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.

Sale!

Katana 2×2 Hard Cue Case KATC02

Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 24 customer ratings

(24 customer reviews)

Original price was: $199.00.Current price is: $179.10.

Hard

Availability: 7 in stock

Size : 2 butt and 2 shaft
Type : Hard
Shape : Oval
Material : Vinyl
Color / Design Description : Black
Top Closure : Zipper
Number of Pockets : None
Longest Pocket Length : None
Total Length : 34″
Longest Shaft Length : 30″
Top Carrying Handle : None
Side Carrying Handle : None
Shoulder Strap : yes

Additional Information

UPC : 822114019644

Weight	5 lbs
Dimensions	36 × 5 × 6 in
Case Type	Hard
Case Material	Vinyl
Material	Vinyl
Brand	Katana

24 reviews for Katana 2×2 Hard Cue Case KATC02

Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah N. – January 8, 2020

Sleek and sturdy cue carrying case

I’m very satisfied with my new stick cue case. It holds both my break stick and my shooter. It appears cool and is as small as could possibly be for 2 sticks. I can carry it around in one hand like I’m bouts to pull out my katana sword and slice through the competition.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve B. – February 13, 2020

Just what I thought

From my perspective, extremely minimal and low profile for a 2×2. No external pockets, but you’ll be very happy with this if you’re looking for something simple and easy to carry.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary G. – February 28, 2020

Just what I wanted

Bag is effectively built. Build quality. Top stays on and is not loose. I was concerned before purchasing but doesn’t come loose even upside down. It fits 2 sticks (2 shafts and 2 butts) properly. I’d vouch for.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary S. – April 11, 2020

Katana 2 Butt 2 Shaft Hard Carrying case Excellent

Honestly, really Love the item. Nice pattern. Can put personal stuff in the top cover. Suggest to purchase for anyone
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor L. – May 6, 2020

Katana bag

The katana cue case is simple yet elegant with a terrific design. I would vouch for the katana for anyone looking for something different in a pool case.
Rated 4 out of 5

Riley A. – June 17, 2020

Ready for the new session!

To be frank, it really is a wonderful looking case. Precisely what I wanted. The partitions are tighter than I would have thought but it’s sleek and simple. Take care to keep in temperature control
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan N. – June 27, 2020

Unique

Truly unique cue cue case. Nothing else like it. I got it for my boyfriend and he gets a lot of compliments on it. Lovely and sturdy too!
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate M. – August 7, 2020

Nice carrying case

Good looking, well made, and provides good protection for cues. Would like it better with a storage pouch, but I knew there was none when I ordered. I picked up a leather pouch which I attached to the strap. All good now!
Rated 4 out of 5

Jesse L. – October 8, 2020

Legit ninja bag

I got the case so I’d have something low profile to take to my local bar instead of my full sized golf bag (although it now seems like I’m carrying a sword). The fit is tight and spot on. I can put my playing cue stick with a 30” shaft in there + my breaking cue stick, plus my chalk and glove in the lid, and then slide it down on top. Lovely tight fit. No bs pockets required. I switched out the strap for the one from my predator carrying case, though, as it slides around a bit so it sticks out conspicuously to our the side of my shoulder. So it needs help to stay in place and be comfortable. I set the lid on the bar and use it to store my joint protectors and other random things while I’m playing. Overall, I like it even more than I hoped I would. It’s a svelte solution for traveling light. Like a ninja.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen T. – November 24, 2020

5 out of 5

This is a great bag for the minimalist. Just a simple and streamline design. The top cap also doesnt come off and has just enough room for me to shove my glove at the top. It actually takes quite a bit of effort to pull off which reassures me my cues wont come flying out.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley S. – November 24, 2020

Katana Hard Bag

I ordered this for my son for a Christmas gift. The carrying case showed up promptly and was as described. Have absolutely no complaints with this item or transaction. I’m sure my son will be very pleased on Christmas Day!
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex F. – December 20, 2020

Excellent case!

This carrying case is really well built! I’m very impressed with the look and quality, I get more compliments about the carrying case than I do about my Lucasi cue stick! Highly recommended.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen A. – January 28, 2021

Just like it says 2

Just like it says 2 butts 2 shafts slim no rattle protects your playing cue stick and break cue. Precisely what I was looking for. Nothing fancy just does what is supposed to do and does it well. Am thrilled with the no pouch design keeps me from carrying crap I don’t need. Toss a piece chalk and tip tool in your pocket and go shoot pool. If your a minimalist type you’ll really like this case. The cap stays much more secure that I thought it might. If your worried about that it’s a non issue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam D. – February 15, 2021

Vast improvement over old carrying case

Excellent fit for both my break and shot cues. I really like its looks. Unlike other sites, my order got here so much quicker than advertised!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen W. – May 28, 2021

Fantastic quality and seems

Great construction and seems.
Rated 4 out of 5

Morgan R. – January 31, 2022

2CUEREVIEW

amazing case, cap is a little tight, but should loosen up with more use… would benefit from an inside pocket perhaps, but, overall, a wonderful fit, nice-looking profile,very pleased with it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam H. – March 22, 2022

incredible

Very well built bag. the cap doesn’t slide off straightforward at all so don’t worry about that. the strap can be adjusted to carry like a suitcase or a traditional over the shoulder sling. love it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley G. – April 21, 2022

The superior case I’ve ever owned

I’ve had this case for a few years now and the lining finally wore out. I’m waiting for them to come back into stock so I can get a new one. Awesome for what it’s worth, I put the little pouch that came on my one of my old single stick cases on it to carry the few things I regularly use. But yea they need to come back into stock, that and the predator chalk Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan N. – October 3, 2022

?

From my perspective, it’s a little larger than I hoped for. And a pocket wouldn’t be amiss, but that’s what I expected!
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick F. – November 9, 2022

In all ways decent it

From my perspective, in all ways good it is quite a unique cue stick case: plenty of space for two cues, yet small in relative size; exceptionally protective; and really properly built. At first I was concerned about ‘top’ staying on since there is no latching mechanism; however, now seems to be fully safe and secure.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike D. – May 8, 2023

Great hard case.

Fantastic hard case.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat P. – June 17, 2023

Beautiful functional bag

Great item… it was a gift for my boyfriend and he loved it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate H. – November 22, 2023

Katana 2 cue bag

Truly nicely made and understated cue carrying case. Leave your junk at home ! Put some chalk in your pocket grab it and go. And Get your ninja on.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey B. – January 21, 2024

Yes

Solid, sturdy, seems dope.