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.

Cue Extensions

McDermott EXTRMCD Rear Extension

Rated 4.81 out of 5 based on 16 customer ratings

(16 customer reviews)

$101.00

McDermott rear cue extension. Adds extra reach for long shots. Easy attachment for McDermott cues.

Availability: 7 in stock

The McDermott Rear Extension attaches to the butt end of your McDermott cue, adding extra playing length for long-distance shots. When you need those extra inches of reach but do not want to use a bridge, a rear extension keeps your natural stroke intact.

Rear-mount extension for McDermott cues
Adds reach for long table shots
Easy on/off attachment
McDermott compatible

Weight	0.25 lbs
Dimensions	12 × 12 × 3 in

16 reviews for McDermott EXTRMCD Rear Extension

Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa W. – January 17, 2020

Bomb Ash

This is a well engineered piece. It has helped me make shots otherwise i may have missed.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor T. – March 9, 2020

Altered McDermott 11″ rear extension

A local machine shop was able to provide a transition piece of plastic for my Huebler HS-5 and a 1997 Meucci. He cut off the “collar” in the extension and shortened the bolt slightly. The extension bolt slips through the plastic into some additional re-threading inside the two cues. This alteration would not be for the faint of heart. It works great!
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick R. – July 2, 2020

Perfect Reach

Just right to get to those long bridge shots. You can get extra control and feel with this extension. Effortless to install. Easier to use. As with anything. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. So that it comes naturally.
Rated 4 out of 5

Morgan G. – October 9, 2020

McDermott Cue Extension

To be frank, pretty solid, does precisely what you would want it for. Would be solid if the custom threaded weight bolts came in different weights as nicely as if the extension was able to collapse/extend to different lengths or weights.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen A. – October 10, 2020

Cue Extension

Had the extension for about a week or two and while I’ve only used it here and there it does come in handy. I like to reduce the amount of times I use the bridge which this does. Do note that the butt weight does change as the weight bolt can differ.
Rated 4 out of 5

Pat J. – December 22, 2020

McDermott extension

Too many threads to screw. I don’t have a weight bolt in the back of my cue stick so I used lock tight to lock the bolt to the thinner threads and cut the bolt down. That way it’s more like a quick release.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen K. – May 23, 2021

Perfect fit for a great

Without a doubt, exactly what i needed fit for a great cost.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave L. – June 17, 2021

Pool cue extension

PoolDawg is a outstanding site to acquire Billiard equipment. First off, I wanted a cue butt for my McDermott carbon fiber shaft and I could not find anyone who sold a butt separately from the shaft until PoolDawg. Then I ordered the extension. Both items came within a few days and were wrapped professionally to protect. PoolDawg will be my go to site in the future for my pool needs.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew M. – June 24, 2021

Much needed

I’m new to the 9ft table. This extension truly makes a difference and was truly much needed.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan L. – June 11, 2023

Reach across the table

I love being able to reach far shots instead of using a bridge. It does take a lot of turns to put it on and take it off. The alteration you have to make to the butt before it fits made my 18oz stick feel a tad lighter, which I like.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan L. – January 4, 2024

Bought it for a friend

To be frank, bought it for a friend a n d they am impressed by it. they are 6ft 5 tall
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen S. – January 27, 2024

McDermott extension

Works amazing. Only need to add different wt screws Highly recommend!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen J. – April 10, 2024

Like it alot, I’m short

I have to say, like it alot, I’m short and I don’t have to use the bridge alot
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan G. – May 21, 2024

All in all its function

All in all its function is flawless. It does have a slight taper towards the back and the rubber butt protector does seat 100% seats 98%.all in all its function is flawless. It does have a slight taper towards the back and the rubber butt protector does seat 100% seats 98% but all in all the good purchase More over, PoolDawg, professionalism overshoots the slight customizable issues with this item I endorse it highly, but you may or may not need to do some slight modification
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve R. – September 7, 2024

Functions as advertised

Easy install. Only complaint is the threading. Takes a second to unscrew. If you’re adding to an older McD, I learned to make sure you clean the seam where the old butt plate was prior to installing the new one. Just a tip.
Rated 4 out of 5

Bob N. – December 17, 2024

Does it’s job

It does its job. And to be honest, the only reason why I gave it four stars is because they do not make any type of joint protector for it. The threads on it are so thin that it really needs to have some type of protector on it.