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 Ironwood Thor Hammer

Rated 4.91 out of 5 based on 32 customer ratings

(32 customer reviews)

Original price was: $360.00.Current price is: $306.00.

The Joss Thor Hammer Ironwood break cue features dense desert ironwood for maximum breaking power. Exotic and explosive.

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Pool Cue Purchasing Guide

First time buying a pool cue? Check out our pool cue purchasing guide to learn all about cues and their technology!

Don't have your weight in stock?

No problem! Leave your weight preference in "additional notes" at checkout and we will happily re-weight it for you! (between 18oz-21oz)

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

The Joss Thor Hammer Ironwood is a dedicated break cue featuring desert ironwood — one of the densest, hardest woods available, making it an ideal material for a cue built to deliver maximum impact. Joss Cues brought their legendary craftsmanship to the Thor Hammer break cue series, and the Ironwood edition is the most exotic of the bunch.

Desert ironwood is prized by woodworkers and cue makers for its extreme density and beautiful grain patterns. In a break cue, that density translates to stiffness and power — exactly what you want when you need to split the rack wide open.

Genuine desert ironwood construction — extremely dense
Dedicated break cue for maximum breaking power
Hard tip for explosive energy transfer
Stiff, dense construction ideal for power breaks
Beautiful exotic wood grain
American-made by Joss Cues

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 34 in
Tip	13mm Joss 5 layered tip
Ferrule	Phenolic
Shaft	29" hard rock maple with a pro taper
Pin	Piloted 5/16×14
Collar	Phenolic
Forearm	Ironwood , Ironwoodÿ
Wrap	Ironwood handle with purple heart bands , Ironwood handle with purple heart bandsÿ
Butt Sleeve	Ironwood
Butt Plate	None, Noneÿ
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

32 reviews for Joss JOSTHBLK Ironwood Thor Hammer

Rated 5 out of 5

Jen T. – March 7, 2020

Joss thor hammer

I must admit, love the new cue stick hits very good prices are a great value and the delivery was swift
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen D. – October 10, 2020

The Break

Truthfully, solid compact pocket with excellent spread. AAA
Rated 5 out of 5

John M. – November 7, 2020

Joss Thor Hammer Break

Terrific pool cue. My breaks are on point now.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat F. – December 26, 2020

Joss Thor Hammer

This is a beautiful break stick. The quality of the cue is terrific. I put a kumui hard tip on it to have better control and very pleased with the change. It is a very nice cue stick for the cost. The order was smooth, easy and I received it quickly. Have always been happy with PoolDawg’s performance.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom L. – January 15, 2021

A Beautiful Yet Angry and Vengeful Pool cue This Is

I have to say, i’m a small fry, but I’ve got a quick arm and decided to buck the trend and go light for a break pool cue – and boy did I make the right decision. This thing is light but deadly. It’s beautifully constructed and robust. A delight to hold. And when it breaks … POP! I can’t get over the unique sound. This baby’s going to be in my arsenal for a good, long while. Thanks PoolDawg! Super speedy shipment!
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor C. – January 21, 2021

thor

very nice. not pretty but efficient . my knd of stick
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom H. – April 12, 2021

Beautiful cue, order shipped fast

To be frank, beautiful cue, order shipped fast and packed properly. Breaks like a dream. It will be in my case for years.
Rated 4 out of 5

Drew H. – June 14, 2021

The Joss break pool cue is

The Joss break cue is a good durable break pool cue that delivers. The wood is vibrant, the screw together shaft and butt is a no nonsense that assures a solid connection. The tip is flat, hard and delivers a terrific break every time. I personally use the Predator chalk for all my cues.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave J. – June 23, 2021

Way to go Joss. I’ll be back

A simple yet attractive pool cue. Hits like a ball peen hammer yet still maintains excellent stick ball control thanks to the leather tip. Threading it together is silky effortless with a firm stop. The ironwood finish appears wonderful with my sneaky pete. I’ve tried plenty of 6 to 8 hundred dollar cues and none produce power with this much control. Im a tall guy so i chose the lite weight option to bring my swing speed up.
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex L. – July 22, 2021

Good stick. Dropped 2 on

Good stick. Dropped 2 on first break. Ran out. Lucky stick!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim N. – October 3, 2021

Awesomeness

It is a superior shooting stick with an unbeatable breaking power, control and it just feels amazing in your hand giving me all the confidence I need to break and run! Nothing beats visualization and knowing you have Thors hammer in your hand gives you an amazing advantage!
Rated 4 out of 5

