Kevin JohnsonProfessional pool players understand that the game requires more than skills. It also demands the best pool cues. Top pool cue brands, like Predator, Viking, McDermott, and Meucci, combine high-quality materials with innovative designs. This combo ensures the pool stick has the perfect balance in the player’s hands. The right pool cue for you should feel like an extension of your arm. It should have the ideal weight, grip, and tip to help you control every shot on the pool table. But which are the best pool cue brands?
Here is an in-depth analysis of the 15 best pool cue brands:
1. Predator Cues
Predator is a leading pool cue innovator founded in 1994. Its 314 low-deflection shaft revolutionized gameplay and the billiards industry. Over half the world’s top 20 professional pool players use Predator pool sticks. Visit the Predator store on Amazon.
Image source: Predator Cues
Predator is one of the most innovative pool cue brands. Its performance pool sticks have the low-deflection 314-3, Z-3, Vantage, or REVO carbon fiber shaft. In Aug 2024, the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) selected Predator as its official table partner and title sponsor for the EPBF Euro Championships, Youth Tour, and EuroTour Series. [1]
Pros: Predator stands out thanks to its cutting-edge low-deflection shaft technology. Many professional players seeking high-performance pool cues with high accuracy have endorsed Predator as their top choice.
Cons: Predator costs more than most pool cue brands. Some beginners complain that Predator’s low-deflection cues have a steep learning curve. However, these pool sticks are perfect for professional players seeking to enhance performance and accuracy.
Price Range: $224-$2,599
2. Meucci Cues
Founded by Bob Meucci in 1975, Meucci differentiated itself by focusing on consistency and power. Its top-selling Hall of Fame and Gambler series excel in performance, aesthetics, and quality. Visit the Meucci Cues store on Amazon.
Image source: Meucci Cues
Meucci has spearheaded pool cue innovation for nearly 50 years. The brand is committed to building on its proud heritage by supporting the champions who contributed to its legacy. In Oct 2024, Meucci announced their sponsorship of Tony Chohan. Chohan is a legendary One Pocket and American 9-Ball player who has won several major titles. [2]
Pros: Meucci pool cues have impeccable craftsmanship, enhancing your gameplay stability. The brand offers innovative pool sticks for all players, from beginners to intermediates and pros. Its distinctive designs improve cue ball control and reduce cue ball deflection.
Cons: Meucci designs its pool cues with flexible shafts, which may not appeal to players who prefer a stiffer hit.
Price Range: $425-$1,228
3. Viking Cue
Viking is an American pool cue brand founded in 1965. It offers high-quality products under the Viking and Valhalla labels. Valhalla is more affordable than Viking. In Sep 2024, Viking expanded its Element Series with new AIR products. Visit the Viking store on Amazon. [3]
Image source: Viking Cue
Pros: Viking offers high-quality, American-made pool cues with a lifetime warranty against warpage and custom design options. Each product combines traditional craftsmanship and contemporary technology. Its price points cater to different budgets. The affordable Viking Valhalla line is perfect for beginners seeking an entry-level pool cue for less than $200.
A varied price range to suit different budgets
Cons: Viking designs may be too traditional for some players.
Price Range: $170-$2,000
4. McDermott Handcrafted Cues
McDermott has handcrafted pool cues in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, for nearly 50 years. Its founder, Jim McDermott, repaired pool cues in the 60s and ventured into cuemaking in the 70s. The brand ramped production after the 1986 Paul Newman-Tom Cruise movie “The Color of Money” popularized pool shooting and increased McDermott’s customers. You can buy McDermott cues on Amazon. [4]
Image source: McDermott Cue
Pros: McDermott crafts its handmade pool cues from 16 exotic woods, creating one-of-a-kind cue sticks tailored to individual preferences. Each McDermott cue delivers eye-catching aesthetics, timeless quality, and top-notch performance.
Cons: Although McDermott offers affordable pool cues for less than $200, its high-end pool sticks cost between $1k and $5k.
Price Range: $110-$5,000
5. Pechauer Cues
Pechauer is a family-owned and operated business founded in 1963. The brand has a forward-thinking manufacturing approach, which delivers high-quality American-made pool cues. In Apr 2024, Pechauer released its new Champion Collection, crafted with expertise, artistry, and passion to elevate the playing experience. The set has two exclusive cue lines dedicated to acclaimed billiard players David Alcaide and April Larson. [5]
Image source: Pechauer
Pros: Pechauer has produced artistic, high-performance billiard products for over 60 years. The brand has a diverse lineup, from JP and Pro Series to the exclusive Champion Collection and Brett Favre Limited Edition. Each Pechauer pool cue delivers exceptional accuracy and craftsmanship.
