There are many more benefits posed by beginner pool cues that house cues just can’t live up to, such as offering great design and solid performance. Also, they are more affordable than intermediate pool cues.
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.
Here is our list of the 5 best pool cues for beginners!
- Players Technology Series HXT15 Pool Cue
- Viking Valhalla 100 Series
- Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple
- Viper by GLD Products Sneaky Pete
- AB Earth 2-Piece Pool Cue
5 Best Pool Cues for Beginners
1. Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue
Players HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cues is a great cue for beginners because of its performance without a high price tag.
The entire cue is well-balanced to make it easier for you to line up your shots precisely and with high accuracy during matches.
It is actually one of the best pool cues that you can buy today. First of all, it has a low-deflection shaft that can resist impact for many games which makes the cue more durable.
The shaft is made from layered maple which adds to its durability. It has a comfortable handle and a premium leather tip that provide a soft hit and a good seal when hitting the cue ball
Not all pool cue brands are made equally. Some companies do not care about the quality of their pool cues and just sell the cheapest pool cue they can find.
Players is not one of these brands. This pool cue is well made and the quality is obvious. Those who buy this pool cue will appreciate the quality
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. Partner it with a break cue, and you will become a much better player than before.
Pros
- Excellent accuracy
- Effective low-deflection shaft
Cons
- The tip may wear out quickly
2. 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
3. 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 vibrations 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 issues, the comprehensive warranty and responsive customer service team will fix all your cue concerns.
If you like its design, I can also recommend taking a look at these Sneaky Pete Pool Cues.
Pros
- Great performance for its price
- Has an elegant look
Cons
- The wrap could have been better
4. 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
5. 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
Price Range
It all depends on how much money you’re willing to spend and what kind of features you’re looking for. We generally group cues into 4 different categories.
But we will only tackle about 2 categories since a lot of you are just starting out. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, but I believe this is generally accurate
Under $100 – There are basic, low-end pool cues. The quality of these products varies greatly, making them a good option if you’re on a budget.
They can be used as good starter cues and can serve you really well. Keep in mind, however, that the cues in this price range have high-deflection shafts and don’t have beautiful inlays.
$100-300 – These are what we called the “workhorse pool cues”.
These cues are popular among beginners who has has some experience playing, intermediate and advanced players.
The pool cues in this range have great performance, may have low-deflection shafts, and are usually high-quality that will last for many years.
The amount you’re willing to spend will ultimately dictate what you end up with.
You may not need a break cue if you have a quality cue.
Although, if you want a soft tip on your shooting cue, you may want to get one just to protect the shape of the tip.
Read more about pool cues under $200 here.
Best Pool Cue Weight for Beginners
The cue weight is an integral part of the cue. Beginners usually get confused regarding cue weight. But to tell you the truth, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
There is no correlation between the weight of a pool cue and skill or experience level. But, the balance point matters more than weight.
Each player develops a stroke that best fits their playing style. As you progress and develop your skills, you understand more about what kind of cue you prefer.
Do Beginners Need Low-Deflection Shafts
This is a tricky question! It actually depends on your budget and your willingness to learn. If you are a complete beginner who just wanted to try, we suggest spending as little as possible.
Then, as you progress and wanted to upgrade, you may want to get a cue with a low-deflection shaft like the Players HXT15.
But if you have all the money to spend, get one right now, because having a low-deflection cue will help you to aim more precisely, thus you improve your aiming and precision much faster.
Best Beginner Pool Cue Brands
Pool is a great game for anyone who is looking for a friendly and competitive way to spend time with friends and family.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money at first to enjoy the sport, but you do need a pool cue that can stand up to your level of play. If you’re new to the sport, here are some beginner-friendly brands that will help get you started on the right foot.
Players
They have an impressive collection of cue sticks that caters to beginner and intermediate players.
Most of their beginner pool cues are made from high-quality material, which means they won’t crack or chip easily during a match.
They also offer several different models at various price points so there’s something for every budget! Their cues have a lifetime warranty on them too!
Recommended Beginners Players Pool Cues:
- Players HXT15
- Players Set of 1-Piece Pool Cue
- Players Sneaky Pete
Players C-960 Classic Birds-Eye Maple with Triple Silver Rings Cue
Viking
They make high-quality products at affordable prices, so they’re great for beginners who are just getting started collecting cues. Viking cue sticks are exclusively made in the USA but their beginner pool cues line-up is outsourced from other countries.
Their Valhalla series is aimed toward beginners who like playability with a fantastic design.
Recommended Beginners Viking Pool Cues:
McDermott
McDermott brand is a manufacturer of pool cues, shafts, and other accessories that can be used in playing pool, billiards, snooker, and carom.
They are known for their high-quality products. The company was founded in 1975 and since then, they have been producing top-quality cue sports products.
Recommended Beginners McDermott Pool Cues:
AB Earth
As of the moment, AB Earth’s products are all beginner cues.
They are very affordable and have a unique design. If you’re learning to play pool and just want to have fun at your local bar then you may consider their budget-friendly cues.
Recommended Beginners AB Earth Pool Cues:
Best Pool Cues for Beginners to Intermediate
A good pool cue should be made with quality materials and by a reputable manufacturer.
If you’re looking at cues online, make sure they have reviews so you know how other people have felt about the product.
You don’t want to buy something that breaks or falls apart after just a few uses!
You also need to think about where you’re going to be playing most often.
If you’re just starting out with the game of pool and don’t have access to your own table at home yet, then it might be best, for now, to get one of those affordable pool cues so you can practice first before investing in something more expensive.
