We all have our favorite pool cue, but which is the best hitting pool cue? Many people choose based on their price range, but what you may not know is that the best pool cue isn’t always the most expensive.
In fact, there are many cues that can still give you the quality and performance you need to improve your game without spending a ton of money.
In this article, we’ll explain why that’s true and show you how to choose a good hitting pool cue for yourself!
Top 5 Best Hitting Pool Cues:
- Lucasi Hybrid LHC97 Natural Birds-Eye Maple with Blue Crushed Velvet Inlays Technology Cue
- Meucci New MECAS03 Pool Cue Stick w/Black Dot Shaft
- McDermott G-Series G-Core Pool Cue Stick G210
- Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue
1. Lucasi Hybrid LHC97 Natural Birds-Eye Maple with Blue Crushed Velvet Inlays Technology Cue
Key Takeaways
- Can rival a custom cue in terms of overall performance.
- Accurate low deflection shaft.
- Great for intermediates and advanced pool players.
- Has an excellent balance and grip.
- The cue has perfect craftsmanship.
Key Specs
- 12.75mm Zero Flex point Low Deflection Technology Shaft
- Kamui Soft Tip
- Classic G5 Grip wrap with the X-Shox Dampening System
- Pro Taper
- Available in 18-21 ounces
- Blue Crushed Velvet Inlays
First on our list, is our personal favorite Lucasi Hybrid LHC97. This stick has a great performance and I usually bring this with me during a tournament.
Being a “Hybrid” cue, you should expect it to have a lot of advanced features. This pool cue has all of the features that you would expect from a high-quality stick.
Its Zero Flex point Low Deflection Technology Shaft helps to give you better control over your shots. When I’m using this cue, I like the fact that I can easily place the cue ball where I want it to go. It really helps me to stroke the cue ball well.
It delivers strong, solid hits that rival those you would get from expensive custom cues. This can be attributed to its construction and design. The butt cap is made from a glossy metal that adds to the look of the cue.
Another great thing about this pool cue is its balance. It’s not too heavy, but it’s not too light either. It has just the right amount of weight to help you keep control over your shots.
Oh, and I really love the inlays on the butt sleeve. The 10 amazingly beautiful inlays are really hard to ignore. I got a lot of compliments on this cue from my friends and colleagues. I know that looks are not everything, but it sure does help when you have a cue like this one. It has a very nice grip that feels great in your hand during play.
This beautiful pool cue has perfect craftsmanship and I have no complaints whatsoever.
The Lucasi Hybrid LHC97 Natural Birds-Eye Maple with Blue Crushed Velvet Inlays Technology Cue is a great value for anyone who wants to feel like they are playing with a custom cue without spending a ton.
2. Cuetec Cynergy SVB, Gen One Dakota Edition
Key Takeaways
- A high-performance pool cue.
- Rock solid hits.
- Muted sound and feedback.
- Its durable carbon fiber shaft can prevent warpage and dents.
- Dakota Edition Starlight Smart Extension can help you to reach long shots.
Key Specs
- Cynergy 15K carbon fiber composite shaft
- Irish linen wrap
- Cuetec Acueweight System
- Dakota Edition Starlight Smart Extension
- Dakota Edition Black Bow-Tie Tip Tool
- 3/8×14 Cuetec Joint (21.30mm)
- Available in 18-21 ounces
Next is this beautiful-looking cue from Cuetec. The Cuetec Cynergy SVB, Gen One Dakota Edition is designed for, guess what? Shane Van Boening.
It has a nice finish and really smooth to hold. The Cynergy 15K carbon fiber composite shaft is solid and well-built, with a low deflection technology that will help you make more accurate shots.
One thing that makes this cue stick stand out is its ability to resist warpage, which can happen to cues over time or if you repeatedly pound it against the pool table’s surface when you miss a shot. (haha!)
That’s why you’ll notice that many great players prefer using cues with carbon fiber shafts like this one because they don’t have any issues with dings or dents in their equipment during gameplay sessions – something any pool enthusiast would love!
I also like how well-balanced this pool cue is. The balance point seems about just right, which means that you can easily adjust your stroke to make shots with more speed or spin. It’s definitely one of the top pool cues for spin.
Right off the bat, you will notice the difference in the sound when hitting the balls, as compared to the other pool cues that we have. Since the Cuetec Cynergy SVB, Gen One Dakota Edition has a carbon fiber shaft, it has a muted feedback and the sound will not be as loud compared to let’s say a Lucasi Hybrid LHC97.
It’s also great for transitioning beginners who have never played with a high-end pool cue before since it will help them learn how to properly stroke the cue ball and get used to its weight and length.
Also, the Irish linen wrap is such a joy to use. It’s comfortable and can absorb moisture from your hands so you don’t have to worry about slipping or dropping the cue. The wrap is also very durable and will last for years of play.
3. Meucci New MECAS03 Pool Cue Stick w/Black Dot Shaft
Key Takeaways
- It has a black dot shaft that can drastically reduce deflection.
- Superb inlays.
- Overall construction is great.
- It is a more expensive stick compared to its peers.
- Can provide excellent grip.
Key Specs
- LePro Tip Hard
- Black with white spec Irish linen wrap
- Black Dot Low deflection shaft
- 58 inches in length
- Hard Rock Maple
- Pro Taper
The Meucci New MECAS03 Pool Cue Stick w/Black Dot Shaft is a solid choice for any billiards player who wants to make a statement. This elegant design will wow everyone, and it includes all the features you need to get the most out of each shot.
