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.

Stroke Groover Strap

Rated 4.74 out of 5 based on 19 customer ratings

(19 customer reviews)

$34.00

Stroke Groover Strap. Quality pool cue construction for serious players.

Availability: 5 in stock

The Stroke Groover Strap delivers consistent performance. Built with quality materials for players who demand reliability.

Weight	.3 lbs
Dimensions	6 × 1 × 6 in

19 reviews for Stroke Groover Strap

Rated 4 out of 5

Jen S. – March 19, 2020

Stroke Groover

It’s help me with my stroke and aiming. It’s hard to get use to it at first, but practicing with it changed my bad habits. I’m stroking the pool cue correctly now also my aiming has improved as well. It has made me a way better pool player now. All just by correcting my stroke.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam N. – April 1, 2020

Raising the Pool cue Butt

Hi, Now all you need to do is design something for the opposite use. From habits, I keep raising my cue stick butt when hitting max low on the ball for max backspin. And miscue. Thanks.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan P. – April 4, 2020

Xxx

Xxx
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue K. – April 4, 2020

Stroke Groover

Helped me be more consistent with stoking the cue ball.
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa J. – October 1, 2020

It helps

I helps me get my stroke more fluid and straight. Feels kind of weird to use, but it performs.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey D. – October 5, 2020

GROOVY STRKE

I SIMPLY LOVE IT. MY STROKE-I FEEL-IS IMPROVING. A FEW MINUTES WITH IT AND STOKING WHEN OFF FEELS EFFORTLESS. THANX P-DAWG
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob M. – December 12, 2020

Works well

I have a problem with my shoulder dropping and I have to consciously think about it. The Stroke Trainer helps me keep my shoulder in the proper position. With a little time, it’ll hopefully be automatic.
Rated 4 out of 5

Riley B. – March 28, 2021

Really helped my kids stroke.

In my experience, really helped my kids stroke. Gets mundane quickly though
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam A. – April 23, 2021

Brilliant just brilliant The stroke

brilliant just brilliant The stroke Groover is great, it gets you in stroke in a few minutes. I highly recommend it if your having trouble finding your stroke.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy E. – April 30, 2021

Excellent I just have to

Great, I just have to use it more.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan E. – August 20, 2021

The stroker will improve your stroke!!

Has improved my stroke with just a few minutes a day.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave F. – October 5, 2021

Helped me stabilize my elbow.

it performs great. Almost instantly made me notice that I had a bad habit of using the wrong muscles for my stroke. My elbow would pop up and down during my stroke and now it’s pretty stable. Very glad I purchased this, wish I had known about it sooner.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate A. – January 6, 2023

I have a sore shoulder

I have a sore shoulder and the devise allows me to keep the correct shoulder position plus it reminds me to control my shooting length and angle.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan H. – April 23, 2023

Terrific product. Functions like described.

To be frank, great product. Performs like described. I would purchase again.
Rated 4 out of 5

Mike R. – May 22, 2023

Nice item

Good training aid. Properly made. A trifle pricey, but cheaper than in person coaching. If you habitually drop your shoulder, this will help you.
Rated 4 out of 5

Alex W. – August 4, 2023

Great purchase suggest two people

Without a doubt, great item suggest two people for better training to be able to set up all the balls but does work
Rated 4 out of 5

Jen F. – January 30, 2025

helpful for training

Was looking to strengthen fundamentals, this helps muscle memory with keeping stroke straight.
Rated 5 out of 5

Ann P. – July 31, 2025

Stroke Groover

habitually, I have been an elbow dropper and poker for a long time and therefore have not improved past a certain level. The groover has helped me become more of a stroker verses a poker and I am improving.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan M. – March 19, 2026

Really does what it says!!

This device, although simple in design, has really helped me with my stroke. I use it when i practice and it operates!