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 NG06 Jump/Break Cue

Rated 4.81 out of 5 based on 16 customer ratings

(16 customer reviews)

Original price was: $440.00.Current price is: $396.00.

McDermott NG06 pool cue featuring 29″ Stinger Break Jump shaft shaft. G-Core.

Select an option

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McDermott Cue Manufacturing has produced premium American-made cues since 1975, setting industry standards for quality and innovation. The McDermott Stinger NG06 Jump/Break features 29″ Stinger Break Jump shaft shaft, None wrap for exceptional playability.

Weight	1.5 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 33 in
Tip	13.25mm phenolic tip
Ferrule	"Stinger stem" through ferrule, 1/2" Ivorene-3 fiber linen
ColorSB	Black, Tan, Yellow
Shaft	29" hard rock maple patented Stinger shaft with a 10-12" pro taper, 29" Stinger Break Jump shaft
Pin	3/8×10
Collar	No Collar
Forearm	Black painted Maple, Black with yellow "Stinger" graphic overlay
Wrap	None
Butt Sleeve	Black and white honeycomb pattern graphic with Stinger bee logo, Black with yellow "Stinger" graphic overlay
Butt Plate	Black urethane with McDermott Logo, Black with Gold McDermott logo
Bumper	Black rubber, 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

16 reviews for McDermott Stinger NG06 Jump/Break Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Pat D. – custom

Great Cue / Great Service !!

I always use PoolDawg because I like the return policy if I need it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve S. – custom

Great power and control

Awesome cue
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth N. – custom

Review

Package was delivered on time with no damage.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve N. – custom

So glad I purchased this

In my experience, so glad I purchased this cue! I have not jumped with it yet but my breaks have improved with this cue
Rated 4 out of 5

Mary G. – custom

McDermott NG06 J/B Pool cue

Without a doubt, i bought this cue stick because I can’t justify paying so much for a break stick with a carbon fiber shaft. This cue has a stiff taper that takes a little getting used to. But it is rock solid, and has fantastic feel. Jump’s properly too. Like anything else, improving your break requires practice. Most players would be better served practicing their aiming and hitting the head ball solid before shelling out $700 for a carbon shafted break pool cue. This is a excellent j/b cue stick.
Rated 4 out of 5

John F. – custom

First jump break stick

I am very pleased with the stick improved by breaking dramatically I haven’t tried to jump yet but I will soon truly satisfied
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick L. – custom

Excellent pool cue

I highly suggest this cue for all skill levels of play. Superb for breaking and simple to learn to or consistently make jumps with.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam T. – custom

Excellent experience

Fantastic service, prompt shipping. The cue came in perfect condition. I’ll definitely shop at Pooldawg again.
Rated 4 out of 5

Karen J. – custom

It performs ok but has

It performs ok but has a weird sound on impact with the cue ball.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue G. – custom

Break cue

Truthfully, this cue breaks really well. Usually pocket ball on every break.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan G. – custom

Breaks great jumps reliable

Breaks great jumps solid
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom J. – custom

Buy this!!!

In my experience, adore this stick, I’m sinking 1-2 more balls off the break with it! I would vouch for this cue to anyone that’s wants more out of their breaks!
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve R. – custom

Pool Dawg was so easy

Pool Dawg was so simple to purchase my stinger break cue jump stick from. Value was the cheapest I found and the pool cue was delivered quick and packaged perfectly! 👏👏👏
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary P. – custom

Great cue, zero issues with it.

It’s been great so far. The Jumping has been a little subpar but I really think that’s more of a me trouble, than a cue problem. If good contact is made it’ll jump at pretty much any angle you need to bridge in, however because I’m a taller person with longer arms I think It’s a bit short for my stroke. I’ll be interested to see how long the “stinger” tip last and how much of a pain it’ll be to change that since it’s stemmed. Other than that, outstanding stick. Definitely worth the money if you’re growing into pool. I don’t think it’ll be my forever stick though.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen F. – custom

Oreder

Advanced player been playing since I was a preteen
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor H. – custom

Great break Que!

Truthfully, the Que does a great job of scattering the balls. The first time I used it, the break was so good I ran all the balls (on an eight ball game) except the eight. It is a good stick! PoolDawg provided quick service and I received it promptly.