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 Pool Cues

McDermott G229 Cue

Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 36 customer ratings

(36 customer reviews)

Original price was: $535.00.Current price is: $481.50.

McDermott G229 pool cue. G-Core technology shaft. 13mm tip. Made in USA.

The McDermott G229 Cue exemplifies McDermott’s dedication to American craftsmanship. Part of the renowned G-Series, this cue features G-Core triple-layer shaft technology for reduced deflection and improved accuracy. Each G-Series cue is handcrafted in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Specifications:

Tip: 13mm, Navigator Black Medium
Ferrule: 1/2″ Ivorene ferrule
Shaft: 29″ G-Core technology, CT Technology, Triple layer design
Joint: 3/8×10
Collar: Black
Forearm: Light American cherry stained Birdseye Maple with Bocote, Cocobolo, green and index rings
Wrap: Birdeye Maple
Butt sleeve: Light American cherry stained Birdseye Maple with Bocote, Cocobolo, green and index rings
Butt plate: Black with Gold McDermott logo
Weight system: Adjustable

Warranty: Lifetime warranty – McDermott’s commitment to quality.

Made in USA: Crafted in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 33 in
Tip	13mm, Navigator Black Medium
Ferrule	1/2" Ivorene ferrule
ColorSB	Brown, Green, Tan
Shaft	29" G-Core technology, CT Technology, Triple layer design
Pin	3/8×10
Collar	Black
Forearm	Light American cherry stained Birdseye Maple with Bocote, Cocobolo, green and index rings
Wrap	Birdeye Maple , Birdeye Mapleÿ
Butt Sleeve	Light American cherry stained Birdseye Maple with Bocote, Cocobolo, green and index rings
Butt Plate	Black with Gold McDermott logo
Bumper	Black rubber
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

36 reviews for McDermott G229 Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Sam N. – February 10, 2020

Mcdermott

Fast shipping. Service was great
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth D. – March 28, 2020

Great service from reps

Had a great experience with numerous representatives. I purchased a nice McDermott cue stick and a Players HXT for my son and realized I wanted to return the McDermott. They expedited my return and refunded my money extremely fast. Great service, would vouch for.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan P. – May 16, 2020

Absolutely love it

Absolutely adore it
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen H. – June 24, 2020

McDermott G229 Pool Pool cue

Love it !! It’s a pretty stick. Dealing with PoolDawg was easy and fast.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary M. – September 1, 2020

McDermott G229 pool cue

In my experience, love my new McDermott G229 pool pool cue. The appearance is really eye-appealing. Especially like the unwrapped grip section. Balance and feel is great. The stick has helped my game. Ordering was easy and received cue in just a few days. Great job Pooldawg!. 🎱
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan A. – September 6, 2020

McDermott G229 cue

Ordered pool cue on Sept 3 received Sept 6. Cue stick was packed excellent for shipping. Got this stick because I retired my G903 cue. The G229 is a nice cue stick shot 4 games of 3 ball to get the feel of the cue. Never missed a shot and the cue feels quality when it hits the pool cue ball. Thanks PoolDawg for the fast shipment and damaged free cue. Shot pool with my G903 for 9 years.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve J. – September 10, 2020

outstanding pool cue

Truthfully, i own this cue and the 1st time i played with it I got a break and run! Wonderful company and great look also everyone asks about the G-core which does make me shoot better
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen P. – September 18, 2020

Mcdermott G229 SWEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Had issues with delivery with UPS but POOL DAWGs customer service (THANK YOU AMANDA!) was wonderful. They actually were going to reorder and overnight air a new replacement after UPS screwed up order, however ended up receiving my original a few days later. Stick is absolutely stunning. Previously played with a Players HXT LD and the feedback on this stick is a remarkable improvement. Normally play with Kamui soft however chose a kamui medium clear due to how fast i wear them out and this seems to be a wonderful combination if your a harder hitter but still like playing spin. Fit and finish was flawless. Packaging excellent and love the feel of no wrap. The sound of strikes is crisp thud unlike the player that i never got used to as sometimes it sounded tinny I am guessing from the LD ferrule. This is my first Mcdermott, if your on the fence i don’t believe you can get a better LD shaft of such fine quality for the money. Thanks POOL DAWG!
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam N. – September 24, 2020

Customer Service

These folks stay true to their word. Unfortunately, received a cue that was warped. After talking to Chris, he made reliable with their customer satisfaction policy. He immediately sent out a new cue stick, and provide me with a return label for the defective one. I will certainly give these fine folks all my future business.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate C. – October 6, 2020

I am truly pleased with

I am very pleased with my purchase. The stick is flawless and is perfectly straight! I have had many custom cues, but always keep coming back to McDermott. There’s something about how a McDermott performs!
Rated 4 out of 5

Bob F. – November 24, 2020

McDermott 229

nice and smoooooth shooting.i like it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen D. – December 29, 2020

