Best Pool Cues for the Money: A Cue for Every Budget (2023)

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Written By Justin

Justin is the owner of and sole contributor to Billiard Beast.

When it comes to purchasing a pool cue, or anything for that matter, we all want to get the best our money can buy. Whether your spending $100 or $1000 is irrelevant. Getting the best bank for your buck is essential.

Pool cues can range in price from $30 to several thousands! And taking the time to weed through them all to find the perfect one is time consuming.

In this article we’ve put together a list of the best pool cues for the money at multiple price points to help you narrow down your search quickly. We’ll look at the best pool cue overall, and then categorize the rest of the pool cues by price point.

We’ll look at the best pool cues for the money under $100, $100-$250, $250-$500 and $500+. If you’re looking to get the best pool cue for your budget and aren’t sure where to begin, this article is the perfect place to start. Lets begin!


Best Overall

Players Technology Series HXT15

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-20.5 oz Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Birds Eye Maple Forearm & Butt
  • Premium Grade North American Hard Rock Maple Shaft
  • 12.75mm Low Deflection Shaft
  • Shaft Treated With Nelsonite
  • Kamui Black Tip
  • Proprietary HXT Low Deflection Ferrule
  • Stainless Steel Joint with 5/16 x 18 Pin
  • Slimline White Implex Butt Cap
  • Double Pressed Irish Linen Wrap
  • Lifetime Warranty

Players pool cues are instantly recognized as being one of the best brands for the money. What they put into their cues in terms of quality, performance, and style is second to none, all at a price thats very competitive, and quite frankly, hard to beat.

The Players Technology Series HXT15 is the overall best cue for the money for a variety of reasons. Lets take a look at what makes this cue so great.

To start, its equipped with a Low Deflection (LD) shaft. Finding a cue with a LD shaft for under $200 is practically impossible. Again, this is why Players cues are so great. They offer lots of upgraded features that are typically only found on more expensive cues.

The shaft itself is made from premium North American Hard Rock Maple. Its then treated with a patented wood stabilizer called Nelsonite, which seals the shaft and protects it from moisture which can lead to warping. After this, the shaft is finished off with a special epoxy that further protects the shaft from moisture and warping.

Sitting on top of the shaft is a HXT Low Deflection Ferrule, which, coupled with the Kamui 10 Layer Black Tip, helps further enhance the performance of the LD shaft.

The upgraded ferrule is designed to help reduce deflection and drastically improve power and accuracy of every shot. And the Kamui tip is specifically designed for maximum performance, providing more grip, spin, and durability than most other tips on the market.

At the joint of the cue, you’ll notice the beautiful stainless steel collar. This collar, coupled with the black and white divided diamond graphics and the walnut stained Birdseye Maple forearm, really give this cue a classic beauty thats sure to get some attention. The double pressed Irish Linen wrap is a nice touch as well.

As you can see, the Players HXT15 is a beautiful, high performance pool cue, designed to give you the best bang for your buck. For the money you’ll spend on it, it cant be beat!


Under $100

Viper Sinister

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Pro Taper Shaft
  • Upgraded 13mm Le Pro Leather Tip
  • Stainless Steel Joints
  • 9 Coats of Varnish to Prevent Warping
  • Irish Linen Wrap
  • Intricate Acrylic Inlays
  • Removable Tip Scuffer
  • Adjustable Weight System
  • Lifetime Warranty

Viper pool cues are made and manufactured by GLD Products out of Muskego, WI. They’ve been in business since the early 1980’s and have continued to produce high quality pool cues and other billiard related gear.

The Viper Sinister is a great pool cue for the money. Coming in under $100, its really hard to beat for the price and would make a great cue for someone just starting out in the world of billiards.

The Pro Taper shaft of this cue is made from high quality hard Canadian Maple and is topped off with an upgraded 13mm Le Pro leather tip for enhanced playability. The lightweight stainless steel joint looks amazing and provides for consistent feedback during play and excellent shot feel.

This cue is finished off with 9 coats of varnish to help prevent warping and comes with a handy removable tip scuffer at the base of the cue. The Irish Linen wrap is perfect for reducing tension and shot vibration while also providing an excellent grip.

One thing I really love about Viper cues is the adjustable weight system. With their system you can quickly and easily adjust the weight of cue to your liking, making it easy to find that perfect balance.

Overall, the Viper Sinister is a great buy for the beginner whose in need of a high quality cue at an amazing price.


