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 G502 Cue

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 8 customer ratings

(8 customer reviews)

Original price was: $900.00.Current price is: $810.00.

McDermott G502 pool cue. G-Core technology shaft. 13mm tip. Made in USA.

Select an option

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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)

The McDermott G502 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: Stainless steel with a black collar and a thin silver ring inside
Forearm: Birdseye maple with four recon ebony inlaid points which have pearl notched diamonds also inlaid in the points
Wrap: Lizard embossed Italian leather wrap
Butt sleeve: Recon ebony stained maple with twelve inlaid notched diamonds and dots and a double nickel silver ring sandwiching nickel silver dots
Butt plate: Black composite 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	Silver
Shaft	29" G-Core technology, CT Technology, Triple layer design
Pin	3/8×10
Collar	Stainless steel with a black collar and a thin silver ring inside
Forearm	Birdseye maple with four recon ebony inlaid points which have pearl notched diamonds also inlaid in the points
Wrap	Lizard embossed Italian leather wrap, ÿLizard embossed Italian leather wrap
Butt Sleeve	Recon ebony stained maple with twelve inlaid notched diamonds and dots and a double nickel silver ring sandwiching nickel silver dots, ÿRecon ebony stained maple with twelve inlaid notched diamonds and dots and a double nickel silver ring sandwiching nickel silver dotsÿ
Butt Plate	Black composite with gold McDermott logo, ÿBlack composite 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

8 reviews for McDermott G502 Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Chris M. – January 17, 2020

G502

I’m quite satisfied with the pool cue I purchased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick H. – July 5, 2020

Love the cue. Just as

Love the cue. Just as promised.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah W. – July 5, 2020

Get a Grip

The G502 is a nice quality cue. The Lizard Italian leather wrap is real grippy. Just what I wanted. The G-CORE shaft with the Tiger Everest tip is a amazing combo. Durable contact and for me it’s the superior you can get for what the cost of the shaft is. I also use a Lucasi Hybrid shaft which is about 60 dollars more but the G-Core performs just as well. I’m quite pleased with this cue. If I buy another cue I’m gonna go with McDermott again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex E. – November 20, 2020

G502

I purchased this cue stick a little over a year ago and paired it with a kamui clear black soft tip and I absolutely love this stick. I have played with much more expensive cues and the g502 feels just as good if not better than most.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth L. – April 12, 2021

McDermott Pool cue G502

From my perspective, i purchased a McDermott carbon fiber shaft for an existing cue butt and decided I wanted to change the butt a few weeks later. I called several places but no one sold butts separately. Finally, I called PoolDawg who had no trouble selling me a butt. I picked the G502 from a vast selection. The butt is gorgeous, well built and fits my carbon fiber shaft perfectly.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley H. – January 11, 2023

Excellent service.

Excellent service.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam A. – August 9, 2024

Excellent

With help from Christian I was able to get this pool cue with the 12mm shaft I wanted, Thanks again Christian !
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob G. – March 14, 2026

Beautiful craftsmanship! This will be

Honestly, beautiful craftsmanship! This will be my forever stick! Am impressed by the markings on the shaft and website was effortless to navigate