Cons: Pechauer pool cues can be pricey, up to $3k for high-end models.
Price Range: $370-$3000
6. Jacoby Custom Cues
Jacoby is a handcrafted pool cue brand founded in 1982 by Dave Jacoby with his son, Brandon. The brand won the ACA Cue of the Year award in 2008, 2009, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2023 and came second in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2022. In 2024, Dave and Brandon Jacoby were inducted into the International Cuemakers Hall of Fame. Check Jacoby’s cues on Amazon. [6]
Image source: Jacoby Custom Cues
Pros: Jacoby is committed to craftsmanship and performance. It custom-builds pool cues to players’ unique specifications and skill levels, creating unique masterpieces. Jacoby is the go-to brand for billiard enthusiasts seeking a personalized cue experience.
Cons: Jacoby’s made-to-order cues are pricey. However, they’re worth every penny because the custom process allows you to adjust the design and development to meet your unique needs.
Price Range: $375-$2,850
7. Cuetec Cues
Cuetec’s classic cues have served billiards players since 1989. This Chinese brand offers advanced pool sticks with Canadian Maple and composite carbon fiber shafts. Its Truewood cues and the Cuetec Cynergy Ghost Edition excel in innovation and craftsmanship. Both have captured the attention of the pool community. You can buy Cuetec pool cues on Amazon.
Image source: Cuetec Cues
Pros: Cuetec’s composite cladding prevents warping and increases stability. Its price range caters to consumers, from affordable entry-level cues for beginners to high-end pool sticks for pros. Champion players like Shane Van Boening have endorsed Cuetec as their top pool cue brand.
Cons: Some customers complain about durability issues with Cuetec’s affordable entry-level pool cues.
Price Range: $69-$1,239
8. Lucasi
Lucasi is a Chinese pool cue brand founded by Jim Lucas in 1996. The brand treats and cures its premium woods for two years. Then, they use laser technology to carve each cue before adding leather or Irish linen wrap for grip. This process delivers affordable but high-tech pool cues with high accuracy. You can buy Lucasi cues on Amazon.
Image source: Seybert’s/Lucasi Cues
Pros: Lucasi is one of the most affordable pool cue brands. Its high-performance pool cues have innovative technologies like low-deflection shafts and vibration-dampening systems for enhanced accuracy and power.
Cons: Lucasi pool cues are perfect for beginners and intermediate players. However, these pool sticks may not meet the needs of pros.
Price Range: $156-$1,252
9. Joss Cues
Joss is an iconic American pool cue brand founded in 1968 by Dan Janes. The brand became famous after the 1986 movie, “The Color of Money,” popularized its cue stick. Famous Joss endorsees include Tom Cruise, Minnesota Fats, Mike Sigel, and Paul Newman. While Joss is recognized as a brand for pros, it also offers beginner-friendly pool sticks. Check Joss cues on Amazon.
Image source: Joss Cues
Pros: Joss cues are synonymous with cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. The brand combines low-deflection tech with precise construction to enhance accuracy and control.
Cons: Joss’s professional-grade pool cues are expensive, up to $3,900. However, beginners and intermediate players can find high-quality Joss poll sticks for less than $500.
Price Range: $350-$3900
10. Schön Cues
Terry Romine established Schön in 1981 to create the perfect cue. Schön fulfills its founder’s dream by handcrafting the best precision-hitting cues. The brand offers 6 cue collections: the Schon STL, CX, SP, LTD, Elite, and Unique. Each series excels in precision, beauty, and accuracy.
Image source: Schön Cues
Pros: Schön offers exquisite pool cues with beautiful inlays, exotic woods, and world-class craftsmanship. It is the go-to brand for players seeking precision and exceptional playability. Each Schön cue stick is masterfully handcrafted with a distinct visual appeal.
Cons: Schön is a premium brand, offering expensive pool cues for over $1k.
