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!

McDermott Stinger NG01W Jump/Break Cue

Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 18 customer ratings

(18 customer reviews)

Original price was: $505.00.Current price is: $454.50.

McDermott NG01W pool cue featuring 29″ hard rock maple patented Stinger shaft with a 10-12″ pro taper shaft. G-Core.

Select an option

Clear

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: NG01W Categories: Break Cues, McDermott Pool Cues, Pool Cues Tags: Break Cues, McDermott Break Cues Brand: McDermott, McDermott, McDermott

McDermott Cue Manufacturing has produced premium American-made cues since 1975, setting industry standards for quality and innovation. The McDermott Stinger NG01W Jump/Break features 29″ hard rock maple patented Stinger shaft with a 10-12″ pro taper shaft, Black Irish linen with white specksÿ wrap for exceptional playability. The traditional Irish linen wrap offers excellent grip and moisture absorption during extended play.

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 33 in
Tip	13mm Phenolic
Ferrule	1/2" Ivorene ferrule
ColorSB	Yellow
Shaft	29" hard rock maple patented Stinger shaft with a 10-12" pro taper
Pin	3/8×10
Collar	No Collar
Forearm	Maple with four recon ebony and yellow veneer points, quick-release joint for jump cue , Maple with four recon ebony and yellow veneer points, quick-release joint for jump cueÿ
Wrap	Black Irish linen with white specks, Black Irish linen with white specksÿ
Butt Sleeve	None
Butt Plate	Cream composite with gold McDermott logo
Bumper	Black rubber with McDermott logo, Black rubber with McDermott logoÿ
Weight Changable	Yes
Type of weight bolt	WBMCD
Select an option	18, 19, 20, 21
Comes With Joint Protector?	No
Comes With Extension?	No
Comes With Case?	No
Warranty	Lifetime
Made in	US

18 reviews for McDermott Stinger NG01W Jump/Break Cue

Rated 4 out of 5

Pat L. – February 4, 2020

Break

I recently received the break/jump stick and love the feel of it. Breaking with it is so comfortable with almost no vibrations whatsoever and as a solid feeling in my hands. Also getting much better breaks!
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew C. – February 25, 2020

Break?Jump cue

To be frank, the cue is absolutely everything that I was looking for in my breaks. The balls spread out better and with less effort. Keven from PoolDawg was amazing to work with. PoolDawg is the only company that I’ve done business with for my pool needs, and they have earned my loyalty for life!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan D. – May 7, 2020

Stinger jump/break pool cue

Without a doubt, excellent cue. Appears great, feels great, breaks great, sounds great. It’s my first break cue, but my breaks have been really consistent while using it.
Rated 5 out of 5

John R. – June 26, 2020

Amazing Breaking Cue. Well worth

I have to say, amazing Breaking Cue. Well worth the Money No complaints.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary W. – July 31, 2020

Nice and wide phenolic tip

Pleasant and wide phenolic tip makes for a amazing break! Not a whole lot of power required to use it. Keep it lightweight at 18/19oz
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan E. – September 12, 2020

Mcdermott Stinger

Great Cue! Impressed with such a high quality. Will enjoy it for years to come.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah A. – September 26, 2020

Make-Em-Jump

it will take some playing time to get used to this new jumping cue. It seems to need a harder and more accurate stroke while striking the stick than my previous jumping cue stick required. I really like that it came with a jumping handle otherwise I would have had to go and purchase one for it. Overall very content with this and as soon as I get the stroke and strike down I’m sure that it will be a trusted piece of equipment.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris C. – September 30, 2020

Mitch

Awesome break stick only wish the 3 piece butt would fit the shaft for masse Satisfied customer here.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat L. – December 6, 2020

Warning

My NG04 showed up today. I noticed that the advertised ”Extra 12.5” Black Jump Handle was not included. Upon calling their customer service department I was informed that this handle is no longer sold by pooldawg and should not be included under the specifications. I only paid the extra money for this cue as opposed to the non-wrapped NG01 because I wanted the handle (not listed under the NG01 specs). I was disappointed to find that it was not included. I have yet to shoot with the cue so I cannot provide feedback yet with regards to its performance. I just wanted to warn other buyers as to what they will receive upon ordering this item. *Note from PoolDawg*This model used to come with the jumper handle but it no longer does (and we were unable to source one from McDermott). We apologized for the confusion with this and offered to get it back with a prepaid shipping label. The customer declined our offer at that time but the offer certainly still stands. We’re more than happy to get this back from you for a full refund and will absolutely pay for the delivery to get it back. Just contact us if you change your mind!
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen M. – February 19, 2021

Functions greats

Performs greats Highly recommend!
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam T. – April 15, 2021

Break cue

I have to say, very lovely, great craftsmanship.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey J. – January 4, 2022

Amazing product, rapid delivery, and

Amazing item, fast delivery, and packaging was spot on. I could barely get the cue it was truly safely packaged. Thank you so much.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor E. – March 20, 2022

incredible jump cue

From my perspective, incredible jump cue
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen S. – April 26, 2023

Quite good Jump/Break combo couldn’t

I have to say, extremely good Jump/Break combo couldn’t be happier
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah C. – June 11, 2023

Get a 21oz for more power

I saw a pro review that said the jump cue is excellent but the break cue is lacking power. Oddly though, he had an 18oz. I got the 21oz and it seems to have plenty of power. Maybe not the most powerful break cue ever, but it’s not far off. Once I add the i-1 big boy break shaft I have a feeling it will be right up there with some of the best.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley H. – July 2, 2024

Extremely happy

Jumps great, I switched out the tip for a white diamond and it breaks open the rack like butter.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave B. – September 24, 2024

Have never owned a break

Have never owned a break cue stick before, but this has changed my world! I am just getting back into the game and have owned a McDermott for a very long time and adore it, so going with this break stick was a natural choice. Breaks are now consistently very spread out and I feel a lot of confidence when it is time for me to break. As usual my buying experience from PoolDawg was amazing and shipping was extremely prompt.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat K. – September 30, 2024

Terrific cue for the price,

Amazing cue stick for the price point, well made, breaks decent, truly delighted with the purchase.