Viking Valhalla

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Hard Rock Maple Shaft
  • Pro Taper
  • High Impact Resin Ferrule
  • 13mm Premium Leather Tip
  • Ultra-Violet Urethan Finish
  • Multiple Color Options
  • Irish Linen Wrap
  • Lifetime Warranty Even Against Warping

Viking pool cues have been around since the 1960’s. They’ve definitely learned a lot over the years about making high quality pool cues at affordable price points.

The Viking Valhalla is a great cue for beginners, as it offers everything a new player needs in terms of playability and performance.

This cue is equipped with a Hard Rock Maple Pro Taper shaft which plays like a dream. On top of the shaft sits a high impact resin ferrule, designed specifically to help absorb shot impact. The 13mm Premium Leather tip comes pre-scuffed and pre-shaped so its ready to play from the moment you receive it.

This cue is available in seven different color options including: autumn orange, black, blue, pink, purple, red, white, green, and mahogany. This makes it super easy to find one to fit your style.

Each Viking Valhalla cue is finished off with an Ultra-Violet Urethane to provide high shine and protection from dents, dings, and scratches. On top of that, the included Lifetime Warranty provides extra peace of mind, and even covers warping! Doesn’t get much better than that.


TaiBa Pool Cue & Case Combo

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Multiple Color Options
  • Hard Canadian Maple Shaft
  • 9 Layers of Varnish to Prevent Warping
  • 13mm Multi Layer Tip
  • Leather Wrap
  • Beautiful Painted Decals
  • Case & Joint Protectors Included
  • Adjustable Weight System

If you’re looking for the ultimate bang for your buck, this Pool Cue & Case Combo by TaiBa is the way to go. This combo deal also includes a set of joint protectors! How sweet is that!

The shaft of the cue is made from 100% Grade A Hard Canadian Maple Wood, which is the wood of choice for most pool cues as its super strong, durable, and resists warping. On top of the cue sits a 13mm Multi layer leather tip. Multi layer tips tend to last longer and provide better consistency.

There are 12 different color options to choose from, if you’re not a fan of the red and black. Each option features beautiful painted graphics and is finished with 9 layers of varnish to protect from dents, dings, and scratches. It also protects the cue from moisture and warping.

On the butt of the cue you’ll notice a solid black leather wrap. Leather is a great wrap option as its comfortable, provides a great grip, and helps increase power and accuracy. It also holds up well over time.

The included 1×1 leather case is perfect for keeping your cue safe while on the go and features an adjustable shoulder strap. Theres also a small zippered pouch which is perfect for storing small accessories.

All in all, this combo deal by TaiBa is great for anyone who needs a quality beginner pool cue, with a case and joint protectors to boot.


Billiard Depot 5 Cue Set

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21. oz Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • 13mm Tip
  • Irish Linen Wrap
  • Multiple Design Graphics
  • 5 Piece Set
  • Perfect For In Home Use

Billiard Depot offers a wide variety of budget friendly billiard gear. This 5 piece pool cue set is an amazing buy if you need some affordable cues to fill your rack with.

Cues range in weight between 18-21 oz. and come with a variety of different graphics. Each cue is wrapped with Irish Linen which is great for providing an excellent grip and for playing with sweaty hands. These cues are made from select hardwoods and come topped off with a 13mm leather tip.

If you just bought a pool table and need some decent pool cues to play with, this set is perfect for you. However, if you’re looking for a really good beginner cue to grow your skills with, you’d probably be better off choosing from one of the other cues on the list. This set is designed for the casual household player who just needs a few cues for him and his buddies to play with.

Overall, these pool cues are perfect for anyone who owns their own pool table and needs a decent set of cues for the family to use.


$100 – $250

Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings (C-960)

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Hard Rock Maple Shaft
  • Pro Taper
  • High Impact Ferrule
  • 13mm LePro Leather Tip
  • Shaft Treated With Nelsonite
  • High Gloss Protective UV Finish
  • Stainless Joint Collar & Accent Rings
  • Double Pressed Irish Linen Wrap
  • Lifetime Warranty

Players makes pool cues to fit every budget and skill level. They pride themselves in being able to offer high quality cues at amazing prices.

The Players C-960 is an awesome pool cue coming in well under the $200 mark. You’ll be amazed at what all this cue has to offer.

The shaft is made from North American Grade A Hard Rock Maple. During the curing process, the shaft is turned and dried seven times before being treated with Nelsonite, a patented stabilizer that helps protect the wood from changes in atmospheric conditions. Its then finished off with a special epoxy that seals the wood pores for even more protection.

