Have a pool table at home or thinking of starting to play regularly? Getting the right cue is essential. But not just any cue will do. You’ll want one that performs well, lasts long, and looks decent. The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to get a great cue. Budget cues offer incredible value for your money. The key is to sift through the low-quality options, and luckily, we’ve done that for you. We’ve also put together a short guide to help you navigate your options.
Featured Products
- Best Overall: CUESOUL Kit-Rockin Series Pool Cue
- Budget Option: Viper Commercial/House Pool Cue
- Most Stylish: AB Earth Pool Cue
About PingPongRuler
While our primary passion is ping pong, we at PingPongRuler are sports enthusiasts. The thrill of sports drives us, and we love studying how to improve and what equipment can aid in this process. That’s why, alongside our technique guides, we review sporting equipment. We strive to identify the best products in the market while providing clear explanations of why they might or might not be the right choices for you. After all, very few products are perfect!
How Do Budget Pool Cues Compare With Expensive Models?
Contrary to popular belief, budget pool cues are often of decent quality. They are built to high standards but cut costs where possible, such as using lower quality materials or excluding accessories. However, the best budget pool cues still perform admirably, especially for beginners or intermediate players. In fact, they often offer better value than more expensive premium cues and serve as the perfect starting point for playing pool. As you become more passionate and skilled at the game, upgrading to a premium cue becomes worthwhile.
Best Pool Cues for the Money
CUESOUL Kit-Rockin Series Pool Cue — Best Overall
Specifications:
- Length: 57”
- Weight: 19-21 oz
- Type: Two-piece
Pros:
- Made from North Canadian Hard Maple wood
- Features stainless steel joint
- 13mm leather tip
- Irish linen wrap
- Multiple colors and weights available
- Includes extras
Cons:
- The design may not appeal to everyone
Rating: 9.5
The CUESOUL pool cue may be the priciest option on our list, but it more than justifies its higher price tag (though it’s still quite affordable). This 57″ cue comes in weights ranging from 19 oz to 21 oz, with customizable colors for each weight. Made from North Canadian Hard Maple Wood, it offers high quality and durability. The stainless steel joint ensures a straight cue, and the leather tip measures 13 mm, as expected. The only drawback is its appearance, with skull artwork and “ROCK THE WORLD” text, which may not be to everyone’s taste. However, performance outweighs looks.
AB Earth Pool Cue — Most Stylish
Specifications:
- Length: 58”
- Weight: 18-21 oz
- Type: Two-piece
Pros:
- Made from Canadian Hard Maple wood
- Ergonomic wavy grip
- Stunning design
- Multiple colors and weights available
Cons:
- The tip is not very resilient
Rating: 9.3
When it comes to style, the AB Earth pool cue reigns supreme. Inspired by outer space, its design is painstakingly hand-painted with shiny oil paints, ensuring a unique look that stands out from the rest. The wavy ergonomic grip provides a firm hold, unlike traditional straight-butt cues. Made from Canadian Hard Maple Wood, this cue is built to last. The medium deflection shaft suits players of intermediate ability. The only drawback is the tip, which, although made of leather and measuring 13 mm, may require earlier replacement.
Viper Commercial/House Pool Cue — Budget Choice
Specifications:
- Length: 36”, 48”, 57”
- Weight: 18-21 oz
- Type: One-piece
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Made from Canadian Hard Maple wood
- 13 mm Le Pro leather tip
- Classic look
- Multiple lengths and weights available
Cons:
- No color options
- 90-day warranty
Rating: 9.1
The Viper Commercial cue offers unbeatable value for money. It’s hard to fathom how Viper manages to sell such a high-quality cue at such a low price. They don’t compromise on quality in any aspect. The only cost-cutting measure is making it a one-piece cue instead of a two-piece, eliminating the need for an expensive joint. The cue is made from Canadian Hard Maple wood and coated with nine layers of varnish to prevent warping and maintain its classic look. Customization options include different lengths and weights between 18 oz and 21 oz. The 36″ version, known as the Shorty, is especially suitable for small rooms with limited space.