McDermott G229

Its a beautiful cue! I placed the order and received it a couple of days later, just in time for Christmas.
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy K. – April 24, 2021

Really nice looking cue for

To be frank, really solid looking cue stick for the money… wanted to try a larger diameter shaft and I got this for slightly more than the price of a new one.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris B. – September 10, 2021

The grain in the shaft

The grain in the shaft feels a little coarse.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah N. – October 27, 2021

This cue is wonderful

This stick is outstanding Happy with my choice.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary K. – November 5, 2021

This cue performs excellent.Very satisfied

I must admit, this cue stick plays excellent.Very satisfied also shipping was fantastic
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth C. – February 9, 2022

This is my first make

This is my first build quality pool cue. The no wrap handle gives me more feel for my shots and I actually make more shots using the Navigator tip along with the G-Core shaft. Just a more controlled hit. The workmanship on this cue stick is flawless and it is one beautiful cue with the natural woods showing through. PoolDawg was a champ as always. I signed up to be notified when it was in stock. They let me know it was in and I ordered it. Fast shipping too. Extremely straightforward to work with PoolDawg.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen S. – March 13, 2022

great

great Would buy again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex P. – October 29, 2022

This cue is fantastic !!!

This cue stick is fantastic !!! I highly recommend it Bulldawg was amazing to work with everything they promised they delivered on Rick
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen W. – November 14, 2022

I really enjoy using this

I really enjoy using this cue. This is my first cue stick and after much research I am so glad I ordered this McDermott cue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth A. – January 7, 2023

McDermott G229

It’s a gorgeous cue. Feel and finish are top notch. I did a lot of research and I’m glad I purchased a Mcdermott.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley W. – January 13, 2023

Feels great fast shipping

Feels great prompt shipping
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse J. – January 18, 2023

Excellent cue stick Improved my game.

Excellent cue. Improved my game.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew J. – February 17, 2023

Love it! I did an

Adore it! I did an upgrade on the tip to a Kamui, so I can’t speak to to the standard tip. But, this is a fantastic stick! Great for those of us who do not want any kind of grip built into the shaft.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth F. – February 19, 2023

Incredible pool cue stick stick, truly

Incredible pool cue stick stick, truly a work of art, love playing pool with this stick stick, the quality is outstanding, I bought a beautiful pool pool cue rack from pooldawg a while back, I can’t say enough about this company, you won’t be sorry, they’re the top-notch, thank you pooldawg, it’s so nice to deal with a company who does it right, I will definitely order all my pool needs from you !!! Kenny
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom E. – July 7, 2023

McDermott + Pool Dawg, Top Shelf

Fit and finish are exactly what I needed in every detail. McD cues are my person favorites and this one wont be my last. Pooldawg order handling and shipping top notch and super fast. Cue came nicely protected. A++!
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris B. – February 23, 2024

am thrilled with the look and feel

I have to say, adore the look and feel of the cue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary B. – March 29, 2024

New cue

I love this stick! Was my first choice as a novice player! Was fast delivery fine price
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike S. – April 4, 2024

Great stick! Gcore shaft plays

Without a doubt, great stick! Gcore shaft plays extremely nice.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick R. – April 19, 2024

G229

Truthfully, it has made a big difference in my game i’am really enjoying playing pool again after not playing for so long its like playing golf you have to practice Satisfied customer here.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan T. – May 31, 2024

Outstanding looking pool cue Still getting

Amazing looking stick. Still getting used to it, it may effectively become my everyday shooter. Excellent value,
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen C. – September 18, 2024

Fast shipping, great customer service!

To be frank, swift delivery, great customer service!
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate E. – November 20, 2024

Cue quality

The McDermott G229 is a lovely cue more importantly it is well made and has improved my game No complaints.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat W. – March 20, 2025

Sky review

It’s a fine cue. Seems to be taking care of business. Nothing exceptional yet. Haven’t used it long enough. Time will tell.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jesse S. – June 3, 2025

Great Cue

Ive always had fine results with McDermott cues. I think they contact nice, reliable balance and for the most part look solid. (Some are tacky, but there are a lot of tacky cues out there. )
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan D. – March 6, 2026

My McDermott G229 Purchase

From my perspective, i recently ordered a McDermott G229 cue from PoolDawg and had an excellent experience from start to finish. The ordering process was incredibly simple and straightforward. Their website made it simple to find perfectly what I was looking for, and the checkout process was silky and quick. The delivery was very quick, and my order was delivered sooner than expected. Everything was packaged securely, and my new cue stick was delivered in exactly what I needed condition, showing the care PoolDawg puts into handling their products. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the entire experience. Between the simple ordering process, fast shipping, and careful packaging, PoolDawg proved to be a reliable place to purchase billiard equipment. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality pool gear and superb service.