Best Pool Cues for the Money [2024 Review]

Getting a new pool cue may be a thing that’s on top of your head right now. However, you don’t want to spend too much on it, especially if pool is just a hobby for you. We got you covered, we compiled some of the best pool cues for the money.  

Our Top Pool Cues for the Money Reviews

When looking for pool cues, most people will look for the most value for their money. Your average person wouldn’t want to spend too much for a pool cue. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you and narrowed down the choices. 

Here are some of the best pool cues for the money and we’ve categorized them based on what you may want to prefer. 

Players C-801 Classic Crimson Birds-Eye Maple

The Players C-801 Classic Crimson Birds-Eye Maple or also known as Players C-801 is a great pool cue worth the price. It’s highly popular among pool players because it has the same features as an expensive pool cue at a lower price.

This pool cue is a 2-piece pool cue that is 58 inches in length. It’s perfect for people of the average height. You have the option of choosing the weight from 18 – 21 ounces. 

The shaft consists of Hard Rock Maple with Pro Taper and has a 13 mm premium Le Professional Le Pro Tip. This tip holds its shape longer and allows for a more consistent play. 

The butt of the pool cue consists of birdseye maple and it feels durable and easy to handle. It comes wrapped with Irish linen. The Irish linen feels dry and easy to grip. 

You also get a stainless steel joint collar and stainless steel accents on the butt of the cue to add a bit of design to it. The stainless joint collar feels durable and will hold your 2-piece pool cue in place for assembly. 

If you’re looking for a pool cue that can compete with some of the expensive brands out there like Lucas and Meucci, then the Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple Pool Cue is an excellent choice. 

Product Highlights

• Excellent Le Pro tip
• High impact ferrule
• High resistance to warping
• Lifetime warranty

Viper Sinister 2-Piece Pool Cue

The Viper Sinister 2-Piece Pool Cue is among the best pool cues you can have for a reasonable price. It’s a 2-piece pool cue made from Canadian maple wood.

This pool cue is great for casual players who just want a great working pool cue. It has everything you need for playing a game of billiards without breaking your bank. 

These pool cues feature intricate acrylic inlays and points in perfect harmony. It’s finished off with 9 coats of varnish that prevents warpage. The design looks sleek and simple. It’s not too flashy to attract attention and not too shabby to be called a poorly designed pool cue. 

You also have several stainless steel rings along the forearm and sleeve to add to the design of this pool cue. 

It features lightweight stainless steel joints. It provides you with consistent feedback play and securing the pool cue tightly. 

The shaft of this pool cue feels durable and it feels smooth to your touch. It doesn’t feel uncomfortable on your bridge hand for a consistent feel and stroke. 

However, you might not like the fact that this pool cue is made in China. It still has great quality and durability.  

Overall, this is one solid pool cue to have if you don’t want to spend too much on a pool cue. 

Product Highlights

• Classic and traditional look
• 13 mm Le Pro leather tip for a solid hit
• Irish Linen wrap to keep the end cool and dry
• Built-in removable scuffer

Imperial Eliminator Pool House Cue

If you want an affordable pool cue and still get a great value for what you pay then the Imperial Eliminator Pool House Cue is an excellent choice. 

Imperial isn’t really well known for their pool cues, they’re famous for their pool accessories. However, the Imperial Eliminator Pool House Cue is an exception. It’s one of the best pool cues you can get for a low price. 

This pool cue consists of North American kiln-dried hard rock maple which is surprising for a low-priced pool cue. It’s durable enough to endure usage for a long time. You don’t usually see this quality in inexpensive pool cues which makes the Imperial Eliminator stand out. 

You can have a different option for this pool cue although they will vary in price (1-piece pool cues are rather cheaper). 

We recommend getting the 2-piece variant especially if you play outside a lot. 2-piece pool cues are a lot easier to transport and are less likely to get damaged during travel. 

The wood quality is great. If you plan to get this one, changing the tip with a better one will make this on par with some of the more expensive pool cues. 

Product Highlights

• Hard rock maple construction for a low-priced pool cue
• 1-piece and 2-piece options
• Different length options

Iszy Billiards 2-Piece Break Pool Cue

The Iszy Billiards 2-Piece Break Pool Cue is one of the best break pool cues you can have that’s worth the price. There are other better alternatives out there like the Rage Heavy Hitter pool cue, however, it’s more expensive than this one.

