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!

Joss JOSTHBLK Black Thor Hammer

Rated 4.96 out of 5 based on 28 customer ratings

(28 customer reviews)

Original price was: $380.00.Current price is: $323.00.

The Joss Thor Hammer Black is a dedicated break cue built for explosive power. Sleek black finish, Joss quality. American-made.

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SKU: JOSTHBLK Categories: Break Cues, Joss Pool Cues, Pool Cues Tag: Break Cues Brand: Joss, Joss, Joss

The Joss Thor Hammer Black is a dedicated break cue from legendary American cue maker Joss. The Thor Hammer line is designed for one purpose: devastating power off the break. Joss, founded by Dan Janes, is known primarily for their exquisite playing cues, but the Thor Hammer series proves they can build a break weapon just as well.

The Black edition features a sleek, dark aesthetic with the stiff construction and hard tip needed to maximize energy transfer into the rack. When you need to scatter balls and control the table from the first shot, the Thor Hammer delivers.

Dedicated break cue — built for maximum power
Hard phenolic-style tip for explosive energy transfer
Stiff construction optimized for breaking
Sleek black finish
Joss quality construction throughout
American-made by Joss Cues

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 34 in
Tip	13mm Joss 5 layered tip
Ferrule	Phenolic
ColorSB	Black
Shaft	29" hard rock maple with pro taper
Pin	Piloted 5/16×14
Collar	Phenolic
Forearm	Black with maple ring at wrap
Wrap	None, black handle with gold Thor Hammer engraved
Butt Sleeve	Black with maple ring
Butt Plate	Black
Bumper	Black rubber
Weight Changable	No
Type of weight bolt	none
Comes With Joint Protector?	No
Comes With Extension?	No
Comes With Case?	No
Select an option	HEAVY, LIGHT
Warranty	Limited
Made in	US

28 reviews for Joss JOSTHBLK Black Thor Hammer

Rated 5 out of 5

Amy P. – January 11, 2020

Quality cue

Use it for a weekly league and am very happy with the quality and use if it this far.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan P. – February 16, 2020

Joss Thor Hammer

Without a doubt, excellent break cue sturdy confident feel. Thanks Pool Dawg
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew K. – February 26, 2020

Thor Black Hammer by Joss

Excellent cue. Excellent balance. Durable impact. Great ball movement and spread with little effort. No matter 9 ball or 8 ball rack. Overall 5 stars
Rated 4 out of 5

Tom M. – March 25, 2020

Break cue

Great break stick. Still learning how to use it but several times got four balls in on the break. Not sure about the fiber tip. Always appears like it’s unraveling around the edges.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat M. – June 27, 2020

Awesome Stick

To be frank, i got this Stick in black because I thought it was the best color offered. It is really nice-looking in person. I got the light version and it weighs in just under 19 ounces. I was using a Spark break Cue with a phenolic tip, but I felt I would lose control of the Cue ball on break shots. The Joss Thir hammer with the stock leather tip gives me much better control on the break. It will spread out an eight ball rack quite effectively and crush a nine ball rack. And the stock leather tip has held up quite nicely to at least 100 breaks. I have only had to scuff the tip a little bit so that it would hold sufficient chalk. Overall I am very happy with this break cue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary S. – June 27, 2020

Thor Hammer

Great break cue. Made the eight on the break twice since I got it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob T. – August 4, 2020

This cue has a very

This cue stick has a extremely durable feel to it . I ordered the 21once and it Breaks the ball’s great . This is the first Joss cue I’ve ever owned and I can assure you it’s a very satisfactory high construction cue . I will order Joss Cues again .
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue S. – August 8, 2020

Thor Hammer Break Pool cue Black

Honestly, am impressed by the feel and seems of this pool cue. I chose the heavy model and my breaks are very satisfying. Finish and build quality of this stick is excellent and I plan on adding more Joss playing cues to my case. Very satisfied and highly recommend this cue to others wanting and outstanding and good looking break cue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan H. – February 9, 2021

Very solid feeling stick. With

Very solid feeling stick. With a superb finish.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan K. – March 3, 2021

Straightforward to adjust weight, looks

Truthfully, easy to adjust weight, looks great and is well balanced but highly recommended on switching tip right away.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen T. – March 23, 2021

Great selection to choose from.

