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.

Viking VIKC Break Cue

Rated 4.77 out of 5 based on 13 customer ratings

(13 customer reviews)

$400.00

Viking VIKC pool cue featuring 29″ V CRUSH Hard Rock Maple, Conical “CRUSH” Taper shaft. ViKORE shaft technology.

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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: VIKC Categories: Break Cues, Pool Cues, Viking Cues Tags: Break Cues, Viking Break Cues Brand: Viking, Viking

Viking Cues, handcrafted in Wisconsin since 1965, combines Scandinavian-inspired design with American craftsmanship. The Viking VIKC Break features 29″ V CRUSH Hard Rock Maple, Conical “CRUSH” Taper shaft, Black Irish linen wrap for exceptional playability. The traditional Irish linen wrap offers excellent grip and moisture absorption during extended play. Built for intermediate to advanced, this cue represents serious investment in your game.

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 34 in
Tip	13mm Viking Phenolic Tip
Ferrule	Black Phenolic Ferrule
ColorSB	Black, Silver
Shaft	29" V CRUSH Hard Rock Maple, Conical "CRUSH" Taper
Pin	Viking Quick-Release
Collar	None
Forearm	Black painted Michigan maple
Wrap	Black Irish linen
Butt Sleeve	Black painted Michigan maple with silver "CRUSH" logo
Butt Plate	Black with Silver Viking Logo
Bumper	Threaded black rubber bumper
Weight Changable	Yes
Type of weight bolt	WBVIK
Comes With Joint Protector?	No
Comes With Extension?	No
Comes With Case?	No
Select an option	18, 19, 20, 21
Warranty	Lifetime
Made in	US

13 reviews for Viking VIKC Break Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Mike M. – February 13, 2020

Viking Crush Break cue

Love it. Great break pool cue. Durable break every time!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen D. – March 11, 2020

New Viking crush break cue

Truthfully, love my new break cue. Really like all my Viking cues
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary S. – May 5, 2020

Viking crush

Really like the stick. First Viking stick I have owned and not a disappointment. Thanks
Rated 4 out of 5

Taylor R. – May 12, 2020

Viking Crush Break Cue

Really lovely for the value. I ordered this stick and an Elite case and couldn’t be happier with Pool Dawg and their prices
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave F. – April 1, 2021

CRUSH IS RIGHT!!!!

I’ve never used a break cue like this one. I consistently have great breaks all while potting 2-3 balls each time. The english on this break cue is absolutely amazing. Never seen anything like it. It’s a must have addition to any players arsenal.
Rated 4 out of 5

Lisa T. – September 29, 2021

Great break cue

Wonderful breaking cue. I usually pocket 1-2 balls and Im a SL3
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy W. – May 19, 2022

Break Cue

The Viking Crush is AS advertised wonderful breaks with just a firm stroke. Another excellent Viking purchase!
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy H. – May 24, 2022

Excellent Breaks Easy

Makes breaking easy with the hard tip and a comfortable shaft. Really easy to adapt to.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick K. – May 26, 2022

Excellent pool stick

Excellent pool cue
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike L. – September 10, 2023

Really good breaking pool cue .

Really good breaking cue stick .
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary A. – February 18, 2024

Viking Crush Crushes it

Bought this stick for my team and the few that use it, love it! They are breaking better racks and getting more confident in breaking each week. 10/10 recommend
Rated 4 out of 5

Karen L. – October 2, 2024

Viking Crush break cue

I have owned various Viking cues and I really like them. The Viking Crush is a good break cue stick, but I’m not sure I can recommend it at around $400. I think there are other break cues out there for $200 or less that are just as fine when it comes to breaking. As always, the buying experience with PoolDawg was top notch.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy B. – November 3, 2025

Wicked Break Cue

This Viking Crush break cue, is awesome. It has thenperfect balance needed for breaking. You can adjust the weight if need. I personally break with a 19oz, but here recently. I have been trying to find a sweet spot. So, I order all the weight bolts and just add the . 5 oz. Buy just adding that little weight bolt. My breaking is more accurate and more controlled. Thank you again PoolDawg.