Cues By Brand

At PoolDawg, we know that choosing a new cue is a big decision. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the right cue should feel like an extension of your arm. That’s why we carry a huge selection of the world’s best pool cue brands and back them with the most player-friendly policy in the industry. You’ll find everything here, including some of the best pool cues for beginners and high-performance options trusted by professional players.

Browse our brands below and shop with total confidence. If your cue doesn't feel right, we offer a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. While most competitors void their return policy the second you "chalk the tip," we encourage you to chalk it up and shoot with it. If it’s not the perfect fit, take advantage of our free exchange on cues over $200, making your purchase effectively risk-free.

Browse All Cues By Brand...

Action Pool Cues APA Pool Cues Athena Pool Cues Balabushka Pool Cues Bull Carbon Pool Cues Cuetec Pool Cues Dufferin Pool Cues Eight Ball Mafia Pool Cues Elite Pool Cues Fury Pool Cues Griffin Pool Cues Imperial Pool Cues Jacoby Pool Cues Joss Pool Cues Katana Pool Cues Koda Pool Cues Lucasi Custom Pool Cues Lucasi Hybrid Pool Cues McDermott Pool Cues Meucci Pool Cues Mezz Pool Cues Molinari Pool Cues Outlaw Pool Cues Pechauer Custom Cues Players Pool Cues PoolDawg Pool Cues Predator Pool Cues Pure X Pool Cues Riley Snooker Cues RJH Custom Cues Schon Pool Cues Scorpion Pool Cues Spartan Pool Cues Stealth Pool Cues Summit Pool Cues Talon Pool Cues Triple 60 Cues Viking Pool Cues Voodoo Pool Cues Whyte Carbon Yukon Pool Cues

Popular Pool Cue Brands at PoolDawg

There’s a specific kind of respect that happens in a pool room when you pull a two-piece, custom pool cue out of your case. It’s a silent recognition from fellow players that you aren't just there to knock balls around—you’re there to play. The brands we carry, from the high-tech precision of Predator or Cuetec to the legendary American craftsmanship of McDermott and Meucci, have earned their reputations over decades of table time. These aren't just "sticks"; they are icons of the game, battle-tested by generations of players in local pool halls and on the professional tour. When you walk into a hall with a trusted brand in your hand, you’re carrying a legacy of performance that every serious player respects.

Finding the Right Pool Cue for Your Game

Selecting a cue is about more than just picking a brand; it’s about finding the right "fit" for your game and style. Factors like tip size, shaft taper, and wrap material all change how a cue plays. While our guide on how to buy the right pool cue is a great resource, we recommend speaking with our experts. Our staff is comprised of real players who will take the time to "fit" you with a cue that matches your goals and your budget.

Best Pool Cues for Beginners

For those just entering the sport, the best pool cues for beginners focus on durability and consistent performance. You need a cue that helps you develop your stroke without the warped shafts and worn-out tips common in “house cues.” We recommend starting with our value-focused pool cues, many of which are priced under $200, featuring trusted brands like Action. This collection includes many of the best pool cues under $200 for players looking to get solid performance without overspending. For the easiest path to the table, our “PoolDawg Cue and Case Bundle” is a top pick, giving you a full, high-quality setup with a single click. These options offer a professional-grade feel at an entry-level price. Because we let you chalk them and test them for 60 days, you can be 100% sure you’ve made the right choice for your developing game. That mix of value, consistency, and confidence is what defines the best pool cues for beginners.

Best Pool Cues for Intermediate Players

As you move past the fundamentals, the game stops being about just pocketing a single ball and starts being about where the cue ball ends up next. The "Intermediate" tier is defined by performance technology that helps you see the table in a whole new way. The key here is low-deflection technology. Standard cues often "squirt" the cue ball off your line of aim when using side spin (English). Performance cues are engineered to minimize this, allowing you to focus on your speed and position rather than doing mental math to compensate for deflection. This level of control is what helps players avoid scratches and navigate difficult run-outs with ease. We recommend exploring brands that have pioneered this balance:

Cuetec: The AVID series epitomizes high performance at a great price. These Cuetec cues feature glass-bonded maple shafts, providing a natural wood feel with advanced front-end construction that significantly reduces deflection.

