Choosing a pool cue that can generate spin and control the cue ball is key to improving your game. And they don’t have to be super expensive.
However, a low-deflection pool cue shaft can help you learn to spin and control the cue ball quickly by reducing the amount of deflection when hitting the cue ball.
This can help you put more spin, making it easier to control your shots.
Here are our Top 5 Best Pool Cues for Spin:
- Players Technology Series HXT15
- Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue with Cocobola and Snakewood Banded Rings
- Viking Valhalla 100 Series with Irish Linen Wrap 2 Piece 58” Pool Cue Stick
- KONLLEN Carbon Fiber Pool Cue Stick
- McDermott Lucky Cue Solid Color with Irish Linen Wrap
1. Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue
The Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an affordable cue with a low-deflection shaft. It has a nice “feel” to it, and it works well for both beginners and advanced players.
The shaft is made of 100% North American hard rock maple, so it is strong and durable.
Low-deflection shaft that works
The cue comes with a high-quality Kamui 12.75mm soft leather tip that provides a softer “hit” when you hit the cue ball, making it easier to generate spin and control your shots.
Its shaft is a pro taper shaft that weighs less and is thinner than a conical taper shaft thus it has less squirt.
And with the help of its lightweight ferrule, you can achieve a softer hit when you hit the cue ball.
One more thing that I like about the shaft is its finishing. It is consistent throughout the cue and feels smooth in my hands.
Stylish pool cue
Its design is stylish and sleek. It has a walnut finish, which makes it look elegant in your game room.
I really like its design from the tip to the butt and it looks like a premium pool cue.
Great balance and smooth hits
The Players Technology Series HXT15 is well-balanced and feels comfortable in my hands.
I like the feel of it because it is not too heavy or too light. It has a good weight distribution, which allows me to hit the cue ball with a soft hit without much effort.
And again, because it has a pro taper shaft, it helps me to have a smooth stroke when I’m using a closed bridge. I can generate spin easily and make a great follow or draw shot.
The cue ball goes exactly where I want it to go.
Takeaway
The Players Technology Series HXT15 is a great pool cue for any skill level. It is well-balanced and easy to use, which makes it easier especially for a beginner to learn how to play pool.
And because I’m able to generate more spin with this cue than most other cues in its price range, I can make a lot of shots with less effort.
This cue looks and feels like a premium pool cue and it comes at an affordable price. And don’t forget that they have a lifetime warranty against warpages too.
2. Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue with Cocobola and Snakewood Banded Rings
For those who want a pool cue that is both elegant and plays extremely well, the Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue is a perfect choice.
It is definitely one of the best pool cues today.
A beautiful piece of art
Seriously, this pool cue is a work of art. The banded cocobola and snakewood ring set are gorgeous and its finishing is smooth and consistent.
The cue also has a black wrapless handle that complements the rest of the design perfectly. The quality is top-notch and this cue plays like a dream.
Incredible performance
The Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue have an upgraded Zero Flexpoint Solid Core Low Deflection technology shaft which provides more feel and even less deflection than the previous version.
If you find that the Players HXT15 is great, then you will be more amazed by Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue’s performance.
It has a great solid feel and it is a pleasure to play with. The cue has a great balance and feel and you will not need to adjust your stroke or aim when you use this cue.
These characteristics are really useful for intermediate and advanced players.
The shaft has an impressive performance level, which means that you do not have to worry about losing power or accuracy when generating spin with the Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue in your hands.
Accuracy at its finest
I tried shots with different levels of speed and power and I was amazed by how accurate the cue was.
It helped me generate more power and spin with my shots, which made them more effective than before.
Even with “firm” shots, the Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue didn’t disappoint.
Takeaway
The Lucasi Custom Mystic Black and Curly Maple Pool Cue is an excellent combination of looks, accuracy, feel and control.
The cue comes with a high-performance shaft that delivers great results on the table.
Yes, it is expensive but the quality of the cue is undeniable. If you are looking for a pool cue with excellent performance, then this is definitely one of your best options.
3. Viking Valhalla 100 Series Pool Cue
The Viking Valhalla 100 is one of the best cues for the money. It is an affordable and highly playable cue that can improve your pool game.
They also offer a lifetime warranty against factory defects.
Quality without breaking the bank
That’s what the Viking Valhalla 100 is all about. It is an affordable cue that delivers great results on the table.
It’s a 58-inch high-quality Canadian Maple cue and has stainless steel joint pin for increased stability.
The Viking Valhalla 100 also has an adjustable weight system by placing weighted bolts through the butt of the cue.
All of this makes it one of the best pool cues for beginners and intermediate players.