The shaft is then topped off with a high impact ferrule thats so durable, it even has its own lifetime warranty against chipping or cracking. On top of the ferrule rests a 13mm Le Pro leather tip designed to hold its shape longer and play more consistently.

At the joint of the cue you’ll notice the beautiful stainless steel collar along with stainless steel accent rings at the joint and butt of the cue. The stainless steel accents coupled with the Irish Linen wrap and nutmeg-stained Birdseye Maple forearm really give this cue a timeless beauty.

Overall, the Players C-960 is a great budget friendly cue with amazing looks and playability. Coming in at well under the $200 mark, its definitely a great cue for the money.


Viper Desperado

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Canadian Maple Wood Shaft
  • Pro Taper
  • Premium 13mm Le Pro Tip
  • Stainless Steel Collar & Accent Rings
  • Genuine Leather Wrap
  • Intricate Laser Engravings
  • 9 Coats of Varnish
  • Adjustable Weight System
  • Removable Tip Scuffer
  • Lifetime Warranty

The Viper Desperado is definitely one of the best pool cues for the money. As mentioned about the first Viper pool cue on the list, Viper cues are made by GLD Products. They make a variety of billiard related equipment and are based out of Muskego, WI.

The shaft of the Viper Desperado is constructed from high quality Canadian Maple wood which is the wood of choice for most pool cue shafts as its strong and durable. The shaft is topped off with an upgraded 13mm Le Pro leather tip, designed to hold its shape longer and provide more consistent play.

At the joint of the cue you’ll notice the stainless steel collar. Stainless steel collars provide great shot feedback and an overall better shot feel. Not only that, they look amazing.

The butt of the cue features intricate laser engraved artwork along with several wood and onyx inlays which are nicely accented by the stainless steel rings along the forearm. And the 9 coats of varnish applied help protect the cue from dents, dings, and scratches, as well as warping. This cue is fitted with a 100% Genuine Leather wrap for a perfect grip.

The Viper Desperado is available in 18-21 oz. weights and features an adjustable weight bolt system that allows you to change the weight of your cue quickly and easily. This is a great feature, and one that I really like about Viper cues.

Overall, the Viper Desperado is a great looking pool cue with lots of upgraded features that allow it to play as good as it looks.


Cuetec Prestige Series

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • North American Maple Shaft
  • S.S.T. Pro Taper
  • Tru Glide Finish
  • 1″ Polycarbonate Ferrule
  • Multi Layer Tiger Everest Tip
  • Veltex Grip
  • Adjustable Weight System
  • Multiple Color Options

Cuetec first came on the scene in 1989. Their initial lineup consisted of only 8 cues: 4 were fiberglass and 4 were graphite. Fast forward to 2000 and they had over 50 cues in their lineup. Today, Cuetec has hundreds of pool cue models to choose from. Its amazing how a small start up company can grow into one of the biggest names in an industry.

The Cuetec Prestige Series falls under Cuetecs line of Professional cues. As such, it has lots of upgraded features that arent typically available on their recreational cues.

The shaft is made of Grade A+ North American Maple and is finished with Cuetecs Tru-Glide Finish giving it a silky smooth feel with every stroke. It also features Cuetecs S.S.T. Pro Taper, which is the longest Pro Taper available on any production cue. On top of the shaft sits a 1″ polycarbonate ferrule and a Multi Layer Tiger Everest Tip.

This cue is available in 4 different colors including: Candy Apple Red, Ebony, Pearl White, and Sea Blue. All of which look amazing. Each cue is wrapped with a Veltex Grip, which is perfect for pulling moisture away from your hand and providing an excellent feel.

Another great feature of the Cuetec Prestige Series is the adjustable weight bolt system. This system allows you to quickly and easily change the weight of cue.

The Cuetec Prestige Series is a great pool cue for the money as it has lots of upgraded features and a simple sleek design. Definitely check it out if you want an amazing pool cue under $200.


Players D-JS 

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • North American Hard Rock Maple Shaft
  • Pro Taper
  • High Impact Ferrule
  • Premium 13mm Le Pro Tip
  • Stainless Steel Joint
  • Treated With Nelsonite
  • Amazing Graphics
  • High Gloss Protective Finish
  • Mz Multi Zone Grip
  • Lifetime Warranty

By now, you’ve seen a couple Players cues on the list and for good reason. Players cues are by far one the best brands of pool cues for the money and the Players D-JS is no exception.

