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 RILS07 Snooker Cue

Rated 4.83 out of 5 based on 23 customer ratings

(23 customer reviews)

Original price was: $105.00.Current price is: $89.25.

The Riley RILS07 snooker cue features enhanced design, ash shaft, and precision snooker taper. Classic Riley craftsmanship.

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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: RILS07 Category: Pool Cues Tag: Playing Cue

The Riley RILS07 snooker cue offers a step up in design refinement within Riley’s classic snooker cue lineup. Riley, founded in England in the 1890s, is one of the most storied names in cue sports, and their snooker cues carry forward over a century of craftsmanship and playing heritage.

The RILS07 features enhanced splice work and more detailed butt design compared to the entry Riley models, while maintaining the traditional ash shaft and precision balance that snooker players require. A solid mid-range choice for club and league snooker play.

Traditional ash shaft for snooker-specific feel
Enhanced splice work and butt detailing
Precision snooker tip and taper
3/4 joint construction
Suitable 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 butt with red stain, ebony and red stained maple front splicing
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
ColorSB	Black, Red, Tan

23 reviews for Riley RILS07 Snooker Cue

Rated 4 out of 5

Jesse W. – January 23, 2020

Riley Cue

Sorry but did not like the joint felt too sloppy and made in China turned me off. Returned it with great customer service and refund I’ll find and order a different one
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam R. – March 5, 2020

snooker cue

To be frank, it is a nice cue only thing I wish was different is a softer tip
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris M. – October 25, 2020

Riley is reliable

Solid and well built, smooth shaft and pocket is crisp
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah R. – October 31, 2020

RIL07 Snooker cue

Absolutely delighted with this purchase. My son is a keen pool player but I convinced him to try a snooker cue. I used to play snooker in the UK and had Riley cues years ago. He is thrilled with his new pool cue. Outstanding make performance and excellent value for money.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom E. – December 15, 2020

Let you know when I

I must admit, let you know when I receive it??
Rated 4 out of 5

Beth R. – February 25, 2021

Feels great!

I have to say, feels amazing!
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris F. – November 24, 2021

RILO7 Snooker Cue

To be frank, great pool cue. very well built. Will get more as these wear out.
Rated 5 out of 5

John J. – December 22, 2021

I called and asked questions

In my experience, i called and asked questions that were answered to my satisfaction. The order was processed and shipped promptly.
Rated 4 out of 5

Beth W. – December 27, 2021

Vouch for my Riley RIL07 it’s nice cue good price

Riley has reliable name and well-built reputation for snooker cues; that’s big reason I bought it. Another big reason is weight; I could get it in a lighter weight plus 9.5 mm tip which is what I need. Plus great value especially when compared against no-name snooker cue knock-offs. This is my first experience with snooker and I bought the cue to play with my Canadien friends in a South Florida snooker league. My Riley cue has helped me win several matches against strong Canadien A level snooker players. Plus I am now also using my Riley in my 8-ball league when my cue ball is on the rail. Much better control than with my regular pool pool cue. Recommend Riley to snooker players (and 8-ball players too who might use it for rail shots like I do). Pool Dawg did great job with this cue stick for me.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob F. – March 2, 2022

hubby loves it

My husband loves the cue, he has wanted a snooker que for some time now. The shaft is just the right size.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew T. – April 13, 2022

Good service and product

The cue is perfect for me a beginner snooker shooter. The tip diameter has really made a difference in accuracy. Pooldawg has a fine selection of all kinds of billiard equipment and I have placed more orders due to satisfactory service
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary R. – April 23, 2022

10 out of 10 but…..

Perfect pool cue. Totally legal for league play all throughout America. My only concern was the pin. It’s reversed from a typical pool cue. I’m not sure if all snooker cues have a reversed pin from standard pool cues. BUT the description says ‘Standard Spiral Brass Joint’ and when you get your cue you’ll see it’s clearly labeled ‘rapid release system’ and therefore, you cannot swap handles unless you figured out what that thread count was. But make no mistake, this pool cue has taken my 8 ball and 9 ball games to a whole new level.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen M. – October 6, 2022

the wight is awesome it

Truthfully, the wight is fantastic it is Strate and I can move the stick ball where i want it to go. so yes it is a fantastic stick and I would suggest it to any one who loves to play pool.. Thnnk you Pool Dawg..
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse J. – April 11, 2023

really reliable store

From my perspective, the store is very simple to buy and well-qualified products at a fair cost. In addition to easy communication, I endorse it. I’m from Brazil and I’m following the order that will arrive soon.
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan F. – May 28, 2023

I absolutely love the cues

I absolutely appreciate the cues we got for me and my fiancé! We are avid pool players and we even run a team here in lousiana and everyone who’s seen them has commented on them. The cues have helped us improve our accuracy when using English and lining up our shots as nicely as getting our ball around the table easier. The shipping was quick only two days behind schedule which wasn’t an issue at all plus everything was well packaged and nothing arrived damaged all in all I was extremely happy with the service and construction that pooldawg offered us.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan B. – June 11, 2023

Amazing snooker stick. Has already

From my perspective, great snooker stick. Has already improved my game. I will tell a few of the players I play snooker with about your company. Thank you
Rated 4 out of 5

Lisa J. – September 25, 2023

Better for advanced players.

Gorgeous detailing, but beware of the smaller tip.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary M. – December 14, 2023

My customer was quite pleased,

My customer was really pleased, great cues. Wish they were eight feet long, though. First 12 foot table I ever did. 😀
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris F. – December 22, 2023

We ordered two of these

Honestly, we ordered two of these cues for our Senior drop in center and they are already favorites for some of our members. Thank you Poollldawg.
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa C. – January 24, 2024

First snooker cue

my first snooker cue. I have multiple other billiards cues. but this is my first snooker cue. took alittle bit to get used to but I do really like it and multiple of my friends have shot with it and they all really like it. and it is a very properly built stick
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat M. – February 1, 2024

Robust pool cue

For me, this cue is a close second to the Elite ELSNK03 Snooker Cue stick. It has a similar feel and is a house favorite, but it has a slightly higher price tag.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen T. – October 6, 2024

Amazing accuracy!

Honestly, the smaller tip really improves my accuracy! Love these sticks!
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew K. – October 17, 2024

i ordered 2 from billiards

i ordered 2 from billiards dot.com they were crooked i tryed for a 3 they sent my money back this one is straight