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.

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Pool Cues

Riley RILS06 Snooker Cue

Rated 4.71 out of 5 based on 21 customer ratings

(21 customer reviews)

Original price was: $95.00.Current price is: $80.75.

The Riley RILS06 snooker cue features traditional ash shaft and classic Riley craftsmanship. Precision-built for snooker and English billiards.

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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!

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SKU: RILS06 Category: Pool Cues Tag: Playing Cue

The Riley RILS06 is a snooker cue from Riley, one of the most iconic names in cue sports history. Founded in England in the 1890s, Riley has been synonymous with quality billiards and snooker equipment for over a century. Their cues are designed specifically for the snooker game — featuring the slimmer profile, smaller tip, and precise balance that snooker demands.

The RILS06 features classic Riley styling with a traditional ash shaft — the wood of choice for snooker cues due to its distinctive grain pattern and playing characteristics that differ from the maple used in American pool cues. It is built for precision and finesse, not power.

Traditional ash shaft — preferred for snooker play
Smaller tip diameter for precise cue ball control
Classic Riley design and construction
3/4 joint for snooker-standard breakdown
Ideal for snooker, English billiards, and blackball

Weight	1.3 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 34 in
Tip	9-10mm proprietary boar skin tip
Ferrule	Brass
Pin	Riley Quick-Release
Collar	Brass
Forearm	Ash Wood
Wrap	None
Butt Sleeve	4 point Ebony butt
Butt Plate	None
Bumper	Black Rubber – Not Replaceable
Weight Changeable yes or no	No
Comes with case yes or no	No
Shaft	28 1/2" Ash Wood
Select an option	HEAVY, MEDIUM
Brand	Riley

21 reviews for Riley RILS06 Snooker Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Sue C. – February 11, 2020

Riley Snooker Cue

Great service great cue cannot say thank you enough for your great service.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam K. – March 8, 2020

Riley snooker cue stick RIL06

Honestly, to borrow from a song by 10CC: I don’t like snooker stick, Oh no; I love it! I bought this one because I could get a extension for it. The only thing I did was to change the tip to an Elk Master; I prefer the soft tips. It’s worth every penny!
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley M. – March 15, 2020

Randy

Nicely worth checking it out really like the que
Rated 4 out of 5

Sam C. – June 27, 2020

RIL06

Good snooker pool cue, balance and weight. The tip that comes on it (black diamond I believe) is a bit hard for my liking. Still, it plays properly.
Rated 4 out of 5

Mike H. – June 30, 2020

Ordered a Snooker Cue but

Ordered a Snooker Cue but ended up returning it. Not what I hoped for based on a Snooker Cue stick I used for 20 years. Your staff was very helpful, knowledgeable, courteous and pleasant to deal with. I returned the Snooker Cue and ordered an Elite Cue.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah T. – July 28, 2020

Awesome

From my perspective, that was my first snooker cue stick, I’ve had it for 9 years now, and I use it at least once a week . It has never failed me. I bought the Riley hybrid 3 years ago but this one is my favorite. The weight is perfect and the thickness. And I appreciate the Riley extension which is sold separately btw. I think I bought the longer extension from amazon not sure if pooldawg sells the long one. But overall terrific purchase. I’m even debating if I should pick up a new one cuz I’ve hit mine like 2000 times.
Rated 4 out of 5

John J. – September 2, 2020

Great products, nice customer service, a bit of a challenge to pay

Hi, a bit of a challenge purchasing from outside the US, but the pay through Amazon links helped a superb deal. Customer service was… reliable. Just fine. Excellent selection, and love the instructional YouTube vids
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex D. – September 21, 2020

Nice Snooker cue

If your looking to get started in snooker here is a fantastic cue for you. Nice price and a lovely product.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah D. – November 15, 2020

Riley RIL06 Snooker Stick

the cue stick conditions is perfect but there was a delay in delivery from my mail carrier. thank you for your amazing products and customer care. regards,
Rated 4 out of 5

Bob B. – December 30, 2020

Riley Snooker Pool cue

I am nicely pleased. It has improved my accuracy and enhanced my control.
Rated 4 out of 5

Sue D. – January 15, 2021

Riley RIL06 Snooker Cue

Very lovely cue stick. Price hard to beat. Got the heaviest weight available.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam T. – December 30, 2021

Service and shipment were great.

Service and shipment were amazing. The cue is properly finished and slides on the bare hand really nicely. The tip wasnt finished properly and had a very definite rough slope across the diameter. But a few minutes with a file fixed it up nicely. I appreciate the 9mm tip and I am able to get more english on the white ball. I am seriously thinking of getting another as I wanted to have this one for my winter home in AZ and quit flying with a pool cue every year.
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick R. – May 8, 2022

So goon

So goon
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob N. – May 19, 2022

I really like the pool cue

From my perspective, superb Snooker Cue. Good value for the cost.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley T. – January 5, 2023

I really like the stick

I really like the stick
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat T. – January 25, 2023

Good Stick for the Money

Outstanding cue for the money. Robust built and I also ordered the extension for this pool cue. Which is a amazing help. I have a long reach so the extension helps with my shot.
Rated 4 out of 5

Kate C. – February 26, 2024

Snooker lover

The cue itself is really good. The stick tip however continues to fray so I will cut it off and replace it with a different tip.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim S. – April 26, 2024

Cue stick

Love it. Heavy cue which I like.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan A. – March 5, 2025

Nice que

Very lovely stick, extension does go in crooked but doesnt mess with the shooting, overall excellent stick for a great value A+ purchase.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam R. – March 8, 2025

Ril 06

I’m very content with my purchase of the ril 06 and the extension I get excellent English with it quite reliable draw it fits me perfectly thank you pooldawg
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen N. – October 23, 2025

Excellent!

Excellent stick! Love it!