To start, this cue just looks awesome! No other cue on the list has graphics like this one. The card suits, the jester, the 8ball and 9ball, all tie in perfectly with the black, white, and red color scheme. This is by far the coolest looking cue on the list.

The shaft of this cue is made from hand selected North American Hard Rock Maple that has been turned and dried 7 times during the curing process. Its then treated with Nelsonite, which is a patented wood stabilizer that helps protect the shaft from changes in atmospheric conditions. After that, its finished with an epoxy that seals the wood pores and further protects the cue from atmospheric changes and warping.

The Pro Taper shaft is fitted with a high impact ferrule thats so durable it has its own lifetime warranty against chipping and cracking. The tip is a 13mm Premium Le Pro Tip thats designed to hold its shape longer and play more consistently.

The stainless steel joint looks amazing and coupled with the 5/16 x 18 pin provide excellent shot feel. Adding to the looks are, of course, are the amazing graphics which are protected with a high gloss UV Coating that protect the cue from dents, dings, and scratches.

The Players D-JS is a phenomenal pool cue with amazing style and playability to match. You probably wont find a pool cue that looks as cool as this one!


Viking Valhalla 2

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Hard Rock Maple Shaft
  • Pro Taper
  • High Impact Resin Ferrule
  • 13mm Premium Leather Tip
  • Ultra-Violet Urethan Finish
  • Multiple Color Options
  • Irish Linen Wrap
  • Lifetime Warranty Even Against Warping

Viking has been making high quality pool cues since the 1960’s. And with over 50 years of experience in cue making, you can rest assured they know how to make quality pool cues.

The Viking Valhalla 2 is a great pool cue for under $200. At this price point, you really start to see some upgraded features and enhanced playability. Lets take a look at what makes the Viking Valhalla 2 a great buy.

To start, the shaft is made from North American Maple and features a Pro Taper for a smooth consistent stroke. The ferrule is made from high impact resin for ultimate durability and the 13mm Premium Leather Tip is designed to hold its shape longer over time and provide excellent cue ball control.

The Hard Rock Maple Forearm features amazing graphics and is finished with a high Gloss Ultra Violet Urethane for protection against dents, dings, and scratches. There are currently 13 color/graphic options to choose from and each one comes with an Irish Linen wrap. All Viking cues come with a Lifetime Warranty even against warpage!

All in all, the Viking Valhalla 2 would make for the perfect cue for anyone who wants an amazing looking cue with performance to match.


Purex HXT62

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • HXT Low Deflection Shaft
  • HXT Low Deflection Ferrule
  • Kamui Black Soft Tip
  • Implex Joint
  • Mz Multi Zone Grip
  • Amazing Graphics
  • Lifetime Warranty Even Agsinst Warpage

Purex pool cues provide top notch quality and performance for players who demand more from their gear. With 40+ models to choose from, finding one to fit your style and abilities shouldn’t be an issue.

The Purex HXT62 is a high performance pool cue with the looks to match. This sleek cue is fitted with lots of performance upgrades you’d typically find on much more expensive cues.

To start, this cue features the Purex HXT 12.75mm Low Deflection shaft. LD shafts are great for players who use a lot of English or who just want more control of the cue ball. The shaft is also equipped with the HXT Low Deflection Ferrule and a Kamui Black soft tip for even less deflection and more control.

This cue is available in 18-21 oz. weights in half ounce increments. It features an Implex joint collar and a 5/16 x 18 pin for a firm hit, and excellent shot feel.

At the butt of the cue you’ll notice the beautiful graphics that really make this cue stand out. The crushed turquoise drop diamond points along with the black and white accents give this cue a bold look to match its killer performance. The Mz Multi Zone Grip provides excellent grip and consistent hand torque and blends in nicely with the rest of the cue.

Overall, the Purex HXT62 is a high performance pool cue for an excellent price that has amazing looks to match.


$250 – $500

McDermott G Series G225

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz. Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • G-Core High Performance Shaft
  • Pro Taper
  • Carbon Fiber Ferrule Core
  • Navigator Black Tip
  • Beautiful Birdseye Maple Forearm
  • Cocobolo, Bocote, & Index Rings
  • 3/8 x 10 Joint
  • Genuine Irish Linen Wrap
  • Lifetime Warranty

McDermott pool cues have been voted as the best brand of pool cues according to Ranker.com, and for good reason. McDermott has been in business since 1975 and have continued to produce high quality, innovative cues that have helped secure their place as an industry leader.