These pool cues are more suited for home use or small pool halls. We wouldn’t recommend using this one for competitions and tournaments. 

If we’re talking about breaking, then we need to talk about the tip and weight of the pool cue. These factors affect the ability of your pool cue for breaking. 

This model features a phenolic resin tip. It feels durable and solid. The tip is sufficiently textured to take a light coat of chalk. It can pack a decent power to it for breaking and won’t get easily damaged when used repeatedly for breaking. 

This pool cue weighs around 23.25 ounces which is ample enough for a break pool cue. However, some of the best break pool cues weigh around more than 25 ounces. So you shouldn’t expect too much from this pool cue. 

When it comes to breaking it hits solidly and you can feel the power. It’s an excellent deal if you’re using it for non-competitive play. 

Product Highlights

• Aluminum joints
• Good durability
• Steel joints for secure fit and control

Set of Aska 2-Piece Pool Cue Sticks

If you’re looking for a whole pool set then the Set of Aska 2-Piece Pool Cue Sticks is a great option. It has 5 different weights of pool cues and you can choose a set of 4 or 5 pool cues. So it’s great for having different weight options every time you play.

You don’t usually get a set of pool cues that contains different weight options. This set offers you the best flexibility and the option to pick whatever weight you want for your shots. It’s also great for playing with friends at your home pool table. 

Each pool cue consists of Canadian maple which has great durability and quality. The pool cues have great control and spin to them. You might even mistake them for more expensive pool cues given how much control you can get with them. 

Each of the pool cues has different colors so you can tell them apart and figure out the weight easily. You also get a black nylon wrap to keep your hands dry and to prevent moisture. The stainless steel joints keep the 2-piece pool cue secured.

Overall, if you’re looking to get 2 or more pool cues at a reasonable price then getting the set of Aska 2-piece pool cue sticks is a reasonable option. 

Product Highlights

• Different colors and weight
• Nylon wrap for comfort
• Stainless steel joint 

Tai ba cues 2-Piece Pool cue Stick

If you want to have a pool cue that comes in a hard case for carrying and transporting it, the Tai ba cues 2-Piece Pool cue Stick is a great pool cue to have. It comes along with a hard case and even joint protectors to keep your pool cues safe. 

Tai ba cues 2-Piece Pool cues consist of Canadian maple wood. This wood is durable and can last for a long time with proper care. These pool cues have a classy and elegant overlay with 9 layers of varnish to protect them from moisture and warping. 

It also has brass joints along with a leather wrap. The leather wrap helps wick away sweat on your palms as you hold the pool cue keeping you cool and dry. 

Most pool cues don’t have a hard case along with them when you buy them. This pool cue offers you that option and it saves you a lot of cash while you get to enjoy the perks of having a hard case. 

The hard case is made of leather so it has solid durability. It also looks sleek and nice to carry around with. It’s particularly useful if you play in pool halls and want to bring your own pool cue. You also get to use it for tournaments and competitions. 

Product Highlights

• Comes with a hard leather case
• It includes a tip pick, three-finger gloves, and a joint protectors
• Made with Canadian maple wood

Cuesoul SOOCOO Series Maple Pool Cue

The Cuesoul SOOCOO Series Maple Pool Cue is a great pool cue to have because it comes along with some useful pool accessories that increase its value. This pool cue is great for both home and outside use. You can even use this in competitions and you will do good.

The neckline of this pool cue consists of tempered steel so it is safely secured and the ends are durable. The rest of the pool cue consists of Canadian maple wood for durability and a smooth feel. 

The 2-piece pool cue is held together by a stainless steel collar and a stainless rocket pin. It fits tightly on the pool cue and doesn’t come loose easily. 

The kit contains:

• Crystal joint
• Shaft protector
• Cue towel

The crystal joint protector protects the stainless steel collar and stainless rocket pin. It’s particularly useful if you’re traveling or moving the 2-piece pool cue. Damaging the joints means you won’t have a well-functioning 2-piece pool cue so it’s important to keep them protected. 

Finally, you also get a towel to wipe off sweat and oil on your pool cue. The extra pool accessories you get aren’t common in other pool cue kit alternatives out there. In fact, this kit is geared for competitive play and on-the-move use. 

