chipping. It has a professional taper and a French Le Pro leather tip and three silver rings around the joint for that extra touch.
Lifetime Guarantee
This pool stick has a super high gloss finish which helps protect against fading and chipping, and the crimson stain will catch your eye every single time. However, beauty is not just “wood-deep” on this stick. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee against warping and even the pro leather tip is included in this guarantee.
Double Pressed Irish Linen Wrap
Double pressing the Irish linen wrap provides an incredible grip, yet provides enough slide to follow through and really bank your shot. The feedback is consistent and the stick will not slip through your fingers. The black wrap against the crimson stained wood, combined with the silver rings in the middle make this stick a real eye-catching addition!
Cost and Value
This pool stick is a little more pricey than some of the other sticks on this list but worth its weight in gold, or a lifetime guarantee. It was designed by professional players and has all the perks of a more expensive stick. It looks nice, plays nice, has a nice guarantee, and is still quite nice on your wallet.
7. Collapsar R Series
Made of select hard maple with white & black pearl paint, unique design, rubber bumper protection, and a multi-weight system, this is a classy looking 2-piece pool stick that goes together easily and provides consistent feedback with every shot.
Variety of Weight and Length
It is always nice to be able to choose from a variety of sizes and lengths. Having a custom fit pool stick can significantly improve your game. When it is lightweight and shorter, you can fit in those hard to reach spots and still get the shot you want. All of the different sizes provide consistent feedback and won’t let you down.
Canadian Maple Hardwood
Everyone knows that the consistency and straightness of your stick will make or break you. This maple hardwood provides a good, solid stick that won’t lose its shape or warp. The joints that connect the two pieces are seamless and smooth.
Cost and Value
Right about an average cost for this pool stick. For the price, you pay you’ll get a quality pool stick that will be solid and straight for years to come, no matter what age or level the user. The color and grip is nice on this stick and won’t disappoint.
8. CUESOL 58-Inch
This stick is fashionable and has a very classic, beautiful feel. It is made of Canadian Maple Hardwood and has a nice, scuffed glue-on tip. It comes with a joint protector and a cue cleaning towel. Nice look and feel, it is a great stick for the price!
Joint Protector and Cue Cleaning Towel
While the 2-piece cue stick is always a nice option, it is also reassuring to know that this stick provides its own joint protector, so when it is being stored or transported, those joints won’t be getting scuffed or broken. The cue cleaning towel is also conveniently stored with the stick, so you’ll never have to go looking for one.
Classic Look and Feel
This stick comes in a variety of colors with a unique marble design and Irish decal on the butt. It has a nice grip and will slide smoothly during each shot. It has a smooth texture and design and is made of high-quality materials.
Cost and Value
This pool stick comes packaged tightly in its own box and has all the variety of a house pool stick. Lots of colors to choose from, classic marble design, nice grip, and smooth texture. You’ll be very pleased with this pool stick each and every time you get the chance to play!
9. Lot of 4 58”
These sticks come packaged together and are all the same length. Classic 2-piece hardwood Canadian Maple with steel joints, you will get one each of the 18, 19, 20, and 21 oz pool sticks. Whether you are just learning or looking to improve your game, you will find what you’re looking for in this convenient package.
Seamless Steel Joints
Every 2-piece stick in this package will close together easily and seamlessly. The Irish linen wrap will make these look and feel like a classic house pool stick. They are nice and straight and consistently provide good feedback.
4 Stick Packaging
When looking to buy a pool stick it can be hard to know which weight you actually want. It is also helpful to have a different weigh stick for varying shots as well. By getting this option with four differently weighted sticks, you’ll be able to pick and choose and improve your game with several different options.
Cost and Value
At first glance, you may think that this option is more expensive than buying any of the other pool sticks. Upon more research, however, you will find that you are actually getting four sticks for close to the price of two or three of similar design. This package is definitely an ace shot.
10. Short 48”
This is a great pool cue stick if you’re looking for something for that tight shot that requires a shorter stick at a lighter weight. It comes in the classic Maple hardwood you would expect, but offers a variety of color and design wraps so you can custom your stick to match your personality.
Variety of Colors
While we know that the color of your stick is one of the least of the requirements you would normally look for, I always like to choose something a little brighter in color to stand out from the crowd. It is a good condition, straight hardwood stick with a variety of fun colors, and I am always a fan of that!
Lighter Weight Options
Different weights of pool sticks provide you with the ability to make those tighter shots and sometimes that is hard to do with other pool cues. These 18 and 19 oz options will help you improve your game and make those shots you’ve been looking for.
Cost and Value
The cost of this pool cue stick is quite comparable. It is a little shorter in length and only comes in the smaller weights so be aware that this is what you want and you will not be disappointed. These sticks have seamless joints and are of the best Maple hardwood, so will last you for years to come.
Sources
- , Expert Tips, Website
- , What's My Joint Style, Website
- , Cue Sticks, Website
