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 RILS12 Snooker Cue

Rated 4.80 out of 5 based on 20 customer ratings

(20 customer reviews)

Original price was: $75.00.Current price is: $63.75.

The Riley RILS12 snooker cue features hand-selected ash shaft and upper-tier design. Near-custom Riley quality for serious players.

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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)

SKU: RILS12 Category: Pool Cues Tag: Playing Cue

The Riley RILS12 is an upper-tier snooker cue from the legendary Riley brand, featuring some of the most detailed splice and butt work in their production line. Riley’s heritage in cue sports dates back to the 1890s in England, and the RILS12 represents the higher end of their production snooker cues — approaching custom-quality design and construction.

The RILS12 features a hand-selected ash shaft with excellent grain and a precisely machined taper for the kind of control serious snooker players need. The elaborate butt design makes it a pleasure to own and display as well as to play with.

Hand-selected premium ash shaft
Upper-tier splice and butt design
Precision snooker tip and taper
3/4 joint construction
Near-custom quality from a legendary brand

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	Black painted Maple
Wrap	None
Butt Sleeve	Painted Black with green veneers and Maple, machine spliced hard wood with BCE Custom cue logo
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

20 reviews for Riley RILS12 Snooker Cue

Rated 4 out of 5

Drew H. – January 20, 2020

snooker cue stick

In my experience, just what I hoped for, nice price point
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley B. – January 30, 2020

Snooker cue stick

From my perspective, wonderful stick, just what I hoped for. Came in a timely manner and I am very satisfied as I have been with all dealings with Pool Dawg.
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat P. – March 14, 2020

great site

am impressed by my stuff i bought from pool dawg
Rated 4 out of 5

John M. – March 25, 2020

Snooker cue

Truthfully, i like the pool cue. The tip is amazing. Its not perfectly straight but close.
Rated 4 out of 5

Taylor F. – May 8, 2020

Good product for the money.

Pleasant snooker stick for the money. Attractive while simple. Good balance and hits sturdy. The only thing I dislike is the angled cutout on the but of the cue. It drives me nuts having to turn the cue so I can have a proper grip.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob J. – July 23, 2020

Riley snooker cue.

Great cue. Wish there was an extension available. Shoots excellently.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth G. – August 14, 2020

Fit my need great craftsmanship

I was looking for my first snooker que. I had no idea what was good so took chance and it turned out to fit the bill. Haven’t had much play time but seems to do the job. I’m an 8 ball BCA player so this game a little different. For money Riley snooker que works for me.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan L. – December 15, 2020

Outstanding Service

I was amazed how quickly I received my stick and how superb a make it was would endorse this site to all of my APA and BCA people.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan P. – December 27, 2020

Happy customer

I am very happy with my riley cue and delivery was quick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor K. – November 22, 2021

Premier snooker pool cue ever

I was amazed by the snooker cue that I bought from pooldawg site ,the premier cue ever and I am going to purchase another one soon
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom N. – November 23, 2021

Great Quality for Price

Fantastic quality for price point, im super delighted with this purchase.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth K. – September 1, 2022

Loving this thing so far,

Loving this thing so far, as far as English in certain spots of the que ball extremely precise for placements pleasant and light haven’t taken the weight out the bottom yet to experiment with but so far so quality
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen R. – September 27, 2022

Fast delivery and good quality

Honestly, fast delivery and solid craftsmanship purchase for the price. I bought the cues for our senior activity center.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor J. – February 21, 2024

Great snooker cue

i’m using it to play a more accurate game at pool halls, and this baby does the trick! I would say just to chalk it often.
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa D. – March 12, 2024

its a fine cue, delivery

its a solid cue stick, delivery was quick and customer sevice was A1. I would buy from pooldawg again Would buy again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex C. – January 3, 2025

Ril12

Excellent value for money , performs well
Rated 5 out of 5

Morgan B. – January 6, 2025

Nice cue

Without a doubt, decent weight and nice looking cue stick. Would definitely recommend Would buy again.
Rated 4 out of 5

Drew W. – July 1, 2025

have better control of stick

have better control of cue ball. like the wtg of the stick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim W. – January 6, 2026

Snooker cue

Am thrilled with it been using it since Christmas Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam M. – February 11, 2026

Excellent cue stick

Love it! Superb build quality and action.