FCI Billiards carries pool cues from today's top brands, from entry-level maple playing cues under $100 to high-end custom builds from Viking, McDermott, and Pechauer. Whether you're stepping up from a house cue for the first time or looking for a specific brand and series, we have the expertise to help you find the right fit. Browse by brand below or use the guide on this page to narrow down what you're actually looking for.
How to Choose the Right Pool Cue
A pool cue is personal equipment. The right one depends on how you play, where you play, and what you need from it. Here are the factors that actually matter:
1
Budget
Your budget and how seriously you play usually go hand in hand. A casual player or beginner can find a solid, well-built cue for around $100 - $200 from brands like Action, Valhalla, or McDermott Lucky. League players and competitive players typically move into the $250 to $500 range with brands like Lucasi, Cuetec, or Viking. High-end custom cues from McDermott, Predator, Jacoby, or Pechauer run from several hundred dollars upward.
2
Length and Weight
Standard pool cues are 58 inches long and suit most adults. Taller players sometimes prefer a 59-inch cue, and shorter players or kids should look at cues between 48 and 52 inches. Weight typically ranges from 18 to 21 ounces, with 19 ounces being the most common starting point. Most players develop a preference over time, so if you're just starting out, 19 ounces is a safe default.
3
Shaft Material
Most cues use hard rock maple shafts, which are the industry standard for a reason. They're straight, dense, and consistent. Carbon fiber shafts, available from brands like Whyte Carbon, Cuetec Cynergy, and Bull Carbon, offer lower deflection and warp resistance at a higher price point. Laminated and Kiel wood shafts from brands like Predator and Pechauer split the difference with improved performance over standard maple.
4
Tip Size and Hardness
A larger tip diameter gives you more margin on contact and is a better starting point for beginners. A smaller tip gives advanced players more precision for applying English. Tip hardness affects feel: soft tips grip the cue ball longer for more spin, while hard tips give a crisper, more direct hit. Medium hardness is the most practical tip density, they have a good feel and require less maintenance. Browse our cue tip selection if you ever need a replacement.
5
Wrap Style
The wrap is where your back hand grips the cue. Irish linen is the most common, providing a slightly textured, breathable feel. Leather wraps are tackier and suit players who want a firmer grip. No-wrap cues give you direct contact with the maple for maximum feedback. This is largely personal preference, and there's no wrong answer.
Shop Pool Cues by Brand
Here's a quick breakdown of some of the more popular brands we carry and who each one suits:
Predator+
Predator is one of the most technologically advanced cue brand we carry. Known for the 314 wood shaft and the REVO carbon fiber shaft, Predator cues are engineered to reduce deflection and improve cue ball control. FCI Billiards has been an authorized Predator dealer since 1999. Best for intermediate to advanced players who want measurable performance technology.
McDermott+
McDermott has been handcrafting cues in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin since 1975. Known for premium woods, intricate inlays, and a lifetime warranty. The
Lucky series is the entry point, while the G-Series covers the mid to high range. Best for players who want American craftsmanship and strong warranty coverage.
Viking+
Viking has been building cues in the USA since 1965. Every cue goes through a 27-step finishing process and ships with a 100% lifetime warranty. The
Valhalla series offers Viking quality at a more accessible price. Best for players who want proven American manufacturing and a strong warranty at any budget level.
Cuetec+
Cuetec makes two distinct shaft technologies: the glass-bonded Avid shaft and the full carbon fiber Cynergy shaft. Both are warp-resistant and low maintenance. FCI Billiards has been an authorized Cuetec dealer for over 20 years. Best for players who want low-maintenance shaft technology without the full price of a premium wood cue.
Lucasi+
Lucasi cues are built around the Uni-Loc joint, low-deflection shafts, and North American Hard Rock Maple. The
Hybrid series offers ergonomic grips and zero flex point shafts, while the
Pinnacle series uses aerospace-grade carbon fiber. Best for players who want proven joint technology and low-deflection performance at a mid-range price.
Jacoby+
Jacoby has been handcrafting cues in Nekoosa, Wisconsin since 1982. Known for laminated low-deflection shafts, exotic wood inlays, and a high level of customization. Best for serious and competitive players who want a premium American-made cue with measurable performance advantages over standard maple.
Pechauer+
Pechauer has been building cues in Green Bay, Wisconsin for over 50 years. Known for patented low-deflection shafts, no-buzz construction, and a high degree of customization. Used by competitive players at the professional level. Best for serious players who want a precision-built American cue with a strong competitive following.
Action+
Action cues are the most popular entry-level option we carry, trusted by over 400,000 league players worldwide. Hard rock maple shafts, reliable construction, and a one-year warranty at an accessible price point. Best for beginners, casual players, and anyone who wants a dependable everyday cue without a significant investment.
Meucci+
Meucci has been building cues in Byhalia, Mississippi since 1975. Known for Power Piston construction, proprietary polycarbonate ferrules, and detailed inlay work across a wide range of models. Best for players who want American-made performance with strong visual character at a mid-range price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Cues
Common questions answered below. Feel free to contact us if you need anything else.
How long is a standard pool cue?+
Standard pool cues are 58 inches and suit most adults from around 5-foot-7 to 6-foot-5. Taller players sometimes prefer 59-inch cues, while shorter players and kids should look at cues between 48 and 52 inches. Browse our
junior cue selection for younger players.
How much does a pool cue weigh?+
Most pool cues range from 18 to 21 ounces, with 19 ounces being the most common starting point. Weight affects how the cue feels during the stroke and how much power you generate naturally. If you're unsure, start at 19 ounces and adjust from there as you develop your stroke.
Should I get a one-piece or two-piece cue?+
If you play at home on your own table, a one-piece cue is fine. If you travel to leagues, pool halls, or tournaments, a two-piece cue is the practical choice since it fits in a
cue case and is much easier to transport without damage. All quality cues in our lineup are two-piece.
What is cue ball deflection and why does it matter?+
Deflection, sometimes called squirt, is what happens when you apply side spin and the cue ball travels slightly off your intended aim line. Every shaft has some degree of deflection. Low-deflection shafts, found on carbon fiber and engineered wood shafts from brands like Predator, Cuetec, and Jacoby, reduce this effect so your aim translates more accurately to the shot. It's one of the most meaningful performance upgrades you can make as a player.
Do I need a separate break cue?+
Not when you're starting out, but it's worth considering once you play regularly. Breaking puts significantly more stress on a cue tip and shaft than regular play, and using a dedicated break cue protects your playing cue from that wear. Browse our
break cue selection when you're ready to make that upgrade.
How do I maintain a pool cue?+
Wipe the shaft down after each session with a clean, dry cloth to remove chalk and oils. Store the cue in a
cue case and keep it away from extreme heat or humidity. Check the tip regularly and replace it when it starts to mushroom or wear flat. Browse our
cue maintenance products for everything you need.
Shop Pool Cues at FCI Billiards
Free shipping on orders over $50 and a 30-day return policy on everything we sell. Not sure where to start? We have decades of experience helping pool players find exactly what they need and are happy to help!
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Predator Cues
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