McDermott 50th Anniversary Cues: Celebrating Five Decades of American Craftsmanship

Few names in billiards carry the weight of McDermott. For 50 years, this Wisconsin-based manufacturer has been handcrafting pool cues that blend traditional woodworking artistry with modern playability. In 2026, they’re celebrating that milestone with the McDermott 50th Anniversary Series — a limited collection that’s turning heads across the billiards community.

A Half-Century of Cue Making

McDermott was founded in 1975 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and has stayed true to American manufacturing ever since. Every McDermott cue is still made in the USA, a point of pride that resonates with players who value craftsmanship and heritage. While many competitors have moved production overseas, McDermott has doubled down on quality control and domestic manufacturing — and the 50th Anniversary Series is the culmination of that commitment.

The 50th Anniversary Collection

The Anniversary Series features a limited run of playing cues with intricate inlay work, premium exotic woods, and commemorative design elements. Here’s what’s available at Quarter King:

• MCD50C — Classic cocobolo forearm with pearl dot inlays and anniversary ring ($1,495)
• MCD50D — Dark ebony accents with turquoise and silver inlay work ($1,495)
• MCD50E — Birds-eye maple with intricate geometric overlay pattern ($1,495)
• MCD50H — Premium bocote wood with multi-point star inlays ($1,495)

Each cue in the collection features McDermott’s signature 3/8×10 joint and comes standard with an i-Pro slim shaft, with the option to upgrade to the Defy carbon fiber shaft ($432) for players who want modern low-deflection performance.

Why McDermott Cues Hold Their Value

One thing that sets McDermott apart in the pool cue market is resale value. Limited edition and anniversary cues from McDermott have historically appreciated over time, making them not just a playing investment but a collector’s item. The 50th Anniversary Series, with its limited production run and commemorative significance, is likely to follow that trend.

Beyond collectibility, McDermott cues hold value because of their lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects — one of the strongest guarantees in the industry.

McDermott G-Series: The Everyday Alternative

Not ready for a $1,495 anniversary cue? McDermott’s G-Series offers the same American craftsmanship at a more accessible price point:

• G521R — Rich rosewood stain with clean lines ($539)
• G521W — Natural maple with white pearl inlays ($539)
• G521B — Black stain with subtle silver accents ($539)
• G522 — Pacific blue stain with diamond overlay ($575)

The G-Series gives you McDermott quality and that lifetime warranty at roughly a third of the anniversary price.

Carbon Fiber Meets Tradition: The Defy Shaft

One of the biggest developments in McDermott’s recent lineup is the Defy Carbon Fiber Shaft. Priced at $432, it’s compatible with any McDermott cue using the 3/8×10 joint and brings modern low-deflection performance to a traditional cue.

This means you can pair a classic McDermott butt — with all its handcrafted beauty — with a shaft that performs like the best carbon fiber options on the market. It’s the best of both worlds.

The Vanquish: McDermott’s Carbon Fiber Playing Cue

For players who want a full carbon fiber experience from McDermott, the Vanquish VQ1 ($975) pairs a carbon fiber shaft with a sleek, performance-oriented butt design. It bridges the gap between McDermott’s traditional roots and the modern carbon fiber movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are McDermott 50th Anniversary cues limited edition?

Yes. The 50th Anniversary Series is a limited production run celebrating McDermott’s five decades in business. Once they’re gone, they’re gone — making them attractive to both players and collectors.

Do McDermott cues come with a warranty?

McDermott offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects on all their cues, including the 50th Anniversary Series. This is one of the strongest warranties in the billiards industry.

Can I put a carbon fiber shaft on a McDermott cue?

Absolutely. The McDermott Defy carbon fiber shaft ($432) fits any McDermott cue with a 3/8×10 joint, giving you low-deflection performance with a traditional butt.

Where are McDermott cues made?

All McDermott cues are manufactured in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA. They’ve maintained domestic production for all 50 years of their existence.

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