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.

Tiger SPSMBRN Smoother & Burnisher

Tiger SPSMBRN Smoother & Burnisher. Quality billiard product from Quarter King. Free shipping on orders over $99. Shop the Tiger SPSMBRN Smoother & Burnisher at Quarter King Billiards. Free shipping on orders over $99.

Weight	0.03 lbs
Dimensions	7 × 9 × 3 in
Used For	Smoother and burnisher and seals shafts from the elements, while giving it a nice polished look
Select an option	SPSMBRN

33 reviews for Tiger SPSMBRN Smoother & Burnisher

Rated 5 out of 5

Steve A. – January 16, 2020

Tiger smoother and burnisher

I got one as a gift for my scotch doubles partner, i liked it so much i ordered a second one for myself.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew R. – January 31, 2020

tiger smoother and burnisher

I have used this item before and reordered it. it does a pretty fine job to clean and silky the shaft with no damage.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris R. – February 20, 2020

Excellent customer service!

Excellent customer service!
Rated 4 out of 5

Steve L. – February 26, 2020

Tiger smoother and burnisher

Works effectively at cleaning a smoothing the pool cue but gets clogged to easily that’s the only down side
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth H. – March 24, 2020

Tiger burnisher

Does a great job! Smooth shaft!!
Rated 4 out of 5

Jordan K. – March 26, 2020

Works as Advertised

The Tiger Smoother and Burnisher is simple and simple to use. Out of concern for overdoing it, I used this product tenatively. I would have preferred a bit more direction in the directions. The packaging contains little information about how to know when you’ve done enough. It made my use tentative, but that may just be me. It worked as advertised. It would have been a better choice to buy this product in a bundle of other stick care and maintenance products that included a shaft conditioner and finish and explicit directions. That said, I’m new at this. Tiger Smoother and Burnisher is terrific when used as part of a comprehensive system for keeping cues clean, looking great, and, more importantly, in top form for great play. Pick up this with other products and do your homework.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley D. – April 3, 2020

Review

Great Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris D. – April 25, 2020

Awesome!

This thing is great and far better than the Q-wiz. The Orange side is a little aggressive at first and should be broken in on a few house cues before you use it on your good playing cue. Yellow side polishes to a very effortless finish. It’s soft and conforms to the shape of teh shaft very well. Washable and should be useable for years and years.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley S. – June 2, 2020

Ordering from Pool Dawg

It is so easy to order from Pool Dawg whether on line or by phone The few times I ordered by phone I always talked to someone who had very solid knowledge of their products
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth L. – June 3, 2020

Thanks

In my experience, solid tool Happy with my choice.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse M. – June 11, 2020

tiger smoother

excellent…did 2 cues….amazing results
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey A. – June 28, 2020

Does as advertised.

Wonderful accessory for a quick cleaning in between matches. Leaves a very clean effortless finish. Definitely prefer this over the q whiz.
Rated 4 out of 5

Dan G. – July 7, 2020

Works well

I must admit, item works as described. Except the burnishing part I feel. Still have open pores in the wood so what I like to do is make it jice and smooth and clean it up as top-notch I can then add qwax afterwards. Shaft is really effortless after using. Just feel like the product won’t last that long of a time Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave S. – July 20, 2020

burnisher esquier

burnisher esquier
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen B. – August 28, 2020

Spot on

Works all well. Probably the best accessory I’ve ever bought for pool.
Rated 4 out of 5

Morgan A. – August 28, 2020

Tiger Smoother and Burnisher

Without a doubt, does exactly what it claims to do. Seems to do a little better job than my old 3M Scotch Brite pad, but Scotch Brite pads are about $1.50 each, and do a pretty good job too.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob F. – August 30, 2020

Burnisher and Chalk

Needed to clean and smooth my pool cue shafts (DUH!) They feel like silk now. I bought the chalk because of the unusual shape. Locate quickly on the table. Quite satisfied with both!! Thanks Pool Dawg!!!
Rated 4 out of 5

Jordan J. – October 10, 2020

Does what it’s suppose to do.

Used it a couple of times, unlike other reviews I read, I don’t think it is to aggressive. You don’t have to grip it as hard as you can, just let the tool do the work for you. One of my more heavily blue stained shafts is now fluid and clean. No complains so far.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick M. – October 12, 2020

Excellent product

Excellent product
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve K. – November 12, 2020

Quality Burnisher

This product is fantastic. I have used it time and time again with quality results every time. I would vouch for this for anyone buying a burnisher. After you done using it just was it off let it dry and put it away till next time. I have had mine for almost a year and use it maybe once every month or two(when needed) and it still works like its brand new. For a cost tag of $7 this can’t be beat. Thank you Tiger!
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary R. – December 17, 2020

tiger smoother

From my perspective, just received today thank you and just in time for Christmas.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue T. – December 24, 2020

Customer Satisfaction

Very pleased with my purchase of my Lucasi pool cue and subsequent orders for supplies, etc. Just to mention, I was undecided between the Lucasi shaft and a Katana shaft. PoolDawg sent me a Katana shaft to try but I kept the Lucasi shaft. Not many companies would provide that opportunity – thanks PoolDawg! Chuck Scalesse
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor S. – January 13, 2021

Was looking for a little

I must admit, was looking for a little something to keep in the accessory pocket to keep the shaft cleaned up and in playing condition. This Burnisher pad does exactly what i was looking for.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue T. – February 6, 2021

Product functions great! Leaves a

To be frank, purchase works terrific! Leaves a pleasant smooth finish on the shaft for a consistent stroke. I had thought about trying a glove before purchasing the tiger smoother and burnisher but for now I believe this is my accessory of choice.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen F. – June 12, 2021

Definitely a must product to

Definitely a must item to maintain a competitive edge
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob L. – December 23, 2021

Really cleans the shaft and

Without a doubt, really cleans the shaft and makes it truly seamless for a slick slide of your fingers.
Rated 4 out of 5

Sarah F. – February 14, 2022

Delivered in timely fashion and

Delivered in timely fashion and what I had ordered. Meets expectations
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa S. – August 29, 2022

Smooth shaft every time

This really gives you a lovely clean seamless shaft and makes the sticky go away. I have used other products but this is convenient and works every time.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick H. – October 20, 2022

I use this once a

Truthfully, i use this once a week. It really works great.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary L. – February 21, 2023

Works as advertised

Operates as advertised
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave G. – March 28, 2023

Nice stuff the finish doesn’t

To be frank, good stuff the finish doesn’t ruin your pool cue at all it’s jus perfect
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse M. – January 2, 2024

works fine

works fine
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor J. – May 25, 2025

wonderful purchase

fantastic product