Product Highlights

• Contains useful pool accessories
• 7 layered leather tip for durability
• Stainless steel collar and stainless steel rocket pin for a tight fit

GSE Games & Sports Expert 2-Piece Pool Cue Stick

If you’re tired of using wood pool cues and want to check out how non-wood pool cues do, then the GSE Games & Sports Expert 2-Piece Pool Cue Stick is a great alternative made from high strength fiberglass and titanium composite. 

The material feels solid and even smooth. Although it’s not exactly how you would feel with a wood. However, it still feels alright to the touch and feels consistent when taking a shot. 

The fiberglass construction also makes this pool cue resistant to warping. You also get a multi-layered leather tip. The tip feels durable and the leather has a great feel to it. You don’t feel any discomfort when you hit the cue ball with it.

You also get a Veltex micro-fiber non-slip grip to keep your hands from slipping and for comfort. It’s adorned with a black colorway at the butt. 

Unlike other non-wood pool cues out there, this pool cue feels the closest to a wood pool cue. It has better than most non-wood pool cues and even performs better than some wood pool cues out there. 

Overall, it’s a great non-wood pool cue. You may not get used to using it at first. It feels more synthetic, however, you won’t notice any difference when you aim it and take a shot. 

Product Highlights

• Made with fiberglass and titanium composite
• 2-piece design for portability
• Various color options

Features to Consider for Pool Cues for the Money

If you’re looking to get the best pool cues worth your money, you should understand that some may not be excellent in everything. Remember you’re buying to get the most value for the money you pay.

You may find some pool cues are better at a specific area while doing poorly on the other. You should pick a pool cue that closely matches your needs while also giving you value for your money. 

That’s why we’ve listed down some of the features that you may want your pool cue to have and how you can get the most out of your money with them. 

Length

Length isn’t really affected by the value of your money. Most pool cues have an average length of around 57 to 59 inches. This is the typical length for people who fall in the average height range. 

You shouldn’t worry about the length too much if you’re not over 6’4 feet. A regular length pool cue should be enough for you. You should also consider getting a shorter length pool cue if you’re below the average height range.  

Tip

A common pool cue usually comes paired with a tip with an all-inclusive size of 11 to 14 mm. Thicker pool cue tips are more commonly used for jumping and breaking. They also tend to be a lot more durable.  

If you’re fairly new to pool, you should get a thicker and quality tip. Pool cue tips tend to be the first ones to get damaged on a pool cue. Don’t worry about it too much since you can easily replace them. 

You can even forego the tip and pick a pool cue for their other features. Just buy a better quality pool cue tip and replace the tip of the pool cue. Though you will have to spend more money doing it. 

You can also always have the best of both like the Players Classic Birds-Eye Maple Pool Cue with its Le Pro tip and excellent wood quality. 

Weight

The weight of the pool cue is something you should also factor for getting the most value for your money. It’s important that you pick the weight ideal for you. Otherwise, you will end up with a pool stick that feels off or uncomfortable to use. 

Heavier pool cues are more commonly used for jumping the cue ball or for breaking. We suggest getting a pool cue in between like 19 or 20 ounces to let familiarize yourself with the weight. You can even go for a heavier one. 

Most professional pool players use lighter pool cues because they prefer having more cue ball control and English. It’s still not a bad idea to get used to heavier pool cues if that’s what you’re comfortable with. 

In the end, it’s up to your preference on whether you should go for a heavier or lighter pool cue. The weight usually doesn’t affect the pricing of a pool cue and its value.

Material

It’s also important to consider what material should your pool cue use. It will predict how good it is on the pool table and how durable it will be. 

Most pool players will recommend you get a wood pool cue, more specifically a maple wood one. Maple wood gives you more value for your money than any other material used for making pool cues. 

Almost all pool cues that made it in our list are made from maple wood like the Viper Sinister and Imperial Eliminator. This speaks volumes on how maple wood is worth your money.  

Durability

If you’re looking to buy a pool cue that’s worth your money then of course you would want it durable. Like we said earlier, maple wood is a great durable material and also great for playing pool cue. 

If you get a maple wood pool cue, chances are you’re going to use it for a long time. Although you will occasionally replace the pool cue’s tip after long usage. 

You can check what other people think about durability through customer reviews and online reviews. Especially if you can’t hold and test the pool cue for yourself until buying. 

One-Piece or Two-Piece Pool Cue

One-piece and two-piece pool cue may feel the same, however, they both have different uses. Most pool players would want to get a 2-piece pool cue because of its easy storage and transport. 

