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.

Tangent Line Trainer

The Tangent Line Trainer delivers consistent performance. Built with quality materials for players who demand reliability.

Weight	.3 lbs
Dimensions	6 × .2 × 6 in

37 reviews for Tangent Line Trainer

Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan T. – custom

rating

It’s a nice device that has helped
Rated 4 out of 5

Casey E. – custom

Tangent Line Finder

Truthfully, although I feel this is very over priced for a slim piece of plastic it is a quite helpful tool which teaches how to know where the pool cue ball is going to go – the key to improving your game – I rate it highly but know the the company that created and sells it is making a killing on this tool
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa S. – custom

Tangent line find is on the money!!!

This simple tool works like a charm, wont be scratching so frequently.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen H. – custom

Tangent Line Finder Training Tool

This is a very good training aid. It seemed to provide an easier picture where just the tangent line is. Constant trading with this tool will help cue ball position.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor D. – custom

Tangent Line Finder

Excellent tool to cement the T-Line to memory on any shot. The visual has been very helpful. Great tool for gaining tangent line knowledge.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen L. – custom

5 star

I am a Professional Billiards Instructor. (PBIA). Used the Tangent Guide in lesson the week I received it. It will become a staple in my “tool box.” Thank you PoolDawg for offering such a fine learning item. Paul Fannin
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave B. – custom

Effortless to use

From my perspective, after just a couple of mins practicing with this tool I learned about the tangent lines and how to apply it on real games. Now is easy to see where I’ll be ending after every shot.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave G. – custom

Tangent line finder

i had been told to get one if these and so glad I did. It really enlightens you on the real line of cur balls and how not to scratch. Suggest it🌞
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey B. – custom

Tangent line finder

Operates as described.a great tool
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa D. – custom

order rec

as promised
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom K. – custom

Absolutely NOT what I anticipated

i was COMPLETELY wrong about what this tool is for. I thought it would be similar to the “ghost ball” training tool. Nope. Totally different thing. That’s not a bad thing – it’s teaching me something I didn’t even know existed. It’s effective, and has made me think about the game in a new way. Totally valued at the purchase. In fact, it can be used together with the ghost ball tool.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew E. – custom

Just what I needed

Bought this to understand tangent lines better. I’ve been using it for about 2 weeks and it has definitely helped my game.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor W. – custom

I thought it was really

I thought it was really helpful. Showed me how much power I needed or don’t need to use.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse M. – custom

Five Star Tool

Great teaching tool.
Rated 4 out of 5

Beth L. – custom

The product was fine but

The item was fine but with price and delivery cost it is too high priced to endorse to friends.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey F. – custom

It has changed my entire

It has changed my entire pool game. Potentially scratch shot all You have to do is change path of pool cue ball
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue R. – custom

It’s a handy guide to

It’s a handy guide to have for real low level players. I bought just to brush up on a few lines that I seem to Mis read but it’s cheap and handy if you know a player that has everything this is probably a item they do not have I found it by mistake on a you tube video and pool dawg had it in stock so for the player that has everything add this to the everything else list cause odds are they don’t have this
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor E. – custom

Always a good experience with

Always a good experience with pool dawg
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa M. – custom

Product and purchase experience was

Purchase and purchase experience was great. Will use PooDawg again, thanks
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob G. – custom

Outstanding Training Tool

In a few short week the Tangent Line Tool has improved my game!
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa T. – custom

So glad it came in

So glad it came in it is helping me
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy F. – custom

Helps people visualize where mid-point

Helps people visualize where mid-point of object ball is as well as tangent line is for the “skeedatle” is for the cue stick ball after striking.
Rated 5 out of 5

John B. – custom

Great tool

To be frank, as a beginner this tool helps with positioning the cue stick ball once the shot has been made. Highly recommend it!
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike T. – custom

Perfect

From my perspective, flawless
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam P. – custom

Many more shot options

Opened a hole new perspective to how the game is played
Rated 4 out of 5

Mary W. – custom

I have nothing to say

i have nothing to say
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen R. – custom

Works as advertised.

Tanget line finder functions as advertised and its a great training aid.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam T. – custom

Tools

It functions
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate T. – custom

Tangent Line Finder

performs great!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan N. – custom

Great tool for beginners. It

Excellent tool for beginners. It also helps better players when ball strikiknig is off a bit. You have to pocket the ball in the circle with stun to get it fo follow the tangent line perfectly. Sometimes. I get unexpected results on my shots and this helps me eliminate unwanted spin (Not striking the center of the cue) It really helps lower level players KNOW where the stick ball is going.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom F. – custom

Outstanding for seeing tangent line. . wonderful

From my perspective, superb for seeing tangent line. . great for beginners. . thank you PoolDawgs
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike N. – custom

Tangent line finder

Truthfully, feel that this is a handy tool to improve 8 ball skills, will endeavour to use it regularly during practice. Was impressed by the quick delivery, seeing I live in another country
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve K. – custom

Tangent Line Trainer

This pool trainer had helped me to understand what I was doing wrong on the pool table. My confidence is growing as properly as my skill level. This tool works!
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen H. – custom

Learn something new

This tool has helped me with position play. The more I learn, the better I play.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate F. – custom

Really helpful.

From my perspective, really helpful.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew W. – custom

Tangent line

Quite helpful tool. Thanks.
Rated 4 out of 5

Pat W. – custom

Pleased

Came as advertised and now that I have used it confirms and supports the tangent line theory