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.

Tips

Navigator Automatic QTNAT Tip – Single

Rated 4.83 out of 5 based on 18 customer ratings

(18 customer reviews)

$26.00

Navigator Automatic QTNAT Tip – Single. Premium cue tip for enhanced spin and control. Easy to install and long-lasting performance.

Tip Softness

Clear

SKU: QTNAT Category: Tips Brand: Navigator, Navigator

Navigator Navigator Automatic QTNAT Tip – Single Japanese Pigskin layered 14mm

Material: 10 layers of Japanese pigskin leather

Size: 14mm

Description: No artifical coloring, Month-long manufacturing process

Weight	0.5 lbs
Brand	Navigator
Made in	Japan
Size	14
Material	Japanese Pigskin
Tip Softness	HARD, MEDIUM, SOFT, SUPER SOFT

18 reviews for Navigator Automatic QTNAT Tip – Single

Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah M. – February 18, 2020

Performs as expected . You

performs as expected . You can only get out of a tip what your stroke delivers. Shaped effectively and holds it.
Rated 4 out of 5

Mary D. – February 26, 2020

Navigator automatic

Shoots nice a little bit harder than hoped for for a soft
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary K. – May 4, 2020

stick tip

Good tips
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa D. – October 29, 2020

Responsive

Performs like original Moore tips extremely responsive with little mushrooming.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen E. – March 26, 2021

navigator Automatic cue tip in Soft

Have this on my McDermot CF DEFY shaft in 12.5 and Soft. Thus far it functions truly well….holds shape and no issue with mushrooming, chipping, etc. My other favorite on a wooden shaft is a Tiger Onyx in medium. I think the soft Navigator is closer to the Tiget medium. Hard to tell which will end up being favorite since they aren’t on the same shaft so apples and oranges. Both hold chalk nicely and grab cue ball to put consistent spin as needed on the cue stick ball. I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Limiting factor is me 😉 Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim L. – June 20, 2021

Navigator Automatic cue tip

I bought aMcDermott Defy carbon fiber shaft last year with the Navigator tip ant loved how it hit and the english I could get on it with very little effort. At first I thought if was all in the shaft, but after shooting with a friends defy with a kamui soft, I realized that it had to be the tip. This is now my go to tip ,I am thrilled with it !!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan K. – August 19, 2021

Cue tip

Truthfully, quick delivery and simple to install/replace
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat B. – December 27, 2021

Best tip I’ve ever used

Truthfully, this tip is incredibly reactive, the English I’m able throw on the cue ball is phenomenal. I too purchased this because I have it on my deft shaft and I can’t imagine going back to using any other tip. Currently have it on a cue tech cynergy and It made the world of difference. I will be purchasing 2-3 more to have as back stock.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave J. – March 26, 2022

Navigator tip a plus.

To be frank, fine tip, gives me better control a little less stroke. . Hits properly. Holds chalk very well. Don’t need to rechalk every shot. Definite improvement over other brands I have tried.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary H. – August 25, 2022

Extremely good action tip

quite good action tip
Rated 4 out of 5

Amy C. – September 17, 2022

Quality Tip

Great purchase. Takes a bit to get used to as it grabs the cue ball, as it should being a soft tip. Stroke is important when using a soft tip. Performs as stated!
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary B. – October 11, 2022

Love the tips meets all

Love the tips meets all my expectations thank you for the speedy set
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy S. – April 2, 2023

Better than kumui

Very responsive tips, I get more control with the navigator automatic tips than I do with kumui.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse J. – May 25, 2023

Awesome tips

Without a doubt, i was rather hesitant to try these tips, simply because I don’t like change. However after making the switch from kamui to navigator…..I’ll be using navigator from now on!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy B. – May 15, 2024

Superb job

To be frank, very pleased with my purchase and it came a day early.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike S. – October 4, 2024

Navigator Tip

Tip is amazing it has definitely helped with cue ball control I’m running more racks.
Rated 4 out of 5

Dave A. – December 3, 2024

Pool pool cue tips

The 2 tips I got were not the same. Slightly different feel on the pocket and slightly different color. One must have been an older version of the Navigator. Not 100% satisfies.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew P. – September 27, 2025

Navigator automatic medium tip

I must admit, as a person who handles league, tournaments and also has a home table,am truly content with this tip. No miscues and grabs the cue stick ball like a soft tip. As an avid player you must be able to trust and be confident about your tip. Would definitely vouch for to other people. Very happy.