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.

McDermott 3x5 Backpack Sport Case MCDC35

McDermott 3×5 Backpack Sport Case MCDC35

Rated 4.76 out of 5 based on 21 customer ratings

(21 customer reviews)

$360.00

McDermott 3×5 Backpack Sport Case MCDC35. Professional pool cue for serious players. Features quality construction and precision balance for improved accuracy.

Availability: 5 in stock

Size : 3 Butts and 5 Shafts
Type : Hard
Shape : Oval
Material : Vinyl
Color / Design Description : Black smooth and textured vinyl with green trim. Silver McDermott Logo Plate
Top Closure : Zipper
Number of Pockets : 2
Longest Pocket Length : 17″
Total Length : 34 1/2″
Longest Pocket Length : 32″
Top Carrying Handle : No
Side Carrying Handle : Yes
Shoulder Strap : 2 backpack straps

Aditional Info:

– Longest pocket includes jump handle storage

– Cloth separator insert

Weight	4 lbs
Dimensions	36 × 36 × 7 in
Case Size	3×5
Case Type	Hard
Hard or Soft	Hard
Case Material	Vinyl
Color	Black & Green
Material	Vinyl
Brand	McDermott
Pockets	2
Pocket Length	17"
Top Handle	No
Side Handle	Yes
Shoulder Strap	2 Backpack straps

21 reviews for McDermott 3×5 Backpack Sport Case MCDC35

Rated 5 out of 5

Rick F. – February 23, 2020

McDermott Backpack Sport 3 Butts 5 Shafts Case

Robust make case has lots of room for your stuff. Only thing was they didn’t say it was shipped up but come rapid. Just need to work on the customer service side
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan D. – March 11, 2020

Terrific bag

Great carrying case
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom W. – June 10, 2020

McDermott case was just what

McDermott case was just what I was looking for. Thank you Pooldawg.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan P. – October 24, 2020

McDermott pool cue bag 3×5

Great product and outstanding make pics dont do this bag justice
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey L. – November 5, 2020

very satisfied

much nicer than alot of the cue cases ive seen at league night, and reasonably prices in comparison. i like the strap options & plenty of storage space for jump cue butts and cue extensions. the dividers in the main section are softer and flexible (i wasnt really sure what to expect), but do hold the cue components nicely. this case is definitely capable of holding your longer than average cue, im considering even sticking a couple inches of stuffing down the partitions to keep from having to reach as deep to retrieve shafts. i have zero regrets purchasing mcdermotts cue case, im very glad i went this route.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave K. – December 24, 2020

Tina leckey

My son loves it. Great quality
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom J. – January 25, 2021

I have had my eye

To be frank, i have had my eye on this case for a while now. It is sold out a lot and I can see why. It is exactly what I need. I am extremely satisfied with it.
Rated 4 out of 5

Steve L. – November 18, 2021

Beautifully crafted

Truthfully, it’s a very don’t carrying case for the stick part. I’d say having more room in the parts where you put accessories would make it a 5 out of 5.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris J. – December 27, 2021

Impressive

Bought this as a Christmas gift for my husband and he loves it. Pockets hold all his accessories. He likes the back pack feature as well as the carrying handle. I have been ordering all his gifts from Pooldawg for years and have never been disappointed.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jordan D. – March 9, 2023

Solid carrying case

Very secure and safe. Built effectively with construction materials. If you could detach the straps it would be the perfect case.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey S. – March 11, 2023

Great case

Superb bag
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris A. – April 10, 2023

Very good case

Very nice carrying case
Rated 4 out of 5

Jesse L. – February 23, 2024

Lovely backpack style case

Pretty good construction cue case!
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor H. – March 21, 2024

Great pool carrying case for experienced players

Honestly, very comfortable. Holds everything you need with extra storage compartments built in the front pockets. Durable. Easy to use.
Rated 4 out of 5

Casey H. – June 8, 2024

wish it had more pocket

wish it had more pocket room
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate B. – July 23, 2024

Great bag

I needed space for an extra stick and accessories. I am very pleased with the cue case so far. It seems to be well made. I like the shoulder straps.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam N. – December 16, 2024

Exactly what I wanted.

Although a tad in getting to Australia, it’s a flawless match. Already half full and the door is now open to explore the purchase of additional cue(s). Let’s hope the game get better from this.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jim T. – February 28, 2025

It’s great but

Fantastic bag. Just wish it had bigger pockets for accessories
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan S. – July 7, 2025

Damn quality case

Without a doubt, first legitimate case I’ve bought and I don’t expect to replace it for years to come
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris B. – October 30, 2025

Really satisfied

Fine looking properly constructed pockets could be alittle larger.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth K. – January 19, 2026

Excellent

Love it. I’ve been wanting to get this for over a year and I do allot for the cues for it. Amazing job. Delivery time was amazing as well. Strongly recommend Pool Dawg for pool accessories. Thank y’all