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.

Aramith CBCGR Valley Cougar Magnetic Cue Ball

Cue Balls

Aramith CBCGR Valley Cougar Duramtih Magnetic

Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 33 customer ratings

(33 customer reviews)

$49.95

Aramith CBCGR Valley Cougar Duramtih Magnetic. Premium billiard balls with consistent weight and roundness. Designed for accurate play.

Availability: 10 in stock

SKU: CBCGR Category: Cue Balls Brand: Aramith

Aramith Valley cue ball with Purple Cougar

This Cougar Magnetic Cue Ball is the same as the Aramith Duramith magnetic cue ball but features the Valley Cougar logo on one side of the cue ball with the Aramith logo on the other.
Duramith resin allows for 5x lifespan of the balls and easier to clean with less chalk marks
Size: 2 1/4″
6oz

Weight	0.35 lbs
Dimensions	5 × 5 × 4.5 in
Made in	Belgium
Size	2.25"

33 reviews for Aramith CBCGR Valley Cougar Duramtih Magnetic

Rated 5 out of 5

Ann B. – January 5, 2020

superb cue ball

the pool cue ball worked excellent
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim P. – January 14, 2020

Super and fast

From my perspective, could not believe I could order receive speedy without even leaving my straightforward chair!
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan S. – September 20, 2020

Amazon can’t do it better

ordered a set of balls and one ofnthe balls had a defect in it. I called and was talking to a person in under a minute. They sent me out a replacement ball fornmybset. Had it in 2 days. Effectively done PoolDawg!
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa B. – December 27, 2020

Valley cue

extremely responsive
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew S. – January 27, 2021

Fantastic ball. Holding up effectively

Amazing ball. Holding up effectively during league play
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave F. – October 6, 2021

Pool Supies

I ordered a few items a and was totally impressed with the speedy, efficient and professional service and swift delivery at a fair cost. I will certainly keep them on speed dial for future needs
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey N. – December 24, 2021

Great cue ball !!!

To be frank, premier magnetic pool cue ball available, great action !!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris G. – March 2, 2022

Just what I needed it to be

Operates fantastic for replacing the old bar box cue balls that hate to accept English. These balls just work. Fantastic purchase
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam D. – March 13, 2022

Magnetic Ball is Perfect

Rebuilding a Valley 7′ table, ball operates wonderful
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike L. – October 19, 2022

Flawless

From my perspective, perfectly what I wanted and fast shipping
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate A. – October 21, 2022

Outstanding Stick Ball

great ball but the kamui chalk stains it pretty bad and I haven’t found a product to get those chalk marks off
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth B. – October 22, 2022

Valley Cougar Magnetic Cue Ball

I like the Valley Cougar Magnetic Cue Ball I purchased. They don’t scuff up like other cue balls. They clean easily.
Rated 5 out of 5

Ann W. – November 16, 2022

It’s a great pool cue ball.

It’s a excellent cue stick ball. I love the reaction one gets with it.
Rated 4 out of 5

Mike C. – January 20, 2023

Everything went nicely

Everything went nicely
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey F. – January 25, 2023

Excellent service and products

Count on pooldawg to fulfill all your pool needs! Excellent company with excellent service. Has become our go to for anything pool!
Rated 5 out of 5

John P. – March 30, 2023

Goes excellent with my valley

Goes great with my valley pool table.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick K. – April 13, 2023

A must have in the

A must have in the Valley League or any league for that matter. High build quality with good results.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy M. – April 24, 2023

Cue Ball

Am impressed by it. This stick ball returns to cue stick ball area. Extremely good action when applying English.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave J. – May 12, 2023

Coin Operated cougar pool tables

Operates great. T-ball goes into the return the back of the table and you don’t lose it on cougar tables, way better than Haas Cuba.!
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen M. – November 26, 2023

Valley Cougar Magnetic Pool cue Ball

Honestly, this is probably the best stick ball that I have used. Started playing APA League 10 years ago. After a 30 year layoff from pool because of my job and family. Love playing pool my family has joined me playing league and we all use this cue ball. Thank you for a great pool cue ball. Pop
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick M. – January 7, 2024

Magnetic Pool cue Ball

I’m very delighted with the pool cue ball.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate S. – February 2, 2024

Flawless

A lot of bars have crappy cue balls so I started bringing my measles ball with me when I go out to play. But I got tired of always having to get the table key when someone scratched. Bought this hoping it worked with the magnetic return and played nicely. It does everything I need. Also I kind of like the bright white shade vs the slightly yellow shade of the measles.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue J. – March 8, 2024

ball resolved my issue

From my perspective, my cue ball kept dropping into slot with the other balls. purchased new cue ball and now ball falls into the correct pocket. What I found odd is that the ball did not have the cougar logo but a normal elliptical logo. Did you guys ship the wrong brand?
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen A. – April 11, 2024

Would definitely buy again

Fantastic product! It takes English wonderfully and returns to the cue stick ball return every time! And what can i say, the cugar emblem is just cool!
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve D. – April 23, 2024

solid

fine
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue D. – May 10, 2024

Performs great on my Valley

works great on my Valley table but does have chalk marks No complaints.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan R. – May 16, 2024

Solid balls!

Operates excellent in a valley cougar table. Play well.
Rated 5 out of 5

John R. – December 16, 2024

Great cue ball

The Valley Cougar stick ball works with all the Valley tables that I’ve tried when we play APA league. It plays great and I am thrilled with the Cougar logo, it’s a pleasant touch.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew J. – February 21, 2025

Valley Cougar Aramith

I must admit, these are an Aramith purple as probably described. Old one that is on the home table has a couple small nicks. I typically carry one or two cues balls to league play. So having a Cougar along can be a nice conversation starter! Don’t need the magnetic at home, but it’s handy to know it’s bar box ready if needed!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse S. – March 5, 2025

Purple valley magnetic cue ball

Honestly, plays extremely well. Get the response of the red dot while cropping in cue return opening. Keep table locked because the honor systems is only as honest as the person Would buy again.
Rated 5 out of 5

John C. – June 23, 2025

everything just as described thanks

everything precisely as described thanks
Rated 4 out of 5

Bob M. – September 25, 2025

Cool ball

Gets stained with chalk easily Would buy again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan E. – December 9, 2025

adore the ball, it now

am impressed by the ball, it now comes out where it was ment to. the shipping was quite slow