The McDermott G225 is an excellent pool cue for the money. It features McDermotts famous G-Core High Performance Shaft which provides the perfect blend of technology and classic feel. The ferrule features a carbon fiber core for added strength and improved shot feedback.

On top of the ferrule rests a Navigator Black Tip. These tips are made from multiple layers of Japanese pigskin leather using a proprietary adhesive that helps prevent oxidation. This helps prevent the tip from getting hard too quickly and allows you to mold the tip over time to your particular style of play.

The forearm is made of gorgeous Birdseye Maple and is finished with a Natural Walnut stain. You’ll also notice on the butt of the cue the Cocobolo, bocote, and index rings that really add to this cues aesthetic appeal. The wrap is genuine Irish Linen.

The McDermott G225 provides great value at a great price. It even comes with a Lifetime Warranty!


Lucasi Custom LZ2004NB

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • 12.75mm Zero Flexpoint Solid Core Low Deflection Shaft
  • Pro Taper
  • Carbon Fiber Ferrule
  • Premium Tiger Everest Tip
  • Stainless Steel Collar
  • Uni-loc Joint
  • Double Pressed Irish Linen Wrap
  • Blue Luster Inlays
  • Elegant Design
  • Lifetime Warranty

Lucasi Custom pool cues have been around for over 20 years and are still going strong today. They have tons of high quality pool cues at various price points to fit the needs of beginner and advanced players alike.

The Lucasi Custom LZ2004NB is a beautiful pool cue with top notch performance to match. It features Lucasi’s Zero Flexpoint Solid Core Low Deflection Shaft with a Pro Taper. On top of the shaft rests a Premium Tiger Everest tip for superior cue ball control.

The joint of the cue features a beautiful stainless steal collar and the Uni-loc pin provides excellent shot feel and a quick break down.

The butt and forearm are made from all natural Super Birdseye Maple and feature elegant 6 point floating blue luster inlays that look amazing, especially when contrasted next to the double pressed black and white Irish Linen wrap.

If you’re in need of a high performance cue that looks as good as it plays, definitely check out the Lucasi Custom LZ2004NB. You wont be disappointed.


$500+

Predator Sport2 Ice

  • 58″ Length
  • 18-21 oz Weight
  • 2 Piece Cue
  • Predator 314-3 Low Deflection Shaft
  • 8 Layer Victory Tip
  • Uni-Loc Quuick Release Joint
  • Adjustable Weight System
  • Hard Maple Construction
  • Matte Finish Forearm
  • Sport2 Grip Wrap

Predator has been making top notch, innovative pool cues since 1994. While that may make them relatively young when compared to some other cue makers, they have made a name for themselves as an industry leader, especially when it comes to Low Deflection technology.

The Predator Sport2 Ice is a high end pool cue designed to give you the best bang for your buck. The shaft is Predators world famous 314-3 Low Deflection shaft. Ask any player about the Predator 314 and 99% of them will have heard of it.

On top of the shaft sits an 8 layer Victory tip, designed to further enhance the low deflection properties of the shaft and provide extreme cue ball control. The V-Tek Ferrule is designed to be stronger and lighter than standard ferrules, thus reducing mass and increasing accuracy.

The Uni-loc Quick Release Joint makes assembly and disassembly a breeze while also providing excellent shot feel. The forearm of the cue features a Matte White finish thats clean and simple and the Sport2 Wrap provides an excellent grip as well as enhanced cue control.

When it comes to innovative pool cue technology, Predator is the industry leader. If you want a great pool cue for the money definitely check out the Predator Sport2 Ice.


What to Expect At Each Price Point

Its obvious that not all cues are made equal. And generally speaking, the price of any given cue is a reflection of its performance. With that being said, you’re not going to get a high performance cue for $50 and most beginner players wont need a cue that cost $500. Lets take a look at the different price points we’ve covered in this article and give you a feel for what to expect with each one.

Pool Cues Under $100

Pool cues under $100 are generally geared towards beginner players. They’re pretty basic in terms of performance upgrades but give the beginner a solid platform to start learning with. Most often at this price point you can expect a solid all around cue thats perfect for learning the basics.

You may even find combo kits or a set of cues for this price point, like shown above. If you’re just starting out in the world of billiards, stick to this price point. You’ll find everything you need in a $100 cue to get you up and going.

