What Pool Cue Do Most Pros Use?

When it comes to excelling in the world of professional billiards, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Among the various tools of the trade, the pool cue stands out as a critical component for any serious player. In this blog post, we delve into the question that many aspiring players and enthusiasts ask: What pool cue do most pros use?

The Significance of a Professional Pool Cue

Before diving into specific brands and models, it’s essential to understand why the pool cue is such a crucial element for professional players. A high-quality pool cue can enhance a player’s precision, control, and overall performance. It provides consistency in shots, allowing players to develop and maintain their skill levels.

Key Attributes of a Professional Pool Cue

• Balance and Weight: Many professionals prefer neutral or slightly rear-weighted cues within a 19 to 19.5-ounce weight range, as these settings often provide an optimal blend of control and power. However, individual preferences and shot mechanics heavily influence the choice of balance, and experimenting with various cues can help players find the ideal setup for their style
• Shaft Material: The material of the shaft can impact the cue’s performance. Most professional players today prefer shafts made from carbon fiber or hybrid materials over traditional high-quality maple. Carbon fiber shafts, like those from Predator and Cuetec, are favored for their low deflection and durable, low-maintenance design, making them ideal for precise, consistent play. Meanwhile, hybrid shafts that integrate both carbon fiber and maple offer a compromise, delivering the accuracy of carbon with the familiar feedback and resonance of wood. While maple remains popular for its solid, responsive feel, carbon fiber and hybrid shafts are steadily gaining favor as they align more closely with the advanced performance needs of top players.
• Tip: The tip is the cue’s primary contact with the cue ball, making its quality essential. High-quality layered leather tips (such as Kamui or Tiger Everest) are favored for their grip and ability to hold chalk, providing optimal spin and control. Pros often select medium-hard tips for a balance between spin control and durability, as softer tips wear down faster while harder tips provide more power
• Joint: The joint connects the cue’s shaft to the butt. A well-crafted joint ensures a solid connection and minimal vibration, contributing to the overall feel of the cue.

Popular Pool Cue Brands Among Professionals

Several brands have established themselves as favorites among professional pool players. Here are some of the most renowned ones, arranged in alphabetical order:

Cuetec Cues

Cuetec Cues, established in 1989, is renowned for innovation in cue technology, particularly with its Cynergy carbon fiber shafts that offer low-deflection engineering to enhance precision and control. Cuetec's product lines include the AVID series, which uses glass composite materials to provide affordable, high-performance options favored by both professionals and amateurs. Leading players like Shane Van Boening, who joined Cuetec in 2009, endorse the brand with his signature Cynergy series, while two-time Mosconi Cup MVP (Most Valued Player) Skyler Woodward, who switched from Meucci to Cuetec in 2022, advocates for the AVID line’s value and playability. The SVB series, inspired by Van Boening, integrates his standards for control, reinforcing Cuetec’s reputation as a go-to choice for pros. Cuetec’s use of carbon fiber and glass composite construction provides durability and smooth strokes, making their cues popular in the professional circuit.

Joss Cues

Joss Cues are a respected choice among professional and amateur players alike. Founded by Dan Janes in 1968, Joss became particularly popular after their prominent appearance in The Color of Money, which helped showcase their quality and traditional design, and consistent playability. Each cue is meticulously crafted to provide a blend of power, control, and balance, making Joss cues highly reliable for precise shots. Notable players such as Ralf Souquet and LoreeJon Ogonowski-Brown have used Joss cues, appreciating the brand's attention to detail and commitment to quality. Unlike some brands that emphasize new technology, Joss stays true to classic cue-making principles, producing cues that are built to last and perform consistently. Their legacy in the cue industry reflects a dedication to excellence and a tradition respected across generations.

Lucasi Cues

Lucasi Cues, known for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative technology, are produced in the same factory as Predator cues, allowing them to share some advanced features like low-deflection shafts. This shared manufacturing approach enables Lucasi to incorporate Predator-inspired technology while maintaining a more affordable price point, making it popular among professional and amateur players alike. Notable players such as Thorsten Hohmann, a multi-time world champion, and Oscar Dominguez, known for his competitive ranking and contributions to the sport, have endorsed Lucasi cues. The collaboration with Dominguez on the Lucasi Professional Series further emphasizes Lucasi’s commitment to precision and high performance.

