McDermott Pool Cues: Wisconsin Craftsmanship with a Lifetime Warranty

For five decades, McDermott Cue Manufacturing has been handcrafting pool cues in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Founded in 1975, McDermott remains a family-owned, American-made brand that combines traditional woodworking artistry with modern engineering—and backs every cue with an unconditional lifetime warranty against warping.

A Half-Century of American Cue Making

McDermott’s story begins in a small Wisconsin workshop where founder Jim McDermott began turning premium maple into precision instruments. Today, the company employs over 100 craftspeople in a 50,000-square-foot facility, producing thousands of cues annually. Despite their growth, every McDermott cue still passes through multiple pairs of hands—each craftsman responsible for a specific stage of construction.

This commitment to American manufacturing separates McDermott from brands that outsource production overseas. When you buy a McDermott cue, you’re supporting domestic craftsmanship and getting a product built under strict quality controls.

The Lifetime Warranty That Changed the Industry

McDermott’s unconditional lifetime warranty against warping remains the gold standard in pool cues. If your McDermott shaft warps—for any reason, at any time—they’ll replace it free. No questions asked. This policy exists because McDermott trusts their kiln-drying process, wood selection, and construction methods. It’s not a marketing gimmick; it’s confidence in engineering.

For players investing hundreds of dollars, this warranty provides genuine peace of mind. Wood naturally responds to humidity and temperature changes, but McDermott’s proprietary treatment process minimizes this risk to near zero.

Shaft Technology: G-Core and i-Shaft

McDermott offers two primary shaft technologies:

• G-Core shaft – Uses a carbon fiber core surrounded by premium maple. Provides low deflection comparable to competitors at a fraction of the cost. The G-Core comes standard on G-Series and higher cues.
• i-Shaft – McDermott’s premium low-deflection option. Engineered with an even more refined core construction for players who demand maximum accuracy on spin shots. Compatible with all McDermott cues using the 3/8×10 joint.

Both shafts benefit from McDermott’s Intimidator i-2 tip technology—a multi-layered pressed leather tip that holds chalk effectively and provides consistent cue ball contact. Check our pool cue tips guide for more on tip selection.

Intricate Inlay Work and Exotic Woods

Where many manufacturers rely on decals or simple stains, McDermott uses genuine exotic wood inlays: cocobolo, birdseye maple, bocote, tulipwood, ebony, and more. Their artisans hand-cut and fit each inlay piece, creating patterns that are as much functional art as sporting equipment.

The result? Every McDermott cue has depth and visual richness that cheaper cues simply cannot replicate. These aren’t printed graphics—they’re real wood, carefully selected for grain pattern and color contrast.

McDermott Cue Series Breakdown

Lucky Series ($60-$100)

McDermott’s entry point. The Lucky series provides genuine McDermott quality at prices competitive with imported cues. Perfect for beginners who want a reliable first cue from a reputable manufacturer. These come with standard maple shafts and simple designs.

Star Series ($100-$200)

A step up with more refined aesthetics and upgraded components. Star series cues offer better wrap options, more intricate designs, and improved shaft quality. Great for league players who want something nicer without breaking the bank.

G-Series ($200-$500)

McDermott’s sweet spot. G-Series cues include the G-Core shaft, genuine inlay work, and premium construction throughout. This is where McDermott’s craftsmanship truly shines—exotic woods, hand-laid rings, and buttery-smooth finishes. Our GS02, GS05, and GS06 are top sellers for good reason.

M-Series ($500+)

Premium offerings featuring McDermott’s most elaborate inlay patterns, rare exotic woods, and upgraded components. M-Series cues are collector-grade instruments that perform at the highest competitive level.

McDermott vs. the Competition

How does McDermott compare to brands like Predator or Jacoby? Each brand excels in different areas:

• McDermott leads in value-for-money, warranty protection, and wood artistry
• Predator leads in raw shaft technology and competitive performance
• Jacoby leads in custom handcrafted uniqueness

For players who want beautiful craftsmanship, lifetime warranty coverage, and solid low-deflection performance at fair prices, McDermott remains the smart choice.

Shop McDermott at Quarter King Billiards

At Quarter King Billiards, we carry McDermott’s full lineup from Lucky to G-Series. As authorized dealers, every McDermott cue we sell comes with the full manufacturer warranty. We also stock replacement shafts, tips, and accessories to keep your McDermott performing at its best.

Browse our complete McDermott collection, or learn the fundamentals in our guides on how to hold a pool cue and replacing your cue tip.