Price Range: $1,045-$4,150
11. Pearson Cues
Pearson is a pool cue brand founded by Dave Pearson, a pool enthusiast, and Guinness World Record holder. The brand reflects Dave’s love for the game and commitment to quality. Its collection offers three cue types: Pearson Pool Cues, Break & Jump Cues, and Carbon Clear Fiber Cues. Each product has been engineered for accuracy using modern technology. You can find Pearson cues on Amazon.
Image source: Pearson Cues
Pros: Pearson offers top-notch premium pool sticks with traditional and modern designs for professional and casual players. Its collection includes affordable cues for less than $150 to high-end pool sticks for over $1, ensuring there’s something for all billiard enthusiasts.
Cons: Some Pearson cue designs may be too traditional for players seeking contemporary and stylish cues.
Price Range: $139-$1,495
12. Players Pool Cues
Players is a North American pool cue brand. Its top-selling cues include the Crimson Super Birds-Eye and 58” 2-Piece Billiard. Both are made from the finest North American hard rock maple, treated with Nelsonite stabilizer, and sealed with epoxy for moisture protection. This process ensures long-lasting durability and high performance. You can buy Players’ pool cues on Amazon.
Image source: Players/Amazon
Pros: Players’ pool cues are known for their quality and exceptional playing experience. They are affordable and beginner-friendly. For example, you can buy Players’ entry-level pool cue for only $158. The brand offers a lifetime warranty against warpage, chipping, and cracking.
Cons: The brand has limited variety. Its cues may not meet the needs of professional players.
Price Range: $158-$206
13. Mezz Cue
Mezz is a Miki brand founded in 1960 in Gunma, Japan, and one of the world’s oldest cue makers. This Japanese brand specializes in carom, snooker, and pool cues. Its cue collection offers play, break, and jump cues with several models per category. For example, Mezz play cues include the ACE218, CP21, ASTR23, EC9, and AVT series. Check Mezz products on Amazon.
Image source: Mezz Cue
Pros: Mezz offers high-quality, high-performance pool cues. The brand blends classic designs with cutting-edge technologies to enhance the playing experience. All its pool cues are 100% made in Japan.
Cons: Mezz’s professional-grade pool cues are pricey, up to $1,760.
Price Range: $470-$1,760
14. Poison Cues
Poison is a billiard brand based in Jacksonville, Florida, owned by the Predator Group. It produces high-performance recreational cues with cutting-edge designs. Poison’s collection includes the VX, Arsenic, and Cyanide pool cue series. Players seeking speed, precision, and power can buy the next-gen VX. For example, the new VX5 Break Cues have Venom2 shafts with DD Technology for dead-on accuracy and quick-change matching mini-radial joints. You can also use the VX JMP for jump shots or be a jack-of-all-trades with the 2-in-1 VX BRK-X for breaks and jumps.
Image source: Poison Cues
Pros: Poison is one of the most affordable pool cue brands. Consider the Poison VX series if you seek high-quality, budget-friendly cues for less than $225.
Cons: Poison offers limited options for professional players.
Price Range: $109-$224
15. TIGER Products
Tiger is a billiard brand offering pool cues. Its top-selling products include the Tiger E and X2-Series. The X2-Series offers the X2-6, X2-5, and X2-4 pool cues, perfect for players seeking craftsmanship, performance, and precision. You can find Tiger products on Amazon.
Image source: Tiger Products
Pros: Tiger pool cues offer meticulous craftsmanship, high performance, and accuracy. The Tiger E-1 is perfect for beginners, while the X2-Series is recommended for intermediates and pros. Each pool stick emphasizes balance and impact.
Cons: Tiger’s X2 pool cues can be pricey. For example, Tiger X2-6 costs $2,500.
Price Range: $290-$2,950
References & more information
- EPBF (2024, Aug 30). EPBF and Predator seal a groundbreaking agreement. EPBF.com
- AzB Staff (2024, Oct 4). Meucci Cues announces Tony Chohan’s sponsorship. AzBilliards
- Viking Cue (2024, Sep 4). Element Series – AIR: Coming Sep 2024. VikingCue.com
- Curkov, M. (2024, May 10). Wisconsin is a “melting pot” of pool cue makers like McDermott Cue. CBS 58
- Pechauer Custom Cues (2024, Apr 18). Pechauer Cues releases the Champion Collection, an exclusive cue line for David Alcaide and April Larson. AzBilliards.com
- Cueman (2024, Apr 4). Dave and Brandon Jacoby induction into the International Cuemakers Hall of Fame. AzBilliards.com
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