McDermott: Known for their G-Core shafts, McDermott uses a carbon fiber core to stabilize the wood, offering a consistent "hit" and enhanced radial consistency.

Scorpion Carbon Fiber: For those looking for the most accessible entry point into carbon fiber technology, Scorpion offers a "performance-heavy" approach. These cues feature a minimalist, low-frill design with a modernized "Sneaky Pete" look—to keep the focus entirely on the carbon fiber shaft. By stripping away the bells and whistles, Scorpion provides a warp-proof, ultra-low deflection instrument that lets you experience pro-level accuracy without the premium price tag of more ornate brands.

It is important to note that a high-performance cue is never "too much" for a player. In fact, starting with a performance-driven brand like these often helps you advance your skills faster because you are learning with a tool that responds predictably every single time.

Best Pool Cues for Professional Use

For those who demand the absolute peak of precision, the best pool cues for professional use are built for repeatable excellence. At this level, brands like Predator and Cuetec utilize aerospace-grade materials to create the lowest deflection possible.

Professional-grade equipment, like the world-renowned Predator Revo or Cuetec Cynergy lines, is designed to remove every variable. When you are competing, you need to know that if you hit the ball a specific way, it will react exactly the same every time, rack after rack. These cues offer the ultimate feedback and energy transfer, giving you the confidence to execute high-pressure shots using the same technology found on the professional tour. The best pool cues for professional competition remove guesswork, letting players trust their stroke instead of compensating for equipment.

Caring for Your Pool Cue

A quality pool cue is an investment that can last a lifetime if treated with respect. To maintain your cue's straightness and finish, we recommend a few essential habits:

• Avoid Temperature Extremes: Never leave your cue in a hot car or a damp basement. Extreme temperature and humidity changes are the primary causes of warped shafts.
• Keep the Shaft Clean: Use proper cue maintenance supplies to remove oils and chalk dust. A smooth, clean shaft ensures a consistent bridge and stroke.
• Store it Properly in a Case: While a vertical rack is great for a game room, a hard-shell cue case is your cue's best friend. Storing your cue in a case protects it from accidental dings, dust, and environmental shifts.
• Use Joint Protectors: We highly recommend investing in a set of joint protectors. These "cheap insurance" caps protect the joint's threads and pins from debris, moisture, and accidental damage when the cue is disassembled.

Protecting Your Investment: The Dedicated Break Cue

One of the best ways to extend the life of your playing cue is to stop breaking with it. The break shot is a high-impact event that puts immense stress on the tip and ferrule. Investing in a dedicated break cue allows you to save your playing cue for precision and touch. Break cues are engineered with stiffer shafts and harder tips specifically designed to transfer maximum energy into the rack without damaging your primary equipment.

Need Help? Talk to a Real Player Who Cares.

Confused by different brands? Don't be. Give us a call at 866-843-3294. You'll talk to a real person who actually plays the game and understands the equipment. We don't just want to sell you a stick; we want to "fit" you with the right tool for your game.

Between our expert advice, our 60-day satisfaction guarantee, and our free exchanges on cues over $200, you have zero risk. Go ahead—chalk it up and see how it plays.

Pool Cues FAQ

Which pool cue brands are best for beginners?

For beginners, choose cues that are durable, straight, and consistent. Brands like Action offer reliable performance at an affordable price, helping new players develop proper fundamentals without worrying about warped shafts or uneven hits.

Which pool cue brands are known for low-deflection shafts?

Low-deflection shafts reduce cue ball deflection when using spin, giving players more control and consistency. Brands such as Predator and Cuetec are recognized for this technology, making it easier to aim accurately and control the cue ball.

What brand should I choose if I plan to upgrade shafts later?

Any reputable cue brand can work if you plan to upgrade shafts in the future. The key is to ensure the joint style matches the shaft you want to use. Most manufacturer cues follow standard joint sizes, so switching or upgrading shafts is usually straightforward.

Can I switch shafts between different pool cue brands?

Yes, shafts can often be swapped between brands if the joint type, pin, and collar match. Always check these specifications before buying a replacement shaft to ensure a proper fit.

Do different pool cue brands feel noticeably different when playing?

Yes, cues can feel different because of variations in materials, construction, and balance. Trying different builds helps you find one that feels comfortable and matches your playing style.