Pool Cues for $100-$250

Pool cues at this price point are typically geared towards beginner players who are transitioning to intermediate in terms of skill. These cues will most often feature upgraded parts and materials such as higher quality woods, better performing tips, more wrap options, etc.

Its even possible to find a cue with a Low Deflection shaft in this price range. Not all will have them, but the Players HXT15, the Best Overall cue on the list, and the Purex HXT62, both are under $250 and come with a LD shaft.

A lot of the cues at this price point even come with Lifetime Warrantys, some even protecting against warpage.

If you’re already playing at the intermediate level, some cues in this price range would be a good fit for you. However, on the lower end of the scale, the cues shown are more towards those who are transitioning in terms of skill and needs as a player.

Pool Cues for $250-$500

If you’re looking to buy a pool cue at this price range, chances are you already know what to expect. Cues at this price point offer tons in terms of performance upgrades and advanced playability.

Most all cues between $250-$500 will feature a LD shaft, a premium ferrule and tip, upgraded wraps, and better overall construction and materials. You’ll also notice that cues at this price point will start to feature some inlay work on the butt and forearms instead of the standard overlay graphics seen on most beginner cues.

While $250-$500 for a pool cue may sound like a lot to some players, there are some models that soar into the thousands of dollars. At this price point most players can get all they’ll ever need out of a pool cue, maybe even more.

Pool Cues for $500+

If you’re even considering a pool cue for $500 or more, you’ve probably been playing long enough to know that cues at this price point are top notch. They are going to offer the best of the best in terms of performance upgrades and technological advances that keep making pool cues better and better.

You’ll find premium LD shafts, ferrules and tips on cues in this price range. The woods used for the shaft will be premium, and you may begin to see cue butts and forearms made of expensive exotic woods. You’ll also begin to see high quality, sometimes intricate, inlay work on the butt and forearm as well.

Cues at this price point are not only high end performance cues, they’re works of art!


Pool Cue Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Cue for You

When it comes to deciding which pool cue is right for you, there are lots of things to consider. Lets take a look at everything you should know and consider prior to making your decision.

Budget

One of the biggest considerations you’ll have to make is your budget. We all want the best bang for our buck. In order to find the best pool cue for the money, you’ll have to decide how vested you are in improving your skill and how much you can realistically spend on a pool cue. Hopefully this article has given you some pretty good ideas as of what to expect in your price range.

Skill Level

Your level of skill as a player will definitely play a role in deciding which pool cue is right for you. A beginner doesn’t need a $500 pool cue and a $50 cue wont do much good for an advanced player. Honestly evaluate your skill level and take that into consideration.

Shafts

When it comes to pool cues, there are two different types of shafts: Standard and Low Deflection. A standard shaft is just that: a standard shaft. A Low Deflection shaft helps reduce the amount of deflection (squirt) you notice after striking the cue ball. LD shafts are going to provide better cue ball control and overall better accuracy than standard shafts. Which one you need depends on your particular needs as a player.

Tips

Most playing cues come with soft or medium tips. The tip you choose will affect your performance to some degree. High end tips are usually layered and provide more spin, better cue ball control and accuracy but they’re expensive. Again, the type of tip you need depends highly upon your style of play and needs as a player.

Weight

Pool cue weight is another factor to consider when buying a pool cue. A light cue will provide for a faster moving cue ball and a slower moving object ball while a heavy cue will do the exact opposite. There are pros and cons to each but the most important thing is to experiment with a few cues of different weights and see which one feels the best to you. A lot of the cues on the list come with an adjustable weight system so you can play around with it until you find the perfect weight.

Wrap Type

There are a wide variety of wrap types available. Each one has its own set of pros and cons. If you know which wrap style you prefer, then you’re already one step ahead. Again, the wrap you choose will have a lot to do with your personal preference. Irish Linen and Leather wraps tend to be the most popular.

Style

The style of any given pool cue can largely be affected by its sale price. High end pool cues are going to have more intricate, detailed styling than entry level cues and will most often feature inlays instead of overlaid graphics. With so many options on the market today, finding a pool cue to fit your particular style shouldn’t be an issue.

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In Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of great options when it comes to finding the best pool cue for the money. There are tons of excellent pool cues to choose from, and whats been listed in this article has just begun to scratch the surface of whats available.

I hope this article has been helpful and that you’ve been able to find a pool cue that works well for you. Just remember that, if you can, its always a good idea to play with a pool cue before you buy it. Or, if you prefer to buy online, check out their return policy. Thanks for reading!

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