Honestly, fantastic selection to choose from. Simple ordering process! Received my order in just a few days!
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve F. – November 10, 2021

Excellent break cue. The build quality

In my experience, wonderful break cue. The make is really there. You really get what you pay for. Plus it showed up earlier than anticipated. Excellent service.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse K. – December 15, 2021

Great item

Great purchase!
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa T. – September 28, 2022

Wonderful cue!

Bought it as a gift and my boyfriend loves it! He told me he can tell he breaks better using it! He also likes how slick it seems.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen N. – September 30, 2022

Excellent looking cue, breaks like

Fantastic looking stick, breaks like a “hammer, really solid cue
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan W. – February 14, 2023

Great cue, most important is

Truthfully, superb pool cue, most important is the customer service I received from this company and shipping was prompt with the greatest of care to wrap the cue giving it the superior protection against any shipping damage. Thank you pooldawg
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew B. – February 21, 2023

Best Breaker for the Money

Joss is a amazing product as everyone already knows and this break stick is no exception it’s balanced nicely and breaks amazing with power and control. I did change the tip to Kamui sai for more speed on the break the stock tip is like a hard shooting tip I tried it but flattened out immediately but overall superior Breaker for the money
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom C. – March 11, 2023

Good breaker

Cue appears superb. Really like the tip on it- came from a phenolic tip breaker but the leather tip here hits hard bit with more control. Can’t fault the cue for the price point. Went for the lighter version, and received one at 18oz.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat G. – June 13, 2023

Solid Break Cue-Excellent Construction

In my experience, i did a lot of research prior to purchasing this cue. Based on the results and the reviews I felt like it would be a much greater bang for the buck than the carbon fiber cues that cost two to three times as much. I’ve only used a little so far, but must say it hits like a “hammer”! I’m making at least one ball on the break 95% of the time. Most balls on the break so far 4, playing 9 Ball. I went with the lighter version but ordered the additional weights so I can experiment to find the weight that brings me the best results. Spend the extra $7.50. The look and feel of this cue stick is superior to what I anticipated. By the way, my main playing cue stick is a Predator carbon fiber shaft. Don’t hesitate to give this cue a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike W. – July 25, 2023

Solid break cue for a

Honestly, durable break pool cue for a great price point!
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa K. – January 15, 2025

Joss Thor Hammer Break Cue stick – Black

To be frank, delivery was quick, even around the Christmas rush. Packaging was adequate as there was no damage to the cue even with some evidence of very minor damage to the box. I ordered the light weight version, as I tend to break heavy anyway, and can always order the weight bolts if I decide I want/need them. It does feel really light, but I,m consistently hitting the rac well, getting good spread, decent cue ball action, and seem to pocket 1 to 3 balls pretty regularly. So far I’m happy with the leather tip that came standard on it from Joss. Will keep it factory until something warrants a change. Overall so far quite pleased, quality value for the money.
Rated 5 out of 5

Ann M. – January 26, 2025

Joss Thor Hammer

Bought this cue for my dad for Christmas and he absolutely loves it!! I’ve broke with it a few times and it’s solid!! Would definitely recommend it and pooldawg to everyone!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve A. – May 1, 2025

Joss Thor Hammer Break Stick

In my experience, i purchased the Hammer for my wife’s birthday. She loves it. She is breaking much more well-built with the Hammer. Delivery was speedy as always. Thanks PoolDawg!
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy M. – June 8, 2025

Joss Thor Hammer breaks hard.

This is my first break stick and I am impressed. My breaks have improved with this stick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen L. – July 9, 2025

Have used it for 3

Have used it for 3 games had 3 eight on the break out of 12 breaks. Breaks have a reliable spread. Fluid well balanced.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick P. – October 27, 2025

Found our sweet spot

it didn’t go nicely at first, but after a few weeks we found our sweet spot. Breaks improved. Shaft appeared to be like raw wood. But now it’s nice and seamless. Love the look of the cue. The stick shipped in about two days and was in great shape.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob D. – November 5, 2025

Stick is durable

Has a solid strike. Overall solid choice.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue N. – December 23, 2025

Joss Thor Hammer Break Pool cue – Black

To be frank, i have been playing pool for 40 plus years on and off. I never purchased a designated breaking stick until recently. I have always been a JOSS fan and will always be. This cue is sweet and it weighs in at 22OZ. I have only had this cue for a couple weeks and have had 3 nine on the snaps and 2 8ball breaks. If you looking for a feel satisfactory cue with some density to it, this is the one!