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!

Outlaw 3×5 Case OLH35 HORSESHOE

Rated 4.73 out of 5 based on 11 customer ratings

(11 customer reviews)

Original price was: $275.00.Current price is: $247.50.

Tan with horseshoe

Availability: 3 in stock

SKU: OLH35 HORSESHOE Categories: Outlaw Cases, Pool Cue Cases Tag: 3x5 Brand: Outlaw, Outlaw

Size : 3 butts and 5 shafts
Type : Hard
Shape : Oval
Material : Vinyl
Color / Design Description : Tan with multiple pocket designs available
Top Closure : Zipper
Number of Pockets : 2
Longest Pocket Length : 16.5″
Total Length : 36″
Longest Shaft Length : 31″
Top Carrying Handle : None
Side Carrying Handle : Yes
Shoulder Strap : Yes

Additional Information

Flames UPC : 822114007849
Guns UPC : 822114007832
Horseshoe UPC : 822114007825
Wings UPC : 822114007801

Weight	5 lbs
Dimensions	34 × 4 × 4 in
CaseColorSB	Brown, Black

11 reviews for Outlaw 3×5 Case OLH35 HORSESHOE

Rated 4 out of 5

Jesse E. – July 14, 2020

Outlaw

To be frank, i could live without the Outlaw logo. The carrying handle provides a place to keep cues from falling when at venues. And the butt latch is user friendly.
Rated 4 out of 5

Amy J. – September 19, 2020

Good product, fast service

The turn knob to secure the butt compartment sometimes sticks, otherwise a good product worth the price I paid. Arrived earlier than hoped for. great job.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy N. – September 26, 2020

Outlaw nexus 3 butt 5 shaft horseshoe hard case

I love the new cue case! It’s so sturdy an light weight!!! I couldn’t be happier!!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve E. – November 22, 2020

3×5 carrying case

Im liking the cue case so far it does what i need it to do holds all my stuff perfectly if i need any more pool stuff i will definitely be coming back to you guys
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam S. – December 1, 2020

Excellent carrying case

Truly good look, make zippers, great material
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike P. – December 26, 2020

Pool Carrying case

To be frank, just bought a new carrying case to handle all my sticks in one bag. This has many places to put all my stuff! My only wish is that the carry strap was replaceable. I had bought a really solid strap from PoolDawg that had PoolDawg’s name on it. I wasn’t able to change strap out this one is built into the bag. Thanks for shipping so quickly! Thank you Rob Hall. Colorado Springs.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam B. – April 18, 2021

I appreciate the feel and

I love the feel and look of bag have plenty of room for my game
Rated 4 out of 5

Steve S. – September 9, 2021

A Reliable Value

Properly made, and a serves my purposes perfectly. It looks quality, carries well and appears like it will last a satisfactory long while.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam R. – October 8, 2021

Awesome thanks again

Awesome thanks again
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan L. – March 15, 2023

It’s nice for the cost

I like the look of it and the strap could be alil more like a backpack style strap but still ok zippers run smooth as butter I feel it’s value is almost right it is made in China still a good bag over all
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate R. – April 30, 2025

Fun and practical carrying case

Without a doubt, sharp looking case. The tubes are a hard plastic, with a soft bottom for shafts and spring loaded for butts. The butts can be inserted joint up or down – I have the joint up which causes a little bit of rattling when carrying. It doesn’t bother me enough to do anything about it. The upper pocket can easily accommodate a roll of quarters, chalk holder, tip tool, glove, pocket marker. The lower pocket has a side zippered access for a short butt and front zippered access to the rest of the pocket. I use both the side handle and the shoulder strap, and both are comfortable. The clasp that holds the flap over the butts is handy. A twist to the right opens the clasp and placing the flap clasp firmly in place closes the clasp.