Now, you may be wondering what’s the difference between the Meucci Black Dot shaft and the other pool cues on our list. Well, for one thing, the primary difference can be found in its construction.
The Meucci Black Dot Shaft is said to be made with 35 flat Northern Hard Rock Maple laminations. What it does is it helps to reduce the amount of deflection or squirt when hitting the cue ball.
Meucci also states that the black dot shafts outperform all other pool cues in this category. Well, this can be true but for me, this statement is a bit exaggerated.
It has the same amount of deflection as my Lucasi Hybrid. Both cues are great hitters and have solid feedback.
I mean, yes, it can outperform some cues in this category but not by much. But this doesn’t change the fact that the Meucci New MECAS03 with Black Dot shaft is still great for pool players. It’s also one of the best pool cues out there when it comes to durability and performance.
Moreover, the Meucci New MECAS03’s design is quite attractive. The inlays are such a nice touch that they make the cue look more expensive than it actually is. The style of this cue is also quite unique, which I really like.
Overall, if you like the Meucci New MECAS03’s design and you’re looking for a pool cue that’s both durable and performance-worthy, then this might be the cue for you. It’s more expensive than the Lucasi Hybrid and Cuetec Cynergy SVB, but that’s not necessarily mean that it’s a better cue.
You can get these two pool cues for under $1000 and offers the same performance as the Meucci New MECAS03.
4. McDermott G-Series G-Core Pool Cue Stick G210
Key Takeaways
- Carbon fiber ferrule core that adds feedback and absorbs impact.
- The G-Core shaft has a bit more deflection than the pool cues above.
- Its finishing is beautiful.
- A durable cue that can last years with proper care.
- It allows the players to customize the cue according to their liking.
Key Specs
- Birdseye maple forearm
- G-Core low deflection shaft
- Medium Navigator black tip
- 3/8″-10 joint
- Irish linen wrap
If you’re looking for a solid hitting pool cue under $500, the G-Core G210 is definitely the cue for you.
The McDermott G-Series G-Core Pool Cue Stick G210 is a great choice for the player who wants to get the most out of their game. It’s a great starter cue that can teach you the basics and it’s also great for intermediate players who want to improve their game.
Like the other pool cues in this list, the McDermott G210 is well-made. The balance is great and the feel is amazing. You’ll feel like you’re holding a professional cue but without the high price tag. The McDermott G210 pool cue also comes with a lifetime warranty that includes warpage for your added peace of mind.
Now, the shaft is a G-Core performance shaft, which has a triple-layer fiber core that increases control and reduces vibrations.
I find that these statements are true. I noticed very few vibrations during strikes and I can easily control the cue ball. Generating spin and English is almost effortless. It may take some time to get used to the McDermott G210, but once you do, you’ll love it.
The ferrule also has a carbon fiber cue, which adds feedback and reduces the amount of impact during hit. Also, its Navigator black tip allows you to shape the tip easily. I also noticed that this tip tends to last longer than the Kamui soft.
One thing you will notice immediately with the G210 is its pretty basic looks. Well, that’s because it allows you to customize your cue according to your taste. You can order further customization or you can bring the pool cue to McDermott and they will do it for you.
All in all, the McDermott G-Series Pool Cue Stick G210 is ideal for beginners and intermediate players that are looking for a cue that will not break the bank, but still gets the job done! You can feel the quality when you hold this stick in your hand, as well as see it in its beautiful finish!
5. Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue
Key Takeaways
- Great for beginners and intermediate players who are looking for an affordable cue.
- Low deflection shaft that actually works.
- The feel of the hit is solid.
- It actually plays great.
- They used decals instead of real inlays.
Key Specs
- HXT Low deflection shaft
- 12.75mm Kamui soft tip
- Irish linen wrap
- Walnut-stained Birdseye maple forearm
- Lifetime Guarantee including warpage
And lastly, we have the Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue. This pool cue may not have the most features but as a matter of fact, it hits solid and smooth. It’s our favorite under $300 pool cue. It’s a great choice for beginners and intermediate players who want a well-built and solid cue.
The value you can get with this pool cue is excellent. It has a low deflection shaft, although not as extreme as Lucasi Hybrid and Cuetec Cynergy SVB, it is still a solid choice for players who want to play with a low deflection shaft.
However, its shaft has some roughness on it and I think it has a small amount of lamination on it. The Kamui soft tip is actually great and it can reduce miscues.
The two-piece design of this cue helps reduce vibration and provides a more solid hit. Another feature that we love about Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue is the stainless steel joints. These are durable and will last longer than plastic joints.
It actually plays and hits like a McDermott G210, but the price is a lot cheaper. Now, you may wonder why the Players Technology Series HXT15 has such a low price for a low-deflection stick. The answer lies within its inlays.
Most high-end pool cues use exotic and expensive inlays, Players decided to use graphics or decals instead. They are still pretty cool, but they won’t stand up to the test of time as real inlays will.
Conclusion
We hope that this article will help you find the best hitting pool cue for your needs. We know how difficult it is to choose the right cue, so we did all the hard work for you. Now, all you have to do is pick one that fits your budget and preferences!