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.

Sale!

Schon CX52 Pool Cue

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 4 customer ratings

(4 customer reviews)

Original price was: $2,925.00.Current price is: $2,340.00.

Schon CX52 pool cue. 29″ Hard Rock Maple shaft. 13mm Proprietary layered tip tip. Made in USA.

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Pool Cue Purchasing Guide

First time buying a pool cue? Check out our pool cue purchasing guide to learn all about cues and their technology!

Don't have your weight in stock?

No problem! Leave your weight preference in "additional notes" at checkout and we will happily re-weight it for you! (between 18oz-21oz)

SKU: CX52 Categories: Pool Cues, Schon Cues Brand: Schon, Schon

The Schon CX52 Pool Cue showcases Schon’s commitment to quality. With handcrafted excellence, this cue delivers museum-quality construction and attention to detail.

Specifications:

Tip: 13mm Proprietary layered tip
Ferrule: 1″ Proprietary ferrule
Shaft: 29″ Hard Rock Maple
Joint: Piloted 5/16 x 14
Collar: Stainless steel with black collar and silver ring
Forearm: Birdseye maple with Ebony and micarta points with small turquoise shield inlays with Ebony and nickel silver rings
Wrap: Black Irish linen with white specks
Butt sleeve: Ebony, Birdseye maple and micarta with small turquoise shield inlays with Ebony and nickle silver rings
Butt plate: Proprietary cream plate with black Schon logo

Warranty: Limited Manufacturer warranty – Schon’s commitment to quality.

Made in USA: Crafted with American precision.

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 34 in
Tip	13mm Proprietary layered tip
Ferrule	1" Proprietary ferrule
ColorSB	Black, Blue, Tan
Shaft	29" Hard Rock Maple
Pin	Piloted 5/16 x 14
Collar	Stainless steel with black collar and silver ring
Forearm	Birdseye maple with Ebony and micarta points with small turquoise shield inlays with Ebony and nickel silver rings
Wrap	Black Irish linen with white specks
Butt Sleeve	Ebony, Birdseye maple and micarta with small turquoise shield inlays with Ebony and nickle silver rings
Butt Plate	Proprietary cream plate with black Schon logo
Bumper	Black rubber
Weight Changable	No
Type of weight bolt	WBSCH
Comes With Joint Protector?	No
Comes With Extension?	No
Comes With Case?	No
Select an option	18, 19, 20, 21
Warranty	Limited Manufacturer
Made in	US

4 reviews for Schon CX52 Pool Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan P. – February 27, 2020

Schon

this Schon performs as beautifully as it looks! This stick combined with the fantastic PoolDawg customer service rates an A+ experience.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve M. – August 29, 2020

Beautiful Cue

The beauty and craftsmanship of this stick is undeniable which is why I ordered it. My only gripe is, after paying so much for a stick of this quality, why not send a better shaft with it, like their hybrid shaft. The original has way too much deflection to play with, so purchasers are force to spend more money on a low deflection shaft. I just ordered an OB shaft for mine, which one would think should be unnecessary after paying for a Schon.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen T. – March 30, 2024

Amazing design that seems to have been a good investment.

Truthfully, great design that is not basic but also not too busy. Current price (even considering Pool Dawg excellent discount) would lead me to believe its a fairly solid investment. Great quality Butt – just depends what you like for a shaft. Some are superb with the as delivered pro taper hard rock maple piloted shaft design (or a upgraded Shon Hybrid low deflection if still available) while some prefer the latest technology carbon fiber. I’ve used a Jacoby Black and believe it fully elevates the platform.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike H. – January 31, 2026

Action Stick

I’ve played with all types of cues. Bought this one in the early 2000’s and never had a desire to try something else. This stick has exceeded my expectations and is an official member of the family.