If you’ve played pool for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the name “Players” at least a few times. Players pool cues are highly popular in the billiard industry and are a fan favorite among pool enthusiasts. They have pool cues to fit every skill level and budget although they are more popular among beginner and intermediate players.
The Players C-960 is an entry level pool cue, but don’t let its budget friendliness fool you. This cue comes packed with lots of features that beginners and experts will love. If you need a pool cue that wont break the bank, and will help you through the beginning stages of learning the game of pool, look no further than the Players C-960.
If you’re at the point where upgrading from a house cue is a must, then definitely consider this awesome cue. In this article I’m going to share with you everything you need to know about the Players C-960 so you can decide if its the right pool cue for you.
Overview of the Players C-960
The Players C-960, more commonly known as the Players Classic Birdseye Maple with Triple Silver Rings, is an amazing cue, especially for it its price. Its loaded with features that every beginner pool shark needs, and nothing they don’t.
Its a 2 piece, 58″ long cue. It comes in weights between 18-21 oz. in half ounce increments. The shaft is 13mm and is a Pro Taper, made from Hard Rock Maple. The butt of the cue is made from Birdseye Maple. It comes wrapped with Irish Linen and topped off with a 13mm Premium LePro Leather tip.
It features a stainless steel joint collar as well as stainless steel accents throughout the butt of the cue giving it a simple, yet beautiful style. The stained Birdseye Maple also adds to this cues simple beauty. This cue screams natural beauty and isn’t over the top in its appearance.
One of the best things about this cue is that it comes with a lifetime warranty, even against warpage. This added peace of mind is priceless, especially when you can’t afford to buy a replacement in the event that your main cue warps. You can rest easy knowing that Players has your back.
Features:
- 2 Piece Cue
- 58″ Length
- 18-21 oz Weight w/ Half Ounce Increments
- Select North American Hard Rock Maple Shaft
- Stained Birdseye Maple Butt (Available in Red, Brown, or Blue)
- Double Pressed Irish Linen Wrap
- Stainless Steel Joint Collar
- Stainless Steel Accents
- 5/16 x 18 Pin
- 13mm Pro Taper Shaft
- 13mm Premium Le Pro Leather Tip
- High Impact Ferrule
- Lifetime Warranty
Construction
The butt and forearm of the Players C-960 is made from Birdseye Maple. Its then stained red to give it it’s amazing appearance. The shaft is made from Select North American Hard Rock Maple. The wood used in the construction of this cue is turned and dried seven times in a process that is meant to help maintain straightness and prevent warping.
After the turning and drying process, the cue is then coated with Nelsonite, which is a patented wood stabilizer which helps lock out any moisture from the atmosphere. The last step in the finishing process is to coat it with a high gloss “Super UV Finish” which gives the butt of the cue an amazing shine and protects the cue from fading, chipping, scratches, and warping.
A lot of time goes into the construction of a well made pool cue, and the C-960 is no exception. You can rest easy knowing that this cue has lots of built in protection to keep it straight, warp free, and looking its finest for years to come.
Playability
The Players C-960 not only looks great, it plays great as well. The butt of this cue comes wrapped with a double-pressed Irish Linen wrap. Irish Linen is the wrap of choice for many players as it helps with sweaty hands and provides a better grip.
This 2-piece cue measures in at 58″ long. Its available in weights between 18-21 oz in half ounce increments so you can be sure to get that perfect weight.
It also comes equipped with stainless steel joints and a 5/16 x 18 pin for amazing looks and a solid shot feel.
The Pro Taper, 13mm shaft, is perfect for the majority of players and feels great in hand. The shaft is topped off with a premium 13mm LePro Leather tip which holds up better than cheaper tips and provides more consistent game play.
If you want a cue that plays as good as it looks, the C-960 has you covered. With all these features on an entry level cue, you can be sure that you’re game will improve much quicker than it would while playing with a house cue. The key to getting better at pool is consistent practice with gear you can rely on and the Players C-960 has lots of great features that you are sure to love.
Style
If you want an awesome looking cue but one that isn’t too over the top, the C-960 is a great fit. Its stained Birdseye Maple butt and forearm look amazing! Its simple, yet elegant. It definitely has a more classic look to it and the fact that it isn’t bombarded with inlays or overlays speaks volumes as to the natural beauty of this cue. You can choose between three different stain options: Red, Brown, or Blue.
The butt of the cue also boasts some stainless steel features that help add to its aesthetic appeal. The joint collar is stainless steel and so are the rings that you see throughout the butt of the cue. These stainless steel features definitely give the cue a bit more “pop” but not enough to make it too “loud” or gaudy.
The black Irish Linen wrap also contrasts well with the stained Birdseye Maple and stainless steel features, as well as the lighter colored maple shaft.
All in all, the appearance of the Players C-960 is perfect for those who want a more natural look to their cue without tons of inlays, overlays, or wild paint schemes. The colors and materials used in this cue are blended together perfectly for a cue that boasts a more natural look and doesn’t need a lot of extras to draw attention to itself.
Cost
As far as beginner cues go, the C-960 is right in line with what you would expect to pay. Coming in at around $120, this cue boasts all the features that a beginner player needs and nothing they don’t. You could pay a lot more for a cue that doesn’t offer what this cue does but you’d be paying more for a name than anything.
For the price, its hard to find a better cue than the Players C-960. All of its features, the looks, and the fact that it has a lifetime warranty attached to it make it well worth the asking price. Definitely check it out here, on Amazon, if you want the best deal.
The Good & The Bad
As with anything we buy in life, we have to take the good with the bad. While the Players C-960 is a great cue, its not perfect. However, for the price, I don’t think you could find a better all around cue. Below is a list of pros and cons that you should consider before making a purchase.
Pros
- Budget Friendly
- Upgraded LePro Tip
- Half Ounce Weight Increments
- High Impact Ferrule
- Elegant Style
- Highly Warp Resistant
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- No Low-Deflection Shaft
- Only Irish Linen Wrap Is Available
In Conclusion
All in all, the features of the Players C-960 make it a dream to play with. The key to getting better at anything, but especially pool, is consistent practice with consistent gear. The features of this cue make it perfect for anyone looking to enhance their game and improve their skills at the table.
If you’re able to overlook a few negatives such as no LD shaft and wrap limitations, I think this cue would be the perfect for you. Keep in mind that there won’t be many, if any, cues in this price range with a LD shaft.
If you’re reading to leave the crummy house cues behind, and start playing with a cue that you can count on, definitely take a look at the Players C-960. You’ll be glad that you did.