Mike A. – November 1, 2021

Wonderful stick to break with

To be frank, great stick to break with just don’t like the joint seems sloppy when you threading together But does break really nicely
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob K. – February 13, 2022

My first break cue and

My first break cue stick and am loving it. Highly recommended this one.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate E. – October 3, 2022

Great delivery time. Item delivered

Great delivery time. Purchase delivered as described. Very satisfied.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew S. – October 3, 2022

I love the look and

I am thrilled with the look and the breaks I get with this pool cue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen P. – December 14, 2022

I am still getting used

Truthfully, i am still getting used to the cue but it seems to break the balls well when I make solid contact.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey T. – February 23, 2023

Satisfactory first break cue stick for

Decent first break pool cue for me. A buddy who plays more liked it more that his stinger. Sent quickly and properly packaged by pool dawg.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew G. – March 29, 2023

Thor Hammer

Truthfully, i must say I am highly impressed with this break pool cue. Very minimal effort to get a good spread with the balls. I opted for the heavy because I wanted something a touch heavier than my player cue. The wood finish on this is absolutely gorgeous in person. The pictures don’t do it Justice. Feels lovely and effortless and balanced in the hands. Dropped 3 balls off the break which I’ve never done before. Loving my new Thor Hammer
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve F. – March 30, 2023

This is a great break

This is a outstanding break cue that I would put up against a carbom fiber shaft anytime. I bought the 19 OZ but have played with their heaver verson and get the same results, so it’s up to your own style which you choose. As anyone reading PoolDawg’s customer comments knows the service is the premier.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor L. – April 27, 2023

Great cue was effectively priced right

Outstanding cue was well worth the money.
Rated 4 out of 5

Rick T. – May 26, 2023

The cue is great! I

To be frank, the cue is great! I had ordered the light weight breaker asking about why I did not have option of a free gift or possibly a weight bolt for it. To no avail. The service otherwise was amazing prompt shipping and very well packaged. I did put a weight bolt in it and am smashing racks…… recorded a 23 mph just a few minutes ago. Lol
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue J. – August 10, 2023

Well-built performance! Content with the

Solid performance! Content with the purchase!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan B. – October 4, 2023

Great, just like I thought

Great, just like I thought it would look and play ,thanks
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue C. – March 29, 2024

This cue is top notch.

This cue is top notch. Exactly what i needed weight and balance. Craftsmanship is excellent. Quick delivery in safe packaging. Much better results in my breaks after receiving this stick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah A. – April 8, 2024

First break cue

I have to say, just what I asked for. Shot placement still trumps power on the break.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom F. – October 14, 2024

Terrific break cue

Just recieved this break stick a few weeks ago. Adore the power it has a look of it. Break cues are Turley better than regular ones.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick T. – October 18, 2024

Great break stick

From my perspective, just purchased this superb looking break cue, and I love it. The heavier weight is decent for balance and stroke keeping a hard pocket to scatter those balls!
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey E. – January 7, 2025

Great Christmas gift!

I bought this pool cue for my truly particular husband. He performs in an amateur billiards tournament and used his buddies breaking cue stick there and loved it. It was a Christmas surprise and a big strike. It was a breeze to order and showed up quickly and in great shape!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave P. – February 11, 2025

Joss Thor Hammer

Solid and smooth Would buy again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob A. – March 5, 2025

Great Customer Service

This break cue is precisely what I wanted but I want to talk about the customer service. Wow! Fantastic! Looking at the Thor Hammer, I noticed it came in Light (18-19 oz. ) and Heavy (20-21 oz. ). I wanted my cue to be 19-19. 5 oz. but the only weight bolts they had listed were 2 oz. , way to heavy for my needs. The gentleman I spoke with at Pool Dawg said that they would find a cue and weight combo that would get me in the sweet spot I wanted before they shipped my stick. And they did! The cue stick was within the weight range I asked for, they shipped it the day they received my online order and it came a day earlier than estimated. I’m now a Pool Dawg fan! Thanks!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse F. – March 6, 2025

Great break stick

Exceeding my expectations, very solid break cue. Make 1 or 2 balls on most breaks.
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex H. – December 25, 2025

Great Break Cue!

I just opened my new break stick on Xmas Eve and it was wonderful! The break cue is properly balanced and really does a superb job of moving the balls around the table while breaking for 8 or 9 ball. I like the craftsmanship of the cue and wood coloring as well!