When you’re just starting out in pool, it can be hard to justify spending a ton of money on your own cue. After all, learning the basics is the best thing for all beginners to focus on and spending $500 on a new cue wont speed up that process.
However, having a cue of your own, one that’s well built and of decent quality can be beneficial. Consistent practice with consistent gear leads to improving your game faster than you could with a warped house cue with a mushroomed tip.
That’s why in this article we’re going to be taking a look at some of the best affordable pool cues on the market.
If this is your fist pool cue and you’re not exactly sure what you need in a cue, be sure to check out my article, The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Pool Cue. There you will find an in-depth look at what makes a pool cue good and how to decide which one is right for you.
If you’re ready to check out some of the best affordable pool cues available today, lets get started!
#1 Viper Elemental
The Viper Elemental is a great beginner cue made from Canadian Maple wood. Its 2-piece construction means its easy to take with you on the go. Its finished off with 9 coats of varnish to help prevent warpage and is available in 18oz-21oz. It comes stock with a LePro leather tip and lightweight quick release joints that help provide consistent feedback during play. It also boasts a faux leather grip and a built in removable scuffer.
Pros:
- Upgraded 13mm LePro Tip
- Built in Removable Tip Scuffer
- Available in Multiple Weights
- Quick Release Joint
Cons:
- Only Available in 3 Finishes
- Only 1 Wrap Option (Faux Leather)
#2 Viking Valhalla
Viking has been making cues since 1965. They are definitely one of the most well known cue makers in the industry. The Viking Valhalla comes with a hard rock maple shaft topped off with a 13mm leather tip that comes shaped, scuffed, and ready to play. It also boasts an Irish Linen wrap and is available in 9 different colors. Throw in the fact that Viking has a lifetime manufacturer warranty, even against warping, and you can see why the Viking Valhalla is a great buy.
Pros:
- Premium Leather Tip
- Ultra-Violet Urethane Finish
- High Impact Resin Ferrule
- Available in 9 Different Colors
- Adjustable Weight
- Lifetime Warranty (Even Against Warping)
Cons:
- Only One Wrap Option (Irish Linen)
- No Inlays/Overlays
#3 Viper Diamond
Another budget friendly cue by Viper, the Viper Diamond is a great buy for anyone looking for a quality cue at a great price. Its constructed from high quality Canadian Maple wood and features beautiful stains and overlays. It also comes equipped with a 13mm LePro Leather tip, a faux leather wrap, and a traditional rubber bumper. It also features lightweight Implex joints which help provide awesome feedback during play.
Pros:
- Upgraded 13mm LePro Leather Tip
- Available in 18oz-21oz
- Quick Release Joint
Cons:
- Only One Wrap Option
- Plain Design
#4 Iszy Billiards 58″ Cue
Iszy Billiards makes all kinds of billiard related products including racks, balls, cases, table covers, and cues. All of their products are of excellent quality and this cue is no exception. Its made from Canadian Maple wood and boasts a fiber ferrule, 13mm leather tip, and an Irish Linen wrap. Its available in 18oz-21oz weights and there are 6 color options to choose from. This cue by Iszy Billiards is the perfect cue for any beginner whose tired of playing on crummy house cues.
Pros:
- 6 Color Options
- Very Affordable
- Multiple Weight Options
Cons:
- Plain Design
- Cant Adjust the Weight
#5 Viper Underground “The Raven”
The Raven is a great cue that offers tattoo like graphics down the entire length of the cue giving it a one-of-a-kind look. Its constructed of Canadian Maple wood and features stainless joints which add to the custom look of this cue. It comes with a 13mm LePro Leather tip, a faux leather wrap, and a rubber bumper. Its available in 18oz-21oz weights, so regardless of what weight you prefer, The Raven has you covered.
Pros:
- Awesome Appearance
- Upgraded Tip
- Adjustable Weight System
Cons:
- Design Too “Edgy” For Some Players
#6 McDermott Lucky L5
The McDermott Lucky L5 is a great cue that offers the quality that McDermott is known for at an affordable price. Its made from Hard Rock Maple, and boasts a 13mm Triangle tip which offers excellent cue ball control and requires less maintenance than most other tips. As with all McDermott cues, you can expect exceptional performance at a price that wont break the bank.
Pros:
- McDermott Quality
- Upgraded Triangle Tip
- High Quality Ivorine 3 Ferrule
Cons:
- Only Available in 19oz Weight
- Only One Color Option (Red)
#7 Iszy Billiard (4 Pack)
For those of you who may want to purchase multiple cues, this 4 Pack by Iszy Billiards is a great option. They are made from Canadian Maple Hardwood and come with lots of great features. They have a 13mm fiber ferrule topped off with a brown leather tip. They also boast steel joints and Irish Linen wraps. The 4 cues come in different weights so you can get a feel for what your prefer. The weights are 18oz, 19oz, 20oz, and 21oz.
Pros:
- 4 Cues For The Price Of One
- Available In Multiple Finishes And Designs
Cons:
- Different Weights May Be Turnoff For Some Buyers
- May Not Be The Highest Quality.
In Conclusion
I hope this articles has helped you dial in on an affordable cue that’s right for you. If you have any questions feel free to reach out in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!