It is quite durable and feels solid in your hands. The Viking Valhalla 100 is a great cue for the price and will not let you down on the table.
Great performance
I really liked the performance of the Viking Valhalla 100 pool cue.
It has a great feel and is very comfortable to use. The cue is easy to control and allows you to make precise shots on the table.
It also has a soft to medium feel to it, which makes it easier for you to aim your shot accurately and sink the ball in one effortlessly.
I really like the Viking Valhalla 100 because it delivers quality performance at an affordable price point.
Superb joints
Viking Valhalla 100 pool cue has a stainless steel 5/16” x 18” threaded joint that allows you to make precise shots on the table. It has great materials and constructions, which gives the cue a softer hit.
Takeaway
The Viking Valhalla 100 pool cue is a great choice if you’re looking for a pool cue below $200 that delivers quality performance at an affordable price point.
This is a good cue for beginners and intermediate players looking for something durable, reliable, and easy to control.
4. KONLLEN Carbon Fiber Pool Cue Stick
It comes at a price point that won’t break your bank account but performs like a mid-range model.
Low-deflection shaft
Like the Players HXT15 and Lucasi Custom pool cues, the Konllen Carbon Fiber pool cue has a low-deflection shaft.
But the main difference is, that the one in Konllen is made from carbon fiber instead of wood.
It has a thinner 12.5mm pro taper shaft that is designed to have less squirt or deflection. It is actually really useful and accurate during soft and medium hits.
But it actually has more deflection than the Lucasi Custom pool cue when going for firm hits.
Comfortable grip
The Konllen Carbon Fiber pool cue’s butt is made from maple and comes with a rubberized grip that feels comfortable and very soft.
But unfortunately, the inlays are not actually inlays, they are just decals that can be peeled off after extensive use.
Nevertheless, they still look good and make the cue more premium.
Low maintenance
Generally, carbon fiber shafts require less maintenance than wooden cues.
They are not prone to warping or cracking, and they are also more durable.
The carbon fiber core in this pool cue may not be as tough as the more expensive carbon fiber pool cues on the market but it’s still tough enough to handle the abuse of everyday play.
You can also take good care of this cue by making sure that it is not left exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures. It will last you a long time if you do so.
Takeaway
Most high-end carbon fiber pool cues are really expensive, luckily the Konllen Carbon Fiber cue is not one of them.
It’s a great value for the money, especially if you are on a budget or just want to get started playing with a carbon fiber pool stick without spending too much money
5. McDermott Lucky Cue Solid Color with Irish Linen Wrap
The McDermott Lucky cue is a great starting stick with Irish linen wrap. This cue comes in many different colors including yellow, green, cherry, and grey.
Basic but playable
The McDermott Lucky doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the higher-end cues out there, but it’s still a great option for someone looking to get started playing pool.
The cue features a Hardrock maple 13mm shaft that seems pretty solid but it has a muted feel to it.
It is pretty accurate as well, I tried using it with basic “English” and was able to get the ball where I wanted it most of the time.
The shaft came out straight as an arrow and the tip was hard enough to give me some good action on the table.
Highly customizable
The McDermott Lucky pool cue is a great choice for different genders and ages. The cue comes in a variety of different colors, so you can find one that matches your style.
You can also choose a weight between 18-21 oz, so you can find the perfect cue to fit your needs.
Takeaway
Overall, the McDermott Lucky pool cue is a great choice for a beginner player. The shaft is straight and solid and has a nice feel to it, while the tip provides some good action on the table.
If you’re looking for a stick that is affordable and will last you for a while, this is a great option.
FAQ
How do I get more backspin in my pool?
To put a backspin/draw on the cue ball, you need to hit the cue ball below the center. This will cause the cue ball to spin around its axis as it travels forward, which creates backspin. If you want more draw or backspin on your shot, try hitting the cue ball lower without miscuing.
How do you get the max spin on a cue ball?
The best way to get maximum spin is to prepare your tip and chalk it well, then hit the cue ball as far left or right of center as you can without miscuing. Your stroke plays a vital role here as well.
How does spin affect the cue ball?
Applying spin to the cue ball increases your control over its final position, allowing you to strike the object ball in a way that suits your next shot. It’s a great strategy to get out of tricky situations such as safety shots and you cannot strike the object ball directly.
Why are masse shots not allowed?
Normally, they are banned in most pool halls because most novice players don’t have the right skills to pull them off. This can cause unnecessary damage to the balls and may rip the cloth off the pool table, which can be expensive. It’s also a very tricky shot that requires a lot of practice and patience.