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 GS02 Cue

Rated 4.86 out of 5 based on 14 customer ratings

(14 customer reviews)

Original price was: $365.00.Current price is: $328.50.

McDermott GS02 pool cue featuring 29″ standard maple 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)

McDermott Cue Manufacturing has produced premium American-made cues since 1975, setting industry standards for quality and innovation. The McDermott GS02 features 29″ standard maple shaft with pro taper shaft, Black Irish linen with blue specksÿ 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	13mm, Navigator Black Medium
Ferrule	1" Ivorene ferrule
ColorSB	Blue, Tan
Shaft	29" standard maple shaft with pro taper
Pin	3/8×10
Collar	Black
Forearm	Michigan maple with Pacific blue European organic stain , ÿMichigan maple with Pacific blue European organic stainÿ
Wrap	Black Irish linen with blue specks, Black Irish linen with blue specksÿ
Butt Sleeve	Michigan maple with Pacific blue European organic stain, Michigan maple with Pacific blue European organic stainÿ
Butt Plate	Black composite with gold McDermott logo, Black composite with gold McDermott logoÿ
Bumper	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

14 reviews for McDermott GS02 Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa R. – February 10, 2020

Fantastic

From my perspective, i really like the McDermott gs02 pool stick. It has very fluid finish that glidesthrough my fingers. I am playing with more confidence using it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob B. – February 16, 2020

McDermott GS02

Solidly made and nice looking. My game has improved since I started using it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen S. – March 10, 2020

Cue stick

Very happy with personnel support.
Rated 4 out of 5

Tom A. – March 16, 2020

McDermott pool cue

It is a robust stick and great tip
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey M. – March 29, 2020

Outstanding buying experience

I will recomend this site to my friends since the buying experience, overall, was outstanding. Although I live in Puerto Rico, the shipping and delivering was decent.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat F. – April 3, 2020

McDermott GS02

Honestly, mcDermott GS02
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley A. – July 3, 2020

New Sticks

From my perspective, review: Thank you for your follow up in regards to the pool sticks I recently purchased. I purchased those pool sticks because I wanted to step up my game. I purchased them with you because it is a company that I can depend on quality of service. The good news is that not only did I step up that I qualified for 9ball singles tournament. The finals will be held in October 2017 and if I win there I will go to Vegas! Can you believe this skill level 2 in APA beat a SL 4 and two SL 8? It was an incredible accomplishment. Thank you, Marguerite Gomez Highly recommend!
Rated 4 out of 5

Lisa G. – July 30, 2020

I’m very pleased with my

I’m quite pleased with my purchases, one of my favorite stick , thanks
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan H. – August 26, 2020

PoolDawg Rocks!

Superb site with terrific deals on fantastic cues. Custom tips and many styles. Top vendor in my opinion. Thanks
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue R. – September 20, 2020

Outstanding cue stick for the price!!!

Guys / girls DO NOT let away this stick slip for the value! It is a McDermott so it is a Terrific CUE (DUH!!!). However i would put mine up against my JOSS Meucci Jacoby or Lucasi ANY day of the week. there are many many times I pull out my McDermott and use it more than my above mentioned cues. I re-fall in love with it every time I pull it out of the cue case. DONT LET it go for the value Superb CUE EXCELLENT quality as with all McDermott’s. Get one for your collection today you WONT be disappointed!!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew T. – November 10, 2020

New stick

Truthfully, i was in need of a new stick since it’s been a long time since I had a new one. This is the first time that I have used your company and truly happy with my stick. Thanks No complaints.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen T. – February 18, 2021

Great pool cue stick

Great pool cue stick for the price. Was delivered right on time. Couldn’t have made a better purchase!
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan D. – September 11, 2021

New Cue stick

From my perspective, i broke my last cue and this has been a great replacement. The maple shaft did have a small knick in it. Other than that the construction is terrific. Excited for to use it in the season coming up.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse N. – November 23, 2023

Pool Dawg Rocks!!!

I’m loving my new cue. Arrived quickly, in ideal condition, ordering was pretty simple, and the service i received was top notch. This is my first quality cue stick, and my game has definitely been improving. Sending all my friends to Pool Dawg for their gear!!