McDermott Cues

McDermott has secured brand ambassadors like Jonás Souto and Thomas Engert, who endorse McDermott cues for their quality and versatility. Souto, a global competitor, uses the G902 cue paired with the Defy carbon fiber shaft, showcasing McDermott's commitment to innovation by blending traditional craftsmanship with advanced materials. While McDermott cues are less common among top-tier professionals on the tournament circuit compared to brands with more extensive sponsorships, McDermott focuses its endorsements on promising players, particularly in junior and amateur leagues. This strategic sponsorship approach highlights McDermott’s dedication to nurturing upcoming talent while maintaining a reputation for high-quality, USA-made cues.

Meucci Cues

Meucci Cues, founded by Bob Meucci, is renowned for its distinct designs and innovations, such as the Pro Taper shaft, which has become a standard in the billiards industry. Bob Meucci led the brand until his retirement in 2021, shaping cues appreciated for their distinctive feel and cue ball control. While Meucci lacks the extensive sponsorship presence of brands like Predator and Cuetec, it promotes its low-deflection shafts as high-tech. However, some players view this claim as more marketing than groundbreaking innovation. Despite this, Meucci’s flashy designs and classic playability maintain its respect among both professionals, like Corey Deuel and Billy Thorpe, and amateur players alike​.

Pechauer Cues

Pechauer cues deliver remarkable craftsmanship and value, particularly at the $500 - $600 price range. Unlike many brands that offer limited inlays at this price point, Pechauer includes intricate, handcrafted inlay work in both the forearm and butt sleeve, often using exotic woods such as ebony, cocobolo, and birdseye maple. Their cues combine precision and aesthetic appeal, offering high-end designs at competitive prices typically found only in more expensive models from brands like Meucci and Schon. This makes Pechauer a top choice for players seeking advanced inlay details and quality materials without the premium price tag, establishing a strong price-to-value ratio in American-made cues.

Predator Cues

Predator Cues are highly regarded in the professional billiards community. Known for their innovative designs and use of advanced technology, Predator cues offer exceptional performance. The Predator 314, Z, and Revo shafts are particularly popular for their low deflection, allowing for more accurate shots. Notable players like Darren Appleton, John Morra, Eklent Kaçi, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Joshua Filler, and Albin Ouschan use Predator cues. Among the most notable USA players using Predator cues are Tyler Styer and Jennifer Barretta.

Schon Cues

Schon Cues are celebrated for their handcrafted quality and traditional feel, making them a popular choice among players who prioritize a solid, balanced hit. Manufactured in the USA, Schon cues, especially the STL series, are known for their durability and classic design. Though less commonly seen among top pros due to the rise of brands like Predator and Cuetec, Schons still have a loyal following, including notable users like Ronnie Wiseman. These cues resonate particularly well with seasoned players and enthusiasts who appreciate the precision and consistency offered by Schon's meticulous craftsmanship​.

Viking Cues

Viking Cues are widely respected in the billiards world, known for their meticulous craftsmanship and history dating back to the 1960s. They are especially appreciated for their durability and playability, appealing to both amateurs and professionals. Notable player Fedor Gorst, who joined Viking as a brand ambassador in 2023, plays with Viking equipment, including the Viking Ovation Series featuring his own co-branded cue and the Whyte Carbon shaft. Gorst’s achievements, such as winning the WPA World Nine-ball Championship in 2019 and 2024, and his use of Viking cues have elevated the brand's visibility on the professional stage.

Why Pros Choose These Brands

Professional players opt for these brands not just because of their reputation but also because of the specific features and benefits they offer. However, it’s important to note that sponsorship plays a significant role in their choice as well. Many pros use cues from brands that sponsor them, which helps promote those brands and support the players financially. For instance, players like Billy Thorpe and Corey Deuel have switched to Meucci due to sponsorship deals, but they also genuinely appreciate the performance of the cues. Most pro players can acclimate to a cue brand with consistent practice and their high skill level.

• Consistency: These cues provide consistent performance, which is crucial for maintaining high skill levels.
• Customization: Many of these brands offer customizable options, allowing players to tailor their cues to their exact preferences.
• Innovation: Brands like Predator lead the way in cue technology, offering advancements that enhance the playing experience.
• Craftsmanship: The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship ensure that these cues are durable and reliable.

Conclusion

While there is no single “best” pool cue for all professional players, brands like Cuetec, Joss, Lucasi, McDermott, Meucci, Pechauer, Predator, Schon, and Viking are frequently chosen by the pros for their exceptional quality and performance. With the advancement of materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber, the options available to professional players have broadened, allowing for even more customization to match their playing style. If you aspire to play like the pros, investing in a high-quality cue from one of these renowned brands could be a great start.

For more insights and tips on choosing the right pool cue, feel free to explore our website and find the perfect fit for your game.