For those new to the game of pool, buying your first cue can be tricky. There are so many options to choose from with prices ranging from $20 up to the thousands! Fortunately, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a good quality cue. There are plenty of great beginner pool cues on the market that offer a big step up from house cues without breaking the bank.
We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best pool cues for beginners under $100 to help you narrow down your search for a cue that’s budget friendly and will last for years to come.
If you’re ready to improve your game and say good-bye to crummy house cues, keep scrolling to check out the best budget friendly cues on the market today.
Note: Please keep in mind that prices fluctuate. Every pool cue on the list is under $100 at the time of this writing but could change at any time.
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1) Viper Sinister
First on the list is the Viper Sinister – a cue that combines a simple, clean design with top notch performance. This cue comes standard with a 13mm Le Pro leather tip and an Irish Linen wrap. The lightweight stainless steel joints provide great feedback and the removable tip scuffer is a great addition. It’s also finished off with 9 coats of varnish to help prevent warpage and weighs in at 18-21oz depending on your preference. If you want a high quality cue with a simple, elegant design, the Viper Sinister may be the cue for you.
Features:
- 58″ Length
- 18-21oz Weight
- Adjustable Weight System
- 2 Piece Cue
- Hard Canadian Maple Wood Shaft
- Stainless Steel Joints
- 13mm Le Pro Leather Tip
- Irish Linen Wrap
- Removable Tip Scuffer
- Pro Taper
- Finished With 9 Coats of Varnish
2) Viking Valhalla
Viking has been around since 1965, so they definitely know a few things about making high quality pool cues. The Valhalla is a great choice for players of all skill levels as it boasts a premium leather tip, an Irish Linen wrap, and a high impact resin ferrule. The shaft is made from hard rock maple and the butt has an adjustable weight system allowing you to adjust your cue from 18-21oz. It also comes in 9 different colors, so finding one to fit your style shouldn’t be an issue. Check out the Viking Valhalla here to view customer reviews and the latest price.
Features:
- 58″ Length
- 18-21oz Weight
- Adjustable Weight System
- 2 Piece Cue
- High Impact Resin Ferrule
- Hard Rock Maple Shaft
- Pro Taper
- 13mm Leather Tip
- Irish Linen Wrap
- Stainless Steel Joint
- Lifetime Warranty
3) Viper Revolution Spider
Another great cue by Viper, the Revolution Spider features awesome spider web designs along the entire butt of the cue. The grip, also decked out with spider webs, is a silicon infused felt designed to reduce tension and vibration. It also comes with an adjustable weight system that ranges from 18-21oz and a 13mm Le Pro tip. Included with the purchase of this cue is a 3-year warranty. If you’re looking for a real head turner, the Revolution Spider is a great choice.
Features:
- 58″ Length
- 18-21oz Weight
- Adjustable Weight System
- 2 Piece Cue
- 13mm Le Pro Leather Tip
- Hard Canadian Maple Wood Shaft
- Edgy Tattoo Style Graphics
- Stainless Steel Joints
- Removable Tip Scuffer
- Silicon Infused Wrap
- Finished With 9 Coats of Varnish
- 3 Year Warranty
4) Cuetec Prestige
When it comes pool cues, Cuetec is among the best. Their Prestige Series is no exception. The Cuetec Prestige comes in 3 colors: Candy Apple Red, Ebony, and Sea Blue. Although color options are limited, Cuetec more than makes up for it with the high quality features they put on their cues. Features such as a Veltex grip, an adjustable weight system, a 15 1/2″ Pro Taper shaft, a Tiger multi-layer tip, and a polycarbonate ferrule. What does all this mean? It means a great playing cue for an awesome price! If you favor playability over style, then definitely check out the Cuetec Prestige.
Features:
- 58″ Length
- Adjustable Weight System
- 2 Piece Cue
- Patented S.S.T Pro Taper
- Power Bonded Shaft
- Veltex Grip
- Tiger Everest Multi-Layer Tip
- Polycarbonate Ferrule
5) Imperial Official NFL Pool Cue
For those of you out there that love NFL football as much as you do playing pool, here’s a unique way to combine your passion for both. This fiberglass pool cue provides great playability as well as a way to show your support of your favorite NFL team. It comes equipped with a nylon fiber threaded ferrule and a Le-Pro tip with weights ranging between 18-21oz. Every cue boasts the same color scheme and logo of its associated team making it a great addition to any sport themed billiard room or sports enthusiasts. You can get your officially licensed NFL pool cue here.
