What weight pool cue should I choose?

Most players find 19-20 oz ideal for all-around play. Heavier cues (20-21 oz) provide more power for breaking, while lighter cues (18-19 oz) offer more finesse and control. Beginners should start with 19-20 oz as it provides good balance between power and accuracy.

What is low deflection in pool cues and is it worth it?

Low deflection (LD) refers to how much the cue ball squirts sideways when you apply english (sidespin). LD shafts have reduced tip-end mass, causing less cue ball deflection and making aiming more intuitive. They are worth it for players who use a lot of english or are struggling with accuracy on spin shots.

How much should I spend on my first quality pool cue?

For your first quality cue, $150-300 provides excellent options that will last years and support your development. Cues in this range feature straight maple shafts, quality tips, and reliable construction from brands like Action, Athena, and entry-level McDermott.

What tip size is best - 11mm, 12mm, or 13mm?

Standard tips are 12.75-13mm, which are forgiving and great for beginners. Smaller tips (11-12mm) allow more precise cue ball contact and spin generation but require more accuracy. For general play and learning fundamentals, stick with 12.75-13mm until you develop preferences through experience.

Carbon fiber shaft vs wood - which is better?

Carbon fiber shafts never warp, provide consistent hit regardless of humidity, and offer maximum low-deflection. Wood shafts provide traditional feel and feedback many players prefer. Carbon fiber typically costs $500-1500 for the shaft alone. For most recreational players, quality wood shafts perform excellently.

What brands make the best pool cues?

Premium American brands include Predator (low-deflection technology leader), McDermott (Wisconsin craftsmanship, lifetime warranty), and Jacoby (handcrafted customs). Mid-range value leaders include Cuetec, Viking, and Lucasi. Budget-friendly options from Action and Players serve recreational players well.

How do I know if a pool cue shaft is warped?

Roll the cue on a pool table or flat surface - a straight shaft rolls smoothly while a warped one wobbles. Also sight down the shaft like a rifle, rotating it to check for curves. To prevent warping: store cues vertically in a case, avoid car trunks and temperature extremes, and never lean cues against walls.

Do I need separate break and playing cues?

For serious players, yes. Break shots stress equipment significantly - the repeated hard impacts can damage playing cue tips, joints, and even warp shafts over time. Dedicated break cues feature reinforced construction, phenolic tips, and heavier weight optimized for powerful breaks.

What is the difference between 1-piece and 2-piece cues?

Two-piece cues disconnect at the joint (mid-cue) for easy transport and storage in cases. One-piece cues do not come apart. Two-piece is standard for serious players - the joint does not affect playability when properly manufactured. One-piece cues are typically inexpensive house cues.

How often should I replace my cue tip?

Replace tips when they are worn down to 1/8 inch height, become mushroomed (wider than ferrule), harden significantly, or will not hold chalk properly. Typical replacement frequency is every 6-12 months for regular players. Proper tip maintenance (shaping, scuffing, chalking correctly) extends tip life significantly.

3 Best McDermott Pool Cues You Can Buy at Quarter King Billiards

April 4, 2026

By Corey Bernstein | Published April 4, 2026 | Updated April 6, 2026

McDermott’s G-Series represents the heart of their lineup—where genuine craftsmanship meets accessible pricing. At Quarter King Billiards, three G-Series cues consistently stand out for their combination of performance, beauty, and value. Each features McDermott’s G-Core low-deflection shaft, exotic wood inlays, and the industry’s only unconditional lifetime warranty against warping.

1. McDermott GS02 Cue ($328.50)

The McDermott GS02 is one of our most popular mid-range cues—and it’s easy to see why. This cue strikes the perfect balance between visual elegance and playing performance at a price point that serious players can justify.

Design and Construction

The GS02 features a natural maple forearm with cocobolo diamond overlay points and turquoise, mother-of-pearl, and white dot inlays. The stain colors and wood grain make every GS02 slightly unique—you’re getting a cue with individual character, not a cookie-cutter copy. McDermott’s hand-applied finish provides a smooth, consistent feel from butt to joint.

G-Core Shaft Performance

Standard equipment on the GS02, the G-Core shaft uses a carbon fiber core surrounded by select maple. This construction reduces deflection significantly compared to solid maple shafts, giving you more accurate cut shots when applying english. The 13mm tip diameter provides a forgiving sweet spot—ideal for players developing their stroke.

Who Should Buy the GS02

The GS02 is perfect for intermediate players upgrading from a starter cue, or experienced players who want reliable backup equipment. It’s also excellent for league players who need a durable, attractive cue that can handle three nights a week of competition. At $328.50, it outperforms many cues costing twice as much.

