Top Pool Cue Brands for Precision and Style

Selecting the perfect pool stick can significantly enhance your game experience, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With countless brands available, each offering unique features and designs, finding the right cue can seem overwhelming. From the precision engineering of Predator cues to the timeless elegance of McDermott, there’s a brand to suit every play style and preference. Explore our curated list of the best pool stick brands below to find the perfect match for your playing needs.

Illustration of pool sticks

Best brands of pool sticks in 2025

Predator

Predator Cues is renowned as one of the top producers of high-performance pool sticks, with more than half of the top 20 ranked professional pool players worldwide using their cues. Known for their low-deflection technology, Predator cues are beneficial for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. The brand offers a range of cues, including the REVO and Z-3 series, which are highly prized for their precision and performance. Predator cues are priced competitively, with models ranging from around $1,399 to $2,229. The brand's global presence and strong market position are driven by its commitment to quality and innovation.

McDermott

McDermott is a renowned brand in the pool cues market, celebrated for its high-quality, handcrafted cues that cater to both professional players and enthusiasts. Founded in 1968, McDermott has established a strong global presence, selling its products in 65 countries, with exports accounting for about 20% of its sales. The company has seen double-digit sales increases over the past three years and offers a range of cues, from the premium McDermott line priced between $200 and $4,000, to the more affordable Star and Lucky lines, which retail between $59 and $160. McDermott's commitment to quality and detailed craftsmanship, such as the 170 hand inlays on its $4,000 cues, has helped it maintain a strong market share. With around 50 employees, McDermott continues to innovate and expand its market reach through aggressive online marketing and new product designs. For more information about their extensive range of products, visit the McDermott website.

Viking

Viking brand is renowned as one of the top producers of pool sticks, known for its high-quality and durable products. The company has been a staple in the billiards industry, with a market presence that contributes significantly to the global pool cues market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2022 to 2029. Viking cues are favored by both amateur and professional players, with the global pool cues market anticipated to see increased sales driven by the rising popularity of billiards and snooker as recreational sports. The brand's commitment to excellence is reflected in its market share, with key players like Viking, Predator Cues, and McDermott Cues leading the highly competitive pool cues market. Viking's products are available through various distribution channels, including offline and online platforms, catering to a wide range of customers.

Meucci

Meucci Cues is renowned as one of the top producers of pool cues, known for their high-quality and performance-driven products. Since the early days of the Meucci Originals, Bob Meucci has been innovating in the custom pool cue market with classic designs, such as the Gambler and Hall of Fame series, which continue to be improved with modern technologies. Meucci cues are favored by loyal players who value the low deflection and smooth hit provided by the Meucci Pro shafts. The brand's products are available through authorized dealers like PoolDawg, offering free ground shipping in the lower 48 United States. Meucci Cues are a staple in the global pool cues market, competing alongside other major brands like McDermott and Predator.

Lucasi

Lucasi Cues is renowned for its superior workmanship and high-quality pool cues, offering an impressive range that includes both custom and hybrid models. The hybrid series, in particular, is packed with the latest technology, with prices starting at around $600 and going up to $1,300. Though Lucasi cues are manufactured in China, they are owned by Q and Cues, a large American wholesale distributor. These cues come with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects and warpage, providing consumers with long-term reliability. With weight options ranging from 18 to 21 ounces in half-ounce increments, Lucasi caters to a wide range of players. For more details, visit their official website.

Schon

Schon Custom Cues is renowned for its precision and craftsmanship, having been a leading producer of high-quality pool cues since 1981. Known for using exotic hardwoods like tulip wood, bloodwood, and ebony, Schon cues are celebrated for their beauty, accuracy, and traditional designs. As one of the oldest custom cue makers, Schon maintains a small but dedicated team of full-time craftsmen, ensuring each cue is personally designed, finished, and tested. Schon cues are part of a highly competitive market, alongside brands like Predator Cues and McDermott Cues, and are appreciated for their classic aesthetics combined with modern performance. With a focus on handcrafting rather than mass production, Schon continues to excel in the pool cues market.

J. Pechauer

J. Pechauer is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship in producing high-quality pool cues, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company is committed to precision and elegance, utilizing clear hard-rock curly/bird's eye maple and exotic woods. Each cue undergoes a meticulous process, including hand selection and processing of wood, and is finished with eight coats of hand-sprayed finish. Pechauer cues are 100% made in the USA, ensuring stringent quality control and supporting local economies. The brand offers a lifetime warranty against warping and defects, reflecting their confidence in their products.

Balabushka

George Balabushka, often referred to as "the Stradivarius of cuemakers," is renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship in pool cues, producing approximately 1,200 handcrafted cues during his 16-year career from 1959 to 1975. His cues are highly valued for their playing ability and fine craftsmanship, featuring signature elements like Irish linen wraps, stainless steel joints, and the distinctive "Bushka rings." Despite his passing in 1975, the Balabushka brand continues to be in high demand, with replicas introduced in the 1980s that maintain his original design and material philosophy. These cues are characterized by their use of straight-grained maple forearms and meticulous attention to detail, making them a favorite among players and collectors. The Balabushka Cue Company, in collaboration with the Balabushka family and skilled manufacturers, ensures that each cue meets the high standards set by George Balabushka. To explore more about these exceptional cues, visit the Balabushka Cue Company's website.

OB Cues

OB Cues is a renowned brand in the pool cue industry, founded in 2005 by Don Owen and Royce Bunnell in Texas, USA. Known for their innovative low-deflection shafts, OB Cues have set new standards in accuracy, consistency, and spin. The company has continuously improved its production methods and materials, ensuring top-quality products that have contributed to their growing demand. Despite changes over the years, including the addition of Shane Sinnott to the team in 2012, OB Cues remains committed to maintaining high quality and performance in their cues. Their products are proudly made in America by a dedicated team, reflecting their commitment to excellence. For more insights, you can read a message from OB Cues.

Jacoby

Jacoby Custom Cues, established in 1982, is renowned for producing high-quality, custom-made pool cues in the USA, with the capability to manufacture up to 1,000 cues annually. Located in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, the company emphasizes enhancing the quality and performance of their cues rather than increasing production volume. Jacoby cues are crafted from the finest hardwoods and choicest materials, ensuring durability and precision. Despite not having a strong resale market, Jacoby cues are valued for their craftsmanship and performance. The company's commitment to quality has earned it a loyal customer base among pool enthusiasts.