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 NG05 Jump/Break Cue

Rated 4.79 out of 5 based on 28 customer ratings

(28 customer reviews)

Original price was: $710.00.Current price is: $639.00.

McDermott NG05 pool cue featuring Break Shaft;29″ hard rock maple patented Stinger shaft Playing Shaft;29″ G-Core shaft with pro taper shaft. G-Core.

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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: NG05 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 NG05 Jump/Break features Break Shaft;29″ hard rock maple patented Stinger shaft Playing Shaft;29″ G-Core shaft with pro taper shaft, Black Irish linen 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	Break Shaft;13.25 Phenolic tip Playing Shaft;13mm Tiger Everest tip
Ferrule	Break Shaft;1/2 Ivorene ferrule Playing Shaft;Juma Ferrule
ColorSB	Black, Tan
Shaft	Break Shaft;29" hard rock maple patented Stinger shaft Playing Shaft;29" G-Core shaft with pro taper
Pin	3/8×10
Collar	No Collar
Forearm	Black with maple points
Wrap	Black Irish linen
Butt Sleeve	None – Extended wrap
Butt Plate	Maple with black McDermott logo
Bumper	Plug Black rubber with McDermott logo
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

28 reviews for McDermott Stinger NG05 Jump/Break Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Karen L. – January 16, 2020

McDermott NG05

It’s an amazing kit from McDermott, and PoolDawg made purchasing it absolutely painless and awesome. I would highly recommend shopping with PoolDawg.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen W. – January 29, 2020

Stinger and action masse cues

From my perspective, fast shipping Great cues that Stinger break cue stick with the handle attachment is fantastic never jump balls like that before in my life and that action messe stick ,so far is the premier masse stick I even tried
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen D. – February 11, 2020

McDermott NG05 Break Jump Pool cue and Customer Service

I can’t believe how amazing this McDermott NG05 is!! I no longer have the need to try and “Power” my breaks with the hardest stroke that I can deliver. This cue allows me to give a firm stroke that will deliver the same force as the harder stroke I was using with the break cue that I NO LONGER are using. Kevin from PoolDawg was extremely knowledgeable when explaining different Break cues and because of his incredible knowledge, I couldn’t have picked a better stick for my breaks. I’m able to have better control of the cue ball on all of my breaks and this cue stick allows a quite nice spread of the balls after impact. Thank you PoolDawg for the exceptional Customer Service and the lightning prompt delivery of this item. PoolDawg has earned my loyalty and satisfaction for many many years and I couldn’t have done business with a better company. PoolDawg is SECOND to NONE and a TOP NOTCH customer service and product organization!!!!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave S. – February 12, 2020

Stinger Break Jump Cue

This is an incredible stick for breaking. I no longer need to “Muscle” my break shots now because of the Stinger shaft. It transfers the energy to the cue ball so properly now and allows me to be able to concentrate on on my English which is important to me. The energy that’s transferred to the cue ball for each break shot now allows a better spread-out of all the balls in the rack which enables me to have more shooting options. I was looking at a few different Break Jump cues and had quite a few questions for Kevin at PoolDawg over the phone and he was able to give me quite detailed information along with the comparison of each Break Jump cue for what I was wanting to obtain with it. Based on the great information that Kevin provided to me, I decided to go with this McDermott NG05 Break Jump cue and couldn’t be happier with it. Thank you Kevin for the phenomenal customer service that you provided to me not only on this call and order, but every other time that I’ve called for information and have placed orders from you. You have a customer for life!!!
Rated 4 out of 5

Tom R. – April 6, 2020

NG05 McDermott

A good deal the money! Can do a lot with this stick
Rated 5 out of 5

John W. – June 24, 2020

Excellent!!!

