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.

Accessories, Miscellaneous

Nick SPNK1 Varner Cue Papers – Single

Rated 4.92 out of 5 based on 26 customer ratings

(26 customer reviews)

$8.95

Availability: 10 in stock

SKU: SPNK1 Categories: Accessories, Miscellaneous

‘- Micro burnishing papers used to clean and polish shaft
– Comes with 12 papers
– 3 different grades
4 Blue – Fine
4 Green – Finer
4 Yellow – Finest
– Wash by runnning water over the papers and rubbing dirt off with finger
– Fits in any cue case pocket
– Also available in an easy to display card of 24.

SPNK1 – Nick’s Edge Cue Papers

– Micro burnishing papers used to clean and polish shaft
– Comes with 12 papers
– 3 different grades
4 Blue – Fine
4 Green – Finer
4 Yellow – Finest
– Wash by runnning water over the papers and rubbing dirt off with finger
– Fits in any cue case pocket
– Also available in an easy to display card of 24.

Weight	0.03 lbs
Dimensions	7 × 9 × 3 in
Used For	Micro burnishing papers used to clean and polish shaft 3 different grades
Select an option	SPNK1

26 reviews for Nick SPNK1 Varner Cue Papers – Single

Rated 5 out of 5

Casey K. – January 18, 2020

Must have for stick maintenance!!!!!!

I purchased this product a few weeks ago on a whim to see how it stacked up and now swear by it. I have used everything from shaft slickers to sand paper and a q-wiz but these burnishing films are the finest purchase I have ever used. I used this in combination with a good shaft cleaner and wax and now my 30 year old Meucci performs and feels like it’s brand new. Easy as heck to clean (even when gummed up with an old layer of wax) and the multiple sizes come in handy too depending on how much work the shaft needs. I will never let another burnishing or smoothing product near my cues again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick T. – February 8, 2020

My favorite pool purchase

Honestly, in my 25 years of playing this game I’ve found these to be the best purchase for burnishing and cleaning a shaft. A paper towel with a spritz of windex followed by a buffing by the low grit paper will keep the shaft feeling brand new.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue E. – March 3, 2020

Nicks Edge Burnishing paper

was skeptic on how these might be but with the 3 grains of paper you get in the package I was so impressed with the results.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris E. – March 15, 2020

Love these thing way better

Adore these thing way better cue control.. saves needing a glove or talc for a smooth stroke
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen F. – June 14, 2020

Nicks Edge Pool Stick Burnishing Papers

I usually buy these two or three packs at a time and hand some out even just to get the word out. I don’t leave home without them and highly suggest them to any pool player (especially those who do not use a glove).
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob N. – June 24, 2020

Great papers! Give the finish

Outstanding papers! Give the finish I like with no problems at all!
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat S. – June 25, 2020

They are great

Truthfully, i’ve been using them for seven years. Everyone needs then in their case!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse E. – July 3, 2020

Fantastic idea

In my experience, small enough to hide away in any pool bag and strong enough to wash and reuse. If you don’t mind running one of these over your shaft once or twice before or after you play, you won’t need a glove or hand powder. Even if you still use those methods to slick up, you still get a amazing shaft cleaning with these, so they’re worth having in every players bag.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy H. – July 12, 2020

NICKS PAPERS

I must admit, bEST PRODUCT TO KEEP SHAFT SMOOTH. Extremely DURABLE A+ purchase.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen P. – August 21, 2020

Burnishing papers

Fantastic purchase my shafts are so smooth the shaft glides through my bridge hand.These papers helped me improve my game to a point that has upped my game. 5 stars from me
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike M. – September 23, 2020

Really like the burnishing papers.

Love the burnishing papers.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan N. – October 22, 2020

Thank you

Truthfully, great
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan K. – November 26, 2020

burnishing papers

good product prompt delivery.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew A. – May 20, 2021

Five star

Superb product…wash and re-use!
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam M. – August 20, 2021

,

From my perspective, am thrilled with the 11.5 mm shaft, burnishing papers, and shaft wax.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jen H. – October 12, 2021

Good Product

3 levels is plenty. The shaft gets pleasant and smooth.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom L. – August 8, 2022

I am thrilled with these

So to be honest I am still using my old Q-Smooth micro burnishing film / papers. I use them, wash them, rinse and repeat for 10 YEARS I can’t tell the difference, so I guarantee you’ll am impressed by them.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim G. – December 20, 2022

Awesome way to condition my wooden shaft cue stick stick

I have a really nice custom cue stick that I want to care for properly. The Nick’s Edge Pool Cue Burnishing Papers do an awesome job, making the pool cue stick so silky and clean. And the bonus is they rinse off with water and dry in a few minutes. I adore this product and highly recommend.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley N. – February 9, 2023

Great product

Great item
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom W. – September 15, 2023

Keeps your pool cue slick and

Keeps your cue slick and clean
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth W. – October 27, 2023

Outstanding

Can’t go wrong with this product. Cheap, effective, etc…
Rated 4 out of 5

Casey M. – November 11, 2023

Sheets are a little on

Sheets are a little on the small side but thry work. well
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick K. – December 2, 2023

I use the Burnishing pads

I use the Burnishing pads more often but find Nicks paper help for more serious issues. I find a need with my stick about once a year while using pad much more often.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick S. – August 25, 2024

THESE ARE A Excellent PRODUCT

THESE ARE A Amazing Purchase TO DO MAINTENANCE OR KEEP YOUR CUE IN Solid CONDITION THEY LAST A LONG TIME AND CAN BE REUSED AND WASHED ITS LIKE A 600 GRIT POLISHINGS CLOTH .
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike M. – January 10, 2025

Work A+

I really don’t use wood shafts anymore – but I do still hit a few balls with them occasionally. If you don’t carry around a lathe in ur gear cue case – these are a pretty good alternative to smoothing out a sticky or marred shaft surface.
Rated 5 out of 5

Ann M. – May 13, 2025

good purchase

I have some of these cleaners that are 20 years old, not as sharp as new but still use full.