One-piece pool cues are generally found in homes. They’re also often cheaper compared to 2-piece pool cues.

However, they can be hard to store. Because they can’t be broken down into smaller sticks, they tend to warp a lot, get broken, or get easily bent. 

If you want the best value for your money, then going for a two-piece pool cue is the optimal option. They’re a lot more durable and easy to carry around. It has a lot more advantages compared to a one-piece pool cue. 

That’s why all of the best pool cues for the money on this list are all 2-piece pool cues. They’re much more versatile and useful for an ordinary pool player. 

Straight Design

Oftentimes, beginner pool players often look for pool cues with an adjusted edge which they think is a great feature to have. In fact, some of the best pool cues for the money have a straight design. A straight pool cue design also allows you to easily identify if it is warped or not. 

Rolling your pool cue on the pool table should feel smooth and not rough when it lays flat on the floor or else it has a warped area in it. A straight design also offers better consistency for your pool cue. 

Wrap Material

The wrapping material is a tape made with different types of material depending on the pool cue mode. It’s found over the edge of the pool cue and makes a grasp to give you a better grip and handle. 

The best type of wrap is sleek and is neatly attached to the pool cue body. It should help you strike the cue ball well and with consistency. There are three common materials used for making the wrap of the pool cue.

Rubber

Rubber wraps are okay as long as you check if it’s resistant to oil and feels smooth enough to your hands. An oily wrap makes for a slippery grip which will harm your gameplay. It’s better if you go for a wrap combined with rubber and high-quality silicone for your pool cue. 

Irish Linen

For the best value for your money, you should go with an Irish Linen wrap. It will provide you with a smooth performance without making you feel uncomfortable. 

It also stays cold and dry consistently. Irish Linen wrap attaches to the pool cue really well too so you can have a long-lasting wrap. 

Leather

Leather is another alternative. However, they tend to be heavier and absorbs water instead of repelling it. So make sure it has a water-repellent coating if you plan to get one. Leather wraps are also usually more expensive which isn’t great for getting the best option for your money.

Most of the pool cues we mentioned above use Irish linen for their wrap. Although there are some leather ones too which are surprising and they’re not expensive too. 

Customization

If you want to get the best out of your money, then having a lot of different options should be beneficial for you. There are plenty of pool cues out there that offer a lot of customization. 

The common options and customization they can provide you involve the following:

• Color
• Weight
• Length
• One-piece or 2-piece option
• Adjustable weights

Having a lot of options allows you to really get the right specifications for the pool cue you want. Luckily some of the best pool cues for the money have a lot of options you can choose from. You can pick one which better suits you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

There are plenty of questions people ask about getting their money’s worth when buying a pool cue. Here are some of the most common ones. 

How Much Does a Good Pool Stick Cost?

It depends on your skill level. Pool cues usually cost more than $30. Starting out with a cheap pool cue isn’t a bad idea. In fact, there are some great cheap pool cues out there and they’re great for beginners. 

The most important thing for a pool cue is the material used for making it. It should be durable to endure multiple uses. It also has to be smooth and sleek for consistency on the pool table. 

Are Expensive Cues Worth It?

This is often what most people ask themselves when they’re trying to find a pool cue worth their money. If you’re just doing playing pool for fun, then getting an expensive pool cue isn’t worth it. 

There are some mid-level pool cues that are great even after years of play and only need tip replacement. It’s all about properly taking care of your pool cue to prevent warping and breaking. 

Expensive pool cues are only worth it if you’re participating in high-stakes tournaments and you want the best out of your pool cues. Some even use customized ones so that the pool cue matches their needs. 

What Pool Cues do the Pros Use?

It depends on a wide variety of factors. Some professional pool players sign contracts to pool cue manufacturers for advertisement. They even allow the professional pool players to customize the pool cue to match their preference. 

The usual pool cue brands you see in high level competitive pool are the following:

• McDermott
• Lucasi
• Predator
• Meucci
• Viking
• Balabushka
• Mezz

There are even other brands that aren’t well-known that pro pool players use. Some pool players like to use their old pool cues for luck and because they’re so well attuned to it like Efren Reyes. 

Conclusion

Picking a pool cue that’s worth your money is a great idea for amateur pool players. You don’t necessarily need to have the most expensive pool cue to have fun playing. Some of the pool cues on this list can even go on par with some of the expensive ones.