2. McDermott GS05 Cue ($328.50)

The McDermott GS05 shares the GS02’s construction quality and G-Core shaft but offers a distinctly different aesthetic. Where the GS02 leans traditional, the GS05 brings a bolder visual statement.

Design Details

The GS05 features a darker stain with ebony and maple overlays, creating sharp contrast in the point work. Silver and pearl ring details add visual depth without being flashy. It’s a cue that looks serious on the table—communicating to opponents that you mean business before the first ball is struck.

Same Performance, Different Personality

Mechanically, the GS05 is identical to the GS02: same G-Core shaft, same joint system, same weight options (typically 18-21 oz). The choice between them comes down purely to which design speaks to you. McDermott builds both to the same exacting standards, so you’re not sacrificing performance for aesthetics.

Shaft Upgrade Path

Both the GS02 and GS05 accept McDermott’s premium i-Shaft upgrade. If you start with the G-Core and later want even lower deflection, you can purchase an i-Shaft separately and swap it in seconds. This modularity makes McDermott G-Series cues a smart long-term investment—your butt stays the same while your shaft technology evolves.

3. McDermott GS06 Cue ($328.50)

The McDermott GS06 completes our top three with yet another take on the G-Series formula. This model appeals to players who prefer clean lines with subtle complexity.

Aesthetic Appeal

The GS06 features premium wood combinations with refined point designs that showcase McDermott’s inlay craftsmanship. Every ring, point, and overlay is cut and fitted by hand in their Menomonee Falls facility. Under bright billiard room lighting, the wood grain depth and finish clarity become apparent—this isn’t a cue you mistake for a mass-produced import.

The G-Series Value Proposition

At $328.50, all three G-Series cues we’ve highlighted deliver:

G-Core low-deflection shaft (carbon fiber core)
Genuine exotic wood inlays (not decals or paint)
Unconditional lifetime warranty against warping
American manufacturing from a 50-year-old company
3/8×10 joint compatible with i-Shaft upgrades
Intimidator i-2 multi-layered tip

Finding comparable construction, warranty, and performance from other manufacturers typically requires spending $400-600+.

Comparing the McDermott GS02, GS05, and GS06

Since performance is identical across these three models, here’s how to choose:

GS02 – Best for players who prefer natural maple tones with colorful accent inlays. Classic, warm aesthetic.
GS05 – Best for players who like darker stains with high-contrast point work. Bold, modern look.
GS06 – Best for players seeking refined elegance with subtle complexity. Clean, sophisticated design.

Our honest recommendation? Order the one that catches your eye. You can’t go wrong with any McDermott G-Series cue at this price point.

FAQ: McDermott G-Series Cues

What weight should I choose?

Most McDermott G-Series cues come in 19-21 oz options. For general play, 19-20 oz suits most players. Heavier weights (20.5-21) add power for break shots if you use your playing cue to break.

How does the G-Core compare to Predator’s 314 shaft?

Both are excellent low-deflection shafts. The 314 has slightly lower measured deflection, but the G-Core provides a more traditional “woody” hit feel that many players prefer. The G-Core also comes standard—Predator often charges extra for their premium shafts.

Can I use a McDermott shaft on a different brand’s cue?

Only if the other cue uses a 3/8×10 joint (common on many American cues). McDermott shafts won’t fit Uni-Loc (Predator) or other proprietary joints without adapters.

Shop McDermott at Quarter King Billiards

These three G-Series cues represent McDermott’s best value, but we carry their full lineup. Browse our complete McDermott collection, pair your new cue with a quality case, and check our guides on proper cue grip and choosing the right tip.

Questions about McDermott cues? Visit Quarter King Billiards in Wilmington, NC or shop online with free expert advice.

About Corey Bernstein

Corey Bernstein is a competitive pool player, billiards equipment specialist, and co-owner of Quarter King Billiards in Wilmington, North Carolina. With over a decade of experience in the sport, Corey has competed in regional APA and BCA sanctioned tournaments and maintains an intimate knowledge of cue construction, shaft technology, and table mechanics. As a certified dealer for brands including Predator, McDermott, Jacoby, Viking, Lucasi, Meucci, Joss, and Cuetec, Corey personally tests and evaluates every cue that comes through the shop. His hands-on approach to the business means he has racked thousands of hours behind the table — breaking in shafts, comparing tip compounds, and dialing in the nuances that separate a good cue from a great one. When he is not behind the counter or on the table, Corey is researching the latest advances in low-deflection technology, carbon fiber shaft construction, and cue ball physics. His articles on Quarter King Billiards combine real-world playing experience with deep product knowledge to help players at every level find the right equipment for their game.

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