5 Best Pool Cues for Beginners 2021
When getting more into the game of billiards, beginners may begin to grow more and more interested in owning their own personal cue. There are many benefits offered by this, such as having a cue with built-in technology that can assist in your strokes, a firmer and sturdier grip, and a well-made and tougher tip that will last for tons of games. Not to mention the added comfort of having a cue that is yours and yours alone.
Owning your own pool cue offers you more consistent performance and steady improvement since you won’t have to adjust to an old house cue every time you go to play at the pool hall. There are many more benefits posed by beginner cues that house cues just can’t live up to, such as offering less deflection and higher levels of performance.
We have compiled a list of some of the best pool cues for beginners. Take a look and decide which one fits you the best. A good cue offers a strong tip, sturdy ferrule, firm grip, and well-made joints, so keep this in mind when looking through our selection.
Best Pool Cues for Beginners
Best Overall: Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue
This cue showcases a walnut-stained birds-eye maple forearm and butt finish with a traditional black and white divided diamond and pincher-style point design. The premium maple wood is both beautiful and durable, while the Pro Taper design allows for extra shaft flexibility.
This cue will give you better control over your stick and make you feel more confident in your game. It is a good choice for both beginners and intermediate players. One of the best things about this cue is the price – it doesn’t cost a lot of money compared to the more expensive ones, but it can compete with them in terms of performance.
If you are looking for a mid-range pool cue that gives an incredible performance, the Players HXT15 is one of the best choices.
Pros:
- Excellent accuracy
- Effective low-deflection shaft
Cons
- The tip may wear out quickly
Runner-up: Viking Valhalla 2 Piece Pool Cue Stick
If you want to champ a few basic learning curves, the Viking Valhalla 2 Piece Pool Cue Stick is a standard deflection cue that sets a dependable sturdy stick for beginners. The shaft is made of maple and will hold up well for beginners.
Even if you are a beginner, don’t let this standard deflection cue intimidate you. The Viking Valhalla 2 Piece Pool Cue Stick comes at an average weight so inexperienced players won’t find themselves over-reliant on the stick.
Thanks to its 13mm leather tip and ferrule, the cue will hit consistently, with a sturdy feel and a crisp sound.
It is one of the cues in the market that is highly recommended for beginners. It assists first-time players in transitioning into the intermediate level as it excels in trying complex and tricky shots, deploying a breeze spin on a ball, and matching multiple game styles.
Viking Cues offers a lifetime warranty to players. In any instance of deformation or malfunction, the brand is open to check the cue and retrieve its snappy hit and solid carry-through features.
Pros
- A great upgrade from a house cue
- Feels good in your hands
Cons
- The tip is not durable
Also Great: Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings Cue
My first impression of this cue was that it felt very solid. There was no vibration or flex in the butt as I shot a few practice shots, and no undue force was needed to move the cue around. Its shaft is standard and not a low deflection like the Players HXT-15 but it doesn’t take away the fact that its performance is somewhat closer to its more expensive sibling.
This cue features a solid maple shaft that is stained dark brown, red or blue. It’s not the darkest brown I’ve seen but it’s still very close to a traditional birdseye maple cue. The forearm is laminated hard rock maple with a black fiber linen wrap.
Shooting with it is smooth, there is enough feedback to let you know when the cue ball is struck but it’s not so much that you get a hand shock. The maple seemed to make the cue more solid and there was no noticeable deflection. I’ve played with a few cues in this price range that have had slight vibration but this one felt firm in my hand.
The tip is nice as well as the rest of the stick. It is straight and true, and the cue felt comfortable and responsive. It also reacted well to the variety of shots I tried it on.
Players also offer a lifetime warranty. If players encounter any tool issues, the comprehensive warranty and responsive customer service team will fix all your cue concerns.
Pros
- Great performance for its price
- Has an elegant look
Cons
- The wrap could have been better
Affordable Sneaky Pete: Viper Sneaky Pete 58” 2-Piece Zebrawood
Have you ever been looking for a sneaky pete pool cue on Amazon only to find super expensive ones? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. There is even one that costs $400 or more. You don’t have to spend that much money because there are affordable sneaky pete pool cues like the Viper Sneaky Pete 58″ Pool Cue
The Viper Sneaky Pete 58″ Pool Cue is well made for the price you pay. It’s made with hard rock maple and comes with an extra removable scuffer. The design of this cue looks simple but effective. This pool cue has a hefty weight of 18-21 ounces.
Its two-piece construction allows for easy transportation and storage. Because of its wood construction, the feedback is crisp when hitting the ball. Out of the box, the cue is pretty straight and solid. The cue feels amazing in hand.
However, the only problem with this pool cue is that it doesn’t have a great tip like the others. If you are just starting out this shouldn’t be a problem at all. Other than that, this pool cue is an awesome choice.