If you’re a player who has been playing for some time now though and has decided that this is something they want to do seriously then it might be time for an upgrade! The Players HXT15 is a great choice for both beginners and intermediates.
Best Pool Cues for Beginner Adults
If you’re just playing once in a while, an affordable pool cue like the Viking Valhalla or an AB Earth will be enough.
But if you noticed that you’re using a lot of English during matches, then you might consider getting a low-deflection cue or shaft. Having a low-deflection shaft can vastly improve your game.
Best Pool Cues for Beginner Female Adult
Females usually go for lightweight cues to prevent straining their arms. The cue features and designs also play an important role in how they choose their cues.
With that being said, a pool cue with 18 oz. or below like this Pink Viking Valhalla will be a good choice. If you’re on the shorter side, you might consider getting a short pool cue like the ISZY Billiards Short Pool Cue Stick.
Best Pool Cues for Beginner Kids
If you’re looking for a new cue stick for your child, here are some things to keep in mind.
You should choose a lightweight cue stick. Children can have trouble holding heavier cues, so it’s best to go with something lighter. Weight should be around 11 – 14 oz.
Get a cue that fits your child’s hand. You’ll want to get something that will fit comfortably in their hand and give them enough room to move around while playing pool.
Choose a cue with a good grip. The grip should not slip or slide around when your kid is holding it.
This can make playing pool more challenging and frustrating than it needs to be!
And lastly, you don’t want to spend too much on an accessory that won’t be used often! Our recommendation is to give the Cuesoul 48 Inch Junior Kid Billiard Cue Stick a try.
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 commendable 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 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 connect.
Pool cues with good joint types are easier to be stored and transported. The advisable joint dimensions for beginners are around ⅜ x 10 pins or 5/16 x 18 pins.
What Cue Stick Should Beginners Use?
This is a question that we get asked a lot. Honestly, the answer is it is all about your playstyle, budget, and personal preference.
If you’re new to the game of billiards and want to play for fun, then you don’t really need to worry about what cue stick you use. Just pick up a cue stick that feels good in your hands, and go for it!
You can even get your own house pool cue like the Viper House Pool Cue.
They’re affordable and durable enough for beginners who aren’t sure how much they’ll be playing yet.
However, if you want to take your game seriously and be competitive, then it’s important to choose a cue stick that’ll help you improve your game.
It can be the Players HXT15, Viking Valhalla, or the McDermott cue.
As long as you have an understanding of the basics of billiards (like aiming) before going into competition mode with your peers, then there’s no reason why anyone can’t use any type of cue stick!
How Much Should I Spend On My First Pool Cue?
Pool cues range in price from about $50 to $1000++. If you’re just starting out, you probably want to go for something like $50-$200.
If you’re an intermediate player who wants to upgrade from their starter pool cue, then you might consider spending $200-$500 on a more advanced cue.
If you’re a competitive player, then it’s worth investing in something that will last for years and help you achieve better performance in tournaments.
You can expect to spend between $500-$1000 on a high-end pool cue.
What Is The Right Pool Cue Size?
The right cue size is the one that feels right in your hands. If you’re just starting out, you may not know what size is best for you.
In this case, it’s best to go with a standard-sized shaft of around 29 inches long.
This way, you can test out different cues and find one that works for you without having to worry about switching back and forth between two different lengths.
Once you’ve found which length feels best in your hands, then it’s time to start thinking about the weight of the cue stick.
The weight will affect how well you can aim at targets and control where balls land on the table—so getting this part right is important!
What is the Standard Pool Cue Length?
The standard length of a two-piece cue is about 58 inches. The shaft is about 29 inches while the butt is at 29 inches as well.
What is A Low-deflection Cue?
A low-deflection pool cue is a cue that is designed to minimize the amount of deflection you get when you hit the ball.
They use materials like special high-grade wood, graphite, or carbon fiber to create a shaft that is flexible yet very strong.
The idea behind it is simple: By making the shaft flexible, it absorbs some of the energy from the impact when you strike the ball with your cue.
Low-deflection shafts allow you to apply English or sidespin much easier.
Does a Good Pool Cue Matter?
The answer is yes, a good pool cue does matter. Just like any other piece of equipment, the cue is an important part of playing pool.
The best thing about a good pool cue is that it will last for years without warping or becoming damaged in any way.
A bad pool cue can ruin your game because it may not be able to handle the force that you are applying when you hit the ball.
You should always look for a pool stick that has been made out of high-quality materials so that it will last longer than other types of cues that are on the market today.
You should also find out if there are any warranties available if something happens during play.
Why Do Pool Players Have Two Cues?
Pool players have two cues for two reasons: one, to have a cue that’s suitable for shooting, and one that’s suitable for breaking most of the time.
The first cue is called the “shooting pool cue” because it’s used to shoot the balls into different locations on the table.
The other is called the “break cue” because it’s used to break into racks on the table.
Is a Break Cue Necessary for Beginners?
Having a dedicated break cue can help you prolong the life of your shooting cue. But getting a break cue is not necessary, especially for beginners.
Now, can you break with a regular or shooting cue? The answer is yes! If your cue features a hard tip, it can be a decent breaker.
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.
Mike Woodward is the Founder & CEO of Minibar Online. He has played pool and billiards for almost two decades. He also tests the latest pool cues, pool balls and other gear from Cuetec, Predator, Lucasi and other pool/billiards brands. He currently lives in San Diego, California where he plays a lot of competitive matches.