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 Holders

Q Claw 1 Cue Holder

Rated 4.85 out of 5 based on 27 customer ratings

(27 customer reviews)

$12.95

Unknown QHQC1 pool cue. reliable performance.

Color

Clear

SKU: QHQC1 Category: Cue Holders

This pool cue offers quality construction for discerning players. This playing cue delivers the quality and performance Unknown is known for.

Weight	0.2 lbs
Dimensions	6 × 6 × 3 in
Color	Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Wine
Number Of Cues	1
Made in	US

27 reviews for Q Claw 1 Cue Holder

Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse W. – custom

Q claw

Lovely and easy process. Thanks
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew E. – custom

Singla cue claw

I got it for my stepson for christmas.He really liked how it had solid weight so it would hold his pool pool cue in place.I will order from pooldawg for all my needs in shooting pool
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen M. – custom

Cue Claw.

Very good, protects my cue and fits nicely in my bag.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan E. – custom

Single cue holder

In my experience, works as advertised, fits in small pool cue bag or jacket pocket no problem. Does not slide. Recommend highly. I got the orange one for visibility in a low-light room and used the supplied PoolDawg red and white decal which coincidentally fits perfectly over the top, stopping just short of the sides. Even more visible and if it “grows legs” you`ll notice the absence right away. Excellent value for money and shipment is fast up here to Canada.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth J. – custom

Q Claw

From my perspective, ordered several Q Claws after finding the purchase online. I had never seen such a item and thought I had come up with a good invention. That was not to be but I do like the product a lot. It is bigger and heavier than what I expected, which is a good thing. I highly suggest the item and Pool Dawg.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary D. – custom

Great service, Great Product

To be frank, i am very much satisfied. Bought a cue and I am not disappointed at all.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah G. – custom

Q-claw ( 1 cue ).

Work’s superb, The orange color shows up great. No more dropped cue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick C. – custom

Single Cue Table Top Holder

I have to say, first off, EXTREMELY impressed with my PoolDawg experience. My order of the Wine color single cue holder and joint protectors shipped the same day I ordered it and showed up a day early!!! The pool cue holder feels extremely solid and fits perfectly in the small pocket of my bag. I have only been playing for a couple months but am super excited to use this holder and purchase from PoolDawg again. If my opinion on the Single Cue Table Top Holder changes once I really start using it I will update my review as needed.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave J. – custom

It operates well, no moving

It performs nicely, no moving parts, it fits easily in your case, ’nuff said.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy F. – custom

Holds a pool cue up.

Small and effortless to carry in a 1×1 case. Fun colors. It holds the pool cue just like it’s big brothers.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam S. – custom

Holds your stick

I picked this up for days when I’m shooting alone at the pool hall. It’s a nice way to keep your cue secure without putting any(more) dents/scratches in your shaft.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary C. – custom

Excellent

Works as advertised
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew T. – custom

Q Claw Single Stick Holder

Q Claw Single Stick Holder does the job, and can fit multiple holders in a cue case.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob M. – custom

Works great

Works fantastic
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan K. – custom

Excellent

Excellent
Rated 4 out of 5

Alex T. – custom

Just what I was looking

Just what I was looking for.
Rated 4 out of 5

Lisa N. – custom

Decent

I have to say, good
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa B. – custom

Love my Q Claw. No

Love my Q Claw. No more worrying about my stick falling
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor J. – custom

Love the Q Claw

Love the Q Claw. Works just as advertised! Superb price and timely delivery!
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary D. – custom

I like the holder, made

Honestly, i like the holder, made a terrific gift also!
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy C. – custom

It operates for me

It works for me
Rated 4 out of 5

Karen E. – custom

Q claw performs well for

To be frank, q claw works effectively for what it’s designed for. This will save lots of chalk marks on my walls.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve F. – custom

Me

Item was as described
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan B. – custom

Perfecto! This is just what

Truthfully, perfecto! This is just what I needed, it’s small, fits nice Kim my bag. I use it to hold my break Q, then lean my playing Q against the side.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike E. – custom

Got exactly what I wanted.

Got just what I wanted. Thanks again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam L. – custom

Q claw

THE Q claw performs nicely with my wall drink holders. It helps to keep the chalk marks off the wall and the pool cues from falling to the floor and the tips from breaking!
Rated 4 out of 5

Morgan J. – custom

q claw

I have to say, performs properly don’t have to worry about cue falling over A+ purchase.