Features:
- 57″ Length
- 18-21oz Weight
- 2 Piece Cue
- Officially Licensed NFL Cue
- Hard Rock Maple Shaft Wrapped With Fiberglass
- Nylon Fiber Threaded Ferrule
- Le Pro Tip
- 90 Day Warranty
6) McDermott Lucky L17
The Lucky L17 by McDermott was designed with the female pool shark in mind. Its light pink color with intricate black graphic inlays provides the ultimate in style and functionality. Its made from hard rock maple and comes equipped with a 13mm premium leather tip along with an Irish Linen wrap for supreme playability and sweat control. It also comes with a 3 year warranty against manufacturer defects. If you’re a female whose serious about improving your pool game, the McDermott Lucky L17 is a great way to do so.
Features:
- 58″ Length
- 18-21oz Weight
- 2 Piece Cue
- Hard Rock Maple Shaft
- 13mm Premium Leather Tip
- Irish Linen Wrap
- Intricate Black & Pink Graphics
- 3 Year Warranty
7) Viper Underground “The Raven”
The Raven is another amazing looking cue by Viper. Its edgy, tattoo like graphics are sure to draw attention no matter where you take it. It offers all the same benefits of the other Viper cues such as a 13mm Le Pro tip, 18-21oz weight adjustments and stainless steel joints. This cue however comes with a faux-leather grip instead of the Irish Linen. All in all, another great high quality cue for anyone looking for something stylish and functional. You can check out the Viper Underground Raven here.
Features:
- 58″ Length
- 18-21oz
- Adjustable Weight System
- 2 Piece Cue
- 13mm LePro Leather Tip
- Pro Taper
- Stainless Steel Joints
- Faux-Leather Wrap
- Custom Raven Artwork
8) Cuetec “Sneaky Pete”
No list of “best pool cues” would be complete without at least one Sneaky Pete cue. As you’re probably well aware, Sneaky Pete cues are designed to look like lower quality house cues rather than high quality custom cues. This one by Cuetec is no different. But don’t let the looks of this cue fool you. As with every product by Cuetec, this cue is made to the highest standard which is what has set Cuetec apart as one of the best in the industry.
This “True Sneaky Pete” has a deluxe leather tip, a 15 1/2″ pro taper, and is constructed with a composite coating to help maintain straightness, prevent warping, and provide protection from dents, dings, and scratches. If you like Sneaky Pete cues, definitely check out this one by Cuetec.
Features:
- 57″ Length
- Adjustable Weight System
- 2 Piece Cue
- “True” Sneaky Pete Style
- 15 1/2″ Super Slim Pro Taper
- Deluxe Leather Tip
- Grade A Plus North American Maple Shaft
- Composite Coating
9) Players C-960
The Players C-960 is another cue that offers a classic, timeless look. The crimson birds-eye maple along with its stainless steel joints give this cue a simple, yet elegant look. But looks aren’t all this cue has to boast about. It comes equipped with 13mm Le Pro tip and a double-pressed Irish Linen wrap for a slip-free grip. This cue is also treated with Nelsonite which helps seal the wood and prevent warping. It also comes available in 18-21oz with half ounce increments. The Players C-960 is a great cue for anyone who’s serious about improving their game.
Check out our full review of the Players C-960 here.
Features:
- 58″ Length
- 18-21oz Weight
- 2 Piece Cue
- Stainless Steel Joint
- 13mm LePro Leather Tip
- Double Pressed Irish Linen Wrap
- Protective Nelsonite Finish
- Classic Design
- Lifetime Warranty
10) Cuetec Warrior
Last on the list is the Cuetec Warrior. This cue is constructed with a composite coating which helps maintain straightness, while also helping prevent dents, dings, and scratches. It offers a deluxe hard leather tip, and a Pro Taper for a super smooth stroke. The shaft is made from Grade A+ North American Maple and is sure to last for years to come. As with all Cuetec cues, the quality on this one is top notch. Be sure to check out the Cuetec Warrior if you’re looking to take your game to the next level!
Features:
- 58″ Length
- 19-20oz Weight
- 13mm Leather Tip
- Grade A Plus North American Maple Shaft
- Pro Taper
- Fiberglass Coated Shaft
Conclusion
There you have it. 10 of the best pool cues for beginners under $100. All of these cues are great options for anyone looking to buy their first cue, or upgrade from their current one.
If you need more info on about how to select a pool cue, check out our article, The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Perfect Pool Cue. There you will find all the information you need about how to choose a cue that’s right for you.
I hope this article has been helpful and if you have any questions feel free to reach out our check out our other helpful articles for all of your billiard related questions.
