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.

Ball Sets

Predator Acros Billiard Balls

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 33 customer ratings

(33 customer reviews)

$419.00

Predator Arcos billiard ball set. Tournament-grade precision, consistent weight and roundness.

Availability: 6 in stock

SKU: BBPRE Category: Ball Sets Brand: Predator, Predator, Predator

The Predator Arcos Billiard Ball Set is a premium ball set engineered for tournament-grade consistency with precise weight, roundness, and color vibrancy that exceeds standard ball sets. These are the same quality balls used in professional events.

Tournament-grade precision manufacturing
Consistent weight and roundness
Vibrant, long-lasting colors
Designed by Predator

Weight	6 lbs
Dimensions	13 × 13 × 3 in
Ball Size	2.25"
Material	Phenolic Resin

33 reviews for Predator Acros Billiard Balls

Rated 5 out of 5

Jim W. – September 7, 2020

Predator Arcos II poolball set

Excellent hit! Beautiful design. I made my first 3 tough shots on my 4” pockets. The luster is so alluring : makes one want to shoot pool all day. I retired my Centennial and Super Pro balls now!
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris A. – September 7, 2020

Predator Arcos II balls

From my perspective, beautiful design, excellent hit! I made my first three shots on my 4” pockets! The luster is ideal, just wants to make one shoot pool all day. Retired my Centennial and Aramith Super pro balls!
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex E. – September 30, 2020

Service was very efficient even

Honestly, service was very efficient even though it had to cross the border into Canada. There is no doubt about the build quality and appearance of the pool balls. They are responsive, roll true, and the spheres glisten. They even sound sturdy.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve T. – December 29, 2020

Wow!

Hit and sound as satisfactory as Brunswick Centennials. Great product and please with this buy!
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley B. – January 12, 2021

Best balls on the market!!

Superior balls on the market!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave F. – April 25, 2021

Great Balls

They “play” clean longer and actually stay clean longer. Equal to or better than any balls I’ve ever seen.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve C. – May 28, 2021

Predator Arcos II Pool

great balls! Noticed the diffrence right away. Really improved my break. Lots of action and fluid roll. Great addition to my table.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley J. – May 31, 2021

These balls are just great.

These balls are just great. Their brilliance & choice of colors are amazing & far better than my Aramyth Premium set. They really stand out on my new Simonis Tournament Blue cloth. I seem to be knocking down more shots as properly.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen G. – June 11, 2021

Outstanding balls. Hit and roll

Wonderful balls. Pocket and roll true. Pleasant luster and exact weight.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah P. – July 21, 2021

Top class

Top class
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary A. – August 3, 2021

Product was easy to order

product was easy to order and came really quick. Just took a couple days and it was here. Arcos II balls are fantastic. They play and strike better than any other balls I’ve played with.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy J. – September 17, 2021

I have many sets of

I have many sets of pool balls and I can honestly say that these Predator Arcos II are the best. They roll straight and true, the glossiness is like looking into a mirror they are that shinny. By far the finest on the market for a set of billiard balls. All the Pros are playing with them on 9′ Diamond tables in the Predator 10 ball Championships.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen M. – October 3, 2021

Hit perfect

Hit ideal
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth N. – October 15, 2021

New cloth, new rails, why not new balls.

The new Predator Arcos II balls play great. They roll true and react just like you would want new balls to do. I had my Diamond redone and thought it would be a solid idea to purchase new balls. I went back and forth on this because I already have two sets Aramith balls. I know now that this was a decent idea because they play as fine if not better than the Aramiths.
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex G. – November 1, 2021

best set of balls you’d ever play

perfection..plays the truest you can play
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor P. – November 24, 2021

Love this billiard ball set!

Great set of balls. Made by Aramith, so you know its the best you can get, will last forever, play amazing, not to mention one of the coolest looking sets you can own. The current set of balls they play with on the Predator Tour.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary B. – January 27, 2022

great to look at great

Truthfully, great to look at great to play with keeps me focused longer good contact, sound, performance
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve K. – March 11, 2022

Great balls fast service I

Truthfully, great balls fast service I deal with pool dog over and over
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave H. – May 21, 2022

Nice set for sure

Nice set for sure
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex J. – November 14, 2022

Love the design on the

Love the design on the balls with predator logo on it , they strike really really nice and stunning luster to the set makes you wanna play all day and night Would buy again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom A. – January 5, 2023

Beautiful

Truthfully, lovely and performs like a charm. Highly recommend
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris A. – March 18, 2023

Wanted a new set for

I must admit, wanted a new set for home. Decided after doing some research to go with these. Was not disappointed. Amazing playing and worth the money.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan T. – April 20, 2023

i owned the Aramith Pro

i owned the Aramith Pro cup TV set prior to purchasing this set. similiarly priced and if i had to do it again. the Arcos set is a amazing set. i dont understand the difference. yet there is one. ARCOS II over all a better playing set although made my Aramith. spend the little extra, for me it was a good deal the update in tools.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim N. – July 19, 2024

plays outstanding the consistency is

Honestly, plays terrific, the consistency is top notch!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan E. – July 29, 2024

quite delighted with my purchase

extremely satisfied with my purchase
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley D. – September 14, 2024

Everything went smoothly and they

Everything went smoothly and they was delivered promptly.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse S. – February 6, 2025

I Love my Balls

Great Set
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse P. – February 27, 2025

Well made, play like a

Without a doubt, nicely made, play like a charm
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave A. – May 4, 2025

Super high make Hits are

Super high quality! Hits are true and a striking design. I have played a few rounds, and they are glossy as ever. Worth every penny! And PoolDawg as efficient as ever, with delivery items out. PoolDawg is my go to!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan C. – September 24, 2025

Arcos Pool Ball

Incredible set, stays clean and look great…
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary E. – October 23, 2025

Arcos Pool Balls

To be frank, the set of balls that I received plays OK but the numbers on the balls varies with at least three different sizes. A bit of a disappointment and distraction.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary A. – December 25, 2025

Absolutely love this set!

I am really pleased with everything about this set of Predator Acros II pool balls! The vivid color, high polished finish, and top notch quality is un matched by anything else that I have used. I’m over the moon with this set!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave A. – February 28, 2026

Predator Arcos II Pool Ball Set

Amazing quality pool balls.