When it comes to sneaky pete pool cues, price is always an issue for many. The Viper Sneaky Pete Pool Cue gives you an affordable option that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Crisp feedback
Cons
- Basic cue
Best Budget: AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inches Pool Cue
A 58-inch pool cue can be an intimidating purchase for someone who’s just getting into the sport, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a quality cue stick. The affordable AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inches Pool Cue is made from hard rock maple wood and comes ready to play out of the box. Moreover, the cue is straight as an arrow.
It has a somewhat durable 2-piece construction that helps it endure the wear and tear of frequent use. The cue’s tip is made from durable leather.
With a 13mm leather tip, the AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inches Pool Cue allows extra cue ball control and spin. Leather is the most recommended tip material since it can be easily replaced or trimmed.
The wavy-shaped butt of the AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inches Pool Cue establishes a better performance because it enables you to have a better hold and a more stable base when you aim. The cue stick also makes sure that the tension and stability are enhanced simultaneously the moment you hit the ball.
It is a great option for those getting started in the sport. Although it won’t last for years, it is well-made and gives you a smooth playing experience.
Overall, AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inches Pool Cue is a great option for those who are just trying to get into the game and learn the basics. And that’s really what it is. A solid entry-level pool cue that won’t make you regret your purchase even if you decide not to take up pool any further.
Pros
- Unique handle for more grip
- Attractive design
Cons
- Fragile tip
How To Choose A Pool Cue for Beginners
Shaft
Choose a shaft that provides durability, flexibility, and the best feel. Manufacturers are now starting to produce carbon fiber shafts. Pool cues that have carbon fiber shafts are known for excellent consistency and performance. However, beginners may find carbon-fiber shafts more expensive than the other models.
Tip
Standard pool cues are mostly designed with a medium hardness layered leather tip. Such structures are composed of multiple strips of leather glued and pressed all together. The process creates a firm foundation where it can consistently hold a shape. Experts highly suggest sticking with the leather tip as it has a commended quality compared to other tip materials.
A good tip can help players ease the feeling of the hit and its longevity. Leather tips hold chalk better and require easy shaping. Players can also look for other alternatives under the medium hardness layered tip classification.
Design
The design of a pool cue is sometimes overlooked by pool players, when in fact, it can be a major factor in the cost of the tool. Stylish and stunning designs display a sleek atmosphere but the best value will always bounce back to the cues with the simplest designs. Players need to consider and assess the designs of the cue if it serves the functionality of the cue or plainly offers nuances.
A design can make a cue a lot more expensive even if it falls short of the top qualities that a pool stick should have. Sure, you will attract eyes with those intimidating figures and colors, but it is important for a player to choose or spend only on a design that speaks about one’s gaming style or personality — not just to impress the whole house pool.
Performance
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate player, or a professional pool player, the performance of a pool cue is a critical part of weighing your purchase decision. A two-piece cue is a type of pool cue that never fails to provide a comfortable and soft stroke. Players must also select a cue that offers more spin and a straight shot.
To maintain a good performance at the pool table, it is mostly recommended to buy low deflection cues. Such a deflection standard is suitable for both beginners and professional players. Low deflection cues improve the players’ accuracy while executing sidespin.
Grip
The grip area of the pool cue can be crafted from finished wood, synthetics, leather, Irish linen, or nylon. Out of the available choices, players will need to choose a grip structure that suits their playing style and preference.
For instance, if a player’s hand tends to perspire excessively, a synthetic or linen wrap would be a more suitable choice. The linen and synthetic wrap materials can easily absorb moisture compared to wrapless or leather cues.
Warranty
Cues can last long if well taken care of. However, cues can also be exposed to different obstructions, impacts, and other factors that can cause damage to the parts. Players must familiarize the scope of the cue’s product warranty to handle and fix possible issues.
Other manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, but if you are not that lucky, there are ones that offer at least one-year coverage. The issues must not be intently made or be a wear-and-tear case. If there are parts that supposedly come solid, then the manufacturer would probably offer a repair or a replacement.
Price
A decent pool cue can be grabbed at a price of around $60. Beginners, however, are better off purchasing cues within the range of $100 to $200, since such models in the bracket are mostly packed with the needed features and qualities to supplement a pool game. It is found that pool cues with a price starting from $100 are built with better materials.
Joint type
The joint is the point where the butt and shaft of the cue connects. Pool cues with good joint types are easier to be stored and transported. The advisable joint dimensions for beginners are around ⅜ x 10 pin or 5/16 x 18 pin.
Conclusion
Looking for the best pool cues can be less draining if you know your gaming style and consider your skills as a newbie in the pool sport. Try the Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue or any model from our top picks to ensure quality performance in every game.
