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!

Katana 4x8 Butterfly Backpack Case KATC04

Katana 4×8 Butterfly Backpack Case KATC04

Rated 4.64 out of 5 based on 11 customer ratings

(11 customer reviews)

Original price was: $379.00.Current price is: $341.10.

Soft

Availability: 10 in stock

Size : 4 butts and 8 shafts
Type : Soft
Shape : Rectangle
Material : Vinyl
Color / Design Description : White and Grey Stripe with Orange Katana Logo, Black Trim with Orange stitching
Top Closure : Zipper
Number of Pockets : One large external pocket with multiple compartments inside for accessories
Longest Pocket Length : 34″
Total Length : 35″
Longest Shaft Length : 33″
Top Carrying Handle : None
Side Carrying Handle : Yes
Shoulder Strap : Backpack straps

Additional Information

UPC : 822114035682

Weight	6 lbs
Dimensions	36 × 5 × 6 in
Case Type	Soft
Case Material	Vinyl
Material	Vinyl
Brand	Katana

11 reviews for Katana 4×8 Butterfly Backpack Case KATC04

Rated 5 out of 5

Casey W. – October 21, 2020

Awesome case, seems well made!

Fantastic case, seems well made! Plenty of room of room for all the extras
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen M. – November 11, 2020

There are solid

There are lovely
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse R. – May 10, 2021

Case

This bag is all that I had been looking for. Straightforward access to your cues, chalk and etc. The workmanship is excellent on the seems and pockets.
Rated 4 out of 5

Steve A. – July 14, 2022

Comments on Katana Cue stick Cue case

In my experience, i like the styling of this cue case really much, however I wish that this case were larger and could hold more equipment. I carry a great deal of extra equipment that I find to be very useful. For example, I carry a expanding metal bridge in my carrying case that I have no room for in the new Kavanaugh carrying case. I also carry additional pool shafts for switching back and forth. Also, on my prior case, I also had two large additional pockets for chalk, tip preparation, adjustment and repair, and other useful sudden needs. I had room for extra cue balls, pool cue extensions, a change for several different bridge heads, gloves, and pool stick holders and claws. I love the Kavanaugh Cue stick Case in general but a terrific improvement to its design would be an extra large pocket on the other side of the case for Q Claws, shaft cleaning and quick repair items.
Rated 4 out of 5

Alex E. – September 24, 2022

Extremely lovely but…..

Truthfully, very lovely all around but…. the stitching is poor in some areas. Look like it might come loose at certain points along the seams Very pleased.
Rated 4 out of 5

Mike R. – October 4, 2022

Well made soft bag highly

Effectively made soft case, highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse W. – October 17, 2022

Excellent

Very high construction case with tons of storage. Arrived very quick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom E. – December 6, 2022

I carry two Viking cues

I carry two Viking cues and one Viking 2 piece break/jump cue stick with different shafts and also accessories. Carrying case is properly laid out with plenty of space for accessories. Seems to be well constructed and I am happy with it.
Rated 5 out of 5

John S. – April 17, 2023

Outstanding Case

I am very pleased with this bag. The handles fit truly nicely in each sleeve and nothing protrudes from the top. The storage compartment has very effectively thought out pockets & the placement of them as well as a zipper sleeve for my jump handle. I am truly happy with this purchase.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor P. – January 4, 2024

Great case!

ordered this for my husband for Christmas and he is beyond thrilled. He loves the back-pack strap option, the storage capacity, and the side access. Plus, it’s lighter weight than his last carrying case. If he didn’t like it, I would have kept it, but looks like I’m going to have to get my own.
Rated 4 out of 5

Drew T. – May 23, 2025

Great case

The cue case is great if you are carrying multiple sticks. The front pocket is large as well and has enough room for pretty much anything you may need. The shoulder straps arent bad however they do feel a bit awkward but overall they work excellent. I took a star off due to the price. Over $300 is a bit steep in my opinion and also the outer shell of the cue case seems to be a bit to soft. What concerns me is the potential to damage the top or the bottom of the cues if the carrying case is dropped on the top or bottom. However I have now owned this case for over 3 months and it has done its job effectively. I have no intentions on replacing it anytime soon.