East Eagle Pool Cues
Specifications:
- Length: 36”, 48”, 58”
- Weight: 19 oz
- Type: Two-piece
Pros:
- Unbeatable price
- Features stainless steel joint
- Made from Hard Maple wood
- 100% satisfaction policy
- Classic look
- Multiple lengths available
Cons:
- No color options
- No weight options
- Quality control is not the best
Rating: 8.8
While East Eagle pool cues may not be of the highest quality, they offer unbeatable affordability. They cost only slightly more than the Viper Commercial/House cue but are sold in sets of two instead of as singles. Sporting a classic look, they are made from 100% Hard Maple wood, an impressive feature considering the price. These two-piece cues are easy to store and carry. They are available in smaller 36” and 48” sizes, making them ideal for kids and compact game rooms. However, they lack customization options for weight and suffer from inconsistent quality control. Nevertheless, they remain one of the best pool cues for tight budgets, with a 100% satisfaction policy for peace of mind.
Pathline Pool Cue
Specifications:
- Length: 58”
- Weight: 18-21 oz
- Type: Two-piece
Pros:
- Made from Hard Maple wood
- Features stainless steel joint
- Fancy design
- Premium laminated tip
- Enhanced fiber ferrule
- Multiple weights and colors available
Cons:
- Sometimes missing varnish
Rating: 8.7
The Pathline cue offers exceptional value as one of the best pool cues under $40. Made from Hard Maple wood like the others, it features a fancy design available in six colors. The tip is of premium quality, with two layers of treated pig skins for enhanced durability and resistance against mushrooming. The fiber ferrule is also reinforced to withstand powerful impacts. However, quality control can be an issue, as some cues may arrive without proper varnishing. Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence, and returns or refunds are available for affected buyers. Despite this minor flaw, the Pathline cue is an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Budget Pool Cue Buyer’s Guide
Price
When it comes to budget cues, getting the most value for your money is crucial. While they may not perform at the same level as top-of-the-line models, budget options can still provide great performance. It’s important to set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. All the pool cues on our list are priced at $75 or less, making them some of the best options in terms of affordability and quality.
Length
Budget pool cues typically come in standard lengths of 57″ or 58″. However, some cues offer shorter sizes, which are ideal for kids or adults of shorter stature. They are also more maneuverable in small spaces.
Weight
Similar to pricier cues, the best budget pool cues often come in different weights, although weight adjustability is less common in budget models. Most budget cues have a fixed weight in the bumper, unlike more expensive cues that allow for weight adjustments.
Conclusion
Budget pool cues are often of higher quality than you might expect. They offer excellent value for those on a tight budget. After thorough research, we have found several impressive pool cues that outshine the competition. The CUESOUL Kit-Rockin Series Pool Cue deserves the top spot as the best pool cue for the money in 2023, despite its skull design. Alternatively, if appearance is your priority, the AB Earth Pool Cue stands out with its exquisite hand-painted outer space-inspired design and excellent performance.
FAQs
Should I Buy a One-Piece or Two-Piece Cue?
The choice between a one-piece and a two-piece cue depends on your specific needs. Two-piece cues have the advantage of being detachable and more portable, making them a great choice for competitive players. However, one-piece cues can be cheaper, and some players prefer the feel of a solid, one-piece cue.
When Is a Proper Time to Change a Pool Cue Tip?
On average, pool cue tips last between 6 and 12 months with regular play several times a week. It’s time to replace the tip when it wears down to within 1 mm of the ferrule or when you experience difficulty producing spin or notice mushrooming (bulging at the sides).
How Can I Replace the Ferrule?
Replacing the ferrule on a pool cue can be challenging, and it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. However, for budget cues, it may be worth attempting the replacement yourself. Start by removing the old ferrule, which can be difficult. Use pliers to wiggle it loose, or consider using a lathe if necessary. Once removed, lightly sand the cue’s edge to remove old glue residue while preserving the wood. Super glue the new ferrule to the cue, ensuring it has the same diameter as the old one. Sand off any excess glue after it dries.
What Is the Best Low Deflection Cue Under $300?
In our opinion, the Players HXT15 is the best low deflection cue priced under $300. It is an excellent choice for more skilled players looking for enhanced performance.