Honestly, i adore the stinger for sure, but the shaft came with a nick in it and they gladly took it back and smoothed it out, I was very pleased.
Rated 4 out of 5

Sam T. – June 30, 2020

Wonderful purchase for the value

The Gcore shaft is a durable every day playing shaft, the stinger shaft is amazing for breaking, the jump butt is something I’m just not use too and the regular butt is perfect for breaking because I sized it a little heavier but than had to order another butt that was lighter to compliment the Gcore playing shaft and since they’re are all custom made together my new butt sticks out a hair at the joint front the gcore shaft that it came with. Over all it was well-built though, especially for the money.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley M. – July 6, 2020

NG05

The Stinger shaft has a very well-built feel to it. I have 3 McDermott cues and I am impressed by them.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jen M. – July 9, 2020

McDermott Stinger jump break and playing cue

I really like my new cue, I’ve gotten lots of compliments on it.. the only thing I don’t like having to break it down every time I want to break, so when my other McDermott comes in j will soley use it for a break pool cue because it’s incredible.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey M. – November 18, 2020

McDermott break/jump cue

My break is better from using this McDermott break/jump cue stick and I’m able to jump and make shots with this stick. It’s my first of both and I like it!
Rated 4 out of 5

Pat W. – January 5, 2021

Pool cue comes as advertised, robust

cue comes as advertised, solid hitting break stick and very playable gcore shaft. Not disappointed for the price!
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen E. – January 25, 2021

Quality package

I like this package. The Stinger break cue has helped with my break and the playing stick shoots nicely.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim B. – January 26, 2021

Am thrilled with how it comes with

Love how it comes with 2 shafts! The breaking shaft is amazing! The g core shaft has a smooth stroke. Great cue!
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex E. – March 10, 2021

I am thrilled with everything about it

Honestly, i love everything about it the cue is gorgeous And the playing chef fit my cube perfectly. The G core shaft has improved my stroke tremendously will definitely get more from pooldawg
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick J. – March 20, 2021

I love it!!

I love it!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris N. – April 14, 2021

Terrific jump/break

Amazing craftsmanship pool cue as you would expect from McDermott. The jump handle and extra playing shaft make this deal tough to beat.
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa B. – November 4, 2021

The stick is outstanding It

The cue is great. It comes with 2 shafts and the package was worth the money.
Rated 4 out of 5

Dave D. – November 24, 2021

Still havent received item rating

Still havent received purchase, rating would be higher if so.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat B. – December 9, 2021

Love this product.

Love this item.
Rated 4 out of 5

Alex P. – January 17, 2022

Nice

Good No complaints.
Rated 5 out of 5

John A. – July 8, 2023

IMPROVED BREAKS

Honestly, i have noticed a significant improvement in my breaks with my new McDermott pool pool cue. Thanks Satisfied customer here.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan C. – August 25, 2023

I love the stinger haven’t

To be frank, i love the stinger haven’t used the jumper.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen G. – October 13, 2023

It’s a great set the

It’s a great set the stinger break pool cue hits hard G core performs outstanding very satisfied
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave H. – December 30, 2023

Christmas Purchase

Without a doubt, i purchased the McDermottNG05 Stinger Break Jump and playing Stick for Christmas gifts. They were well received! They will get a lot of use. Shipping was fast and the items arrived properly packaged and within the timeframe given. They are amazing build quality and well made. I’d also like to add how superb this company is. I live in Florida and ordered these to be shipped to NJ. I received a phone call to make sure that it was basically a legit purchase etc. I think that’s awesome! I’m sure we will be purchasing more items in the future!
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy D. – April 7, 2024

McDermott NG05

Can’t go wrong with McDermott. Excellent pool cue. Better, more productive breaks with the stinger shaft but this pool cue feels and plays great with the Gcore shaft. Haven’t got much use out of the jump handle yet but look forward to practicing my jump shots. GREAT BUY
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve J. – May 17, 2024

Great sticks and great service

great sticks and superb service I will be ordering again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen P. – May 27, 2024

Love it

Solid break queue. I haven’t used the playing shaft but this has become my go to for the break
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex P. – August 26, 2025

Very properly protected

I have seen some horror stories of people getting their pool cues from online retailers in poor packaging including some breaks but there was no chance in that happening with how properly my cue was wrapped and packaged. The box was the right fit and it was wrapped up with big sturdy bubble wrap inside. The cue stick itself is solid. I use the stinger shaft on the break pool cue itself and the G core on my playing stick. I am still getting used to the G core shaft but feels pretty smooth. The Break stick hits like a Truck. No need for me to go crazy and power contact on the break putting my whole body into it and raise up like you see a lot of people do. I can just get a pleasant solid stroke and it does its job. Irish linen is always nice. McDermott quality is always the top-notch even in their sponsored brands like the Stinger.