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.

Action Pool Cues

Action ACTXS Extra Shaft

Rated 4.89 out of 5 based on 27 customer ratings

(28 customer reviews)

Replacement and upgrade shafts for Action pool cues. Hard rock maple construction with Inox joint pin. Multiple break shaft configurations available with phenolic tips.

SKU: ACTXS Category: Action Pool Cues Brand: Action

Action ACTXS Extra Shaft – Replacement & Upgrade Shafts for Action Cues

The Action ACTXS Extra Shaft series delivers reliable, high-quality replacement and upgrade shafts designed specifically for Action pool cues. Whether you need a dedicated break shaft or a fresh playing shaft, the ACTXS lineup has you covered at a price point that won’t break the bank.

About Action Cues: Action is one of the flagship brands under the Cuestix International umbrella, one of the largest cue manufacturers and distributors in the billiards industry. Since their founding, Cuestix has built a reputation for producing dependable, well-crafted cues and accessories that deliver outstanding value. Action cues are a go-to choice for league players, casual enthusiasts, and anyone looking for solid performance without the premium price tag.

Shaft Construction

Material: 29″ Hard rock Canadian maple
Taper: 10-12″ Pro taper (select models feature conical taper for break power)
Ferrule: Phenolic or fiber linen ferrule depending on model
Joint: Inox joint pin for secure, vibration-free connection
Tips: Phenolic break tips with colored identification pads for easy recognition

Each shaft variant is purpose-built for specific applications. The break shaft models feature phenolic tips and ferrules engineered to transfer maximum energy on the break, while maintaining the consistency and feel that Action cues are known for.

Select your preferred style from the dropdown to see full specifications for each shaft variant.

Weight	1 lbs
Dimensions	33 × 3 × 3 in
Style	ACTXS 3 – Break Shaft (Red Pad, Inox), ACTXS 4 – Break Shaft (White Pad, Inox), ACTXS 5 – Break Shaft (Blue Pad, Inox), ACTXS 13 – Break Shaft (Green Plate, Inox), ACTXS 14 – Break Shaft (Pink Plate, Inox)

28 reviews for Action ACTXS Extra Shaft

Rated 5 out of 5

John H. – January 29, 2020

Extra Shaft for Action 25oz Break Cue

I am extremely pleased with the extra shaft I ordered for my Action 25oz Break Pool cue. The hardened leather tip is better on a shorter 7 foot table than the white diamond fiber tip on my other shaft. But, having the fiber tip gives me the flexibility to change shafts for different needs.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew N. – February 3, 2020

Action 25oz break stick and extra shat

I really enjoy using the new break cue. It gives me that little extra i needed.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor W. – March 23, 2020

Great Break Cue stick

This stick has really really improved my breaking. It is a great Cue!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan S. – May 4, 2020

Good Shaft

Camo just as pictured.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary L. – August 27, 2020

satisfied and happy

Without a doubt, took a couple weeks to ship up to Toronto area. Just a nice maple shaft with ‘pro’ style taper as advertised. Just a tiny bit stiffer than some and I like it. 5/16 X 18 thread fit the older Stratford cue that it was purchased. The layered Action tip actually gives nice and crisp hit. Seems to be holding up. Nicely valued at the cost. I’m pleased!
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen A. – September 10, 2020

Nice shaft, nice fit.

Without a doubt, lovely shaft, reliable fit.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah P. – November 10, 2020

Really good.

Truthfully, very good.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth C. – November 11, 2020

Action Pool Cue Extra Shaft

I have to say, the Action Pool Cue Extra Shaft from the Rings series is a good addition to my Natural Rings Action Pool Stick. The shaft is well manufactured and balanced.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike S. – December 3, 2020

Extra shaft

Lovely extra shaft. Effortless. Not your fault but, does not fit the butt I wanted to place it on.
Rated 4 out of 5

Mike M. – January 3, 2021

Was truly good. Satisfactory value

Was very good. Good value for the price.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve K. – February 9, 2021

Great shaft

Great shaft
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen P. – May 22, 2021

I brought for a friend

In my experience, i brought for a friend he like it
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley C. – February 25, 2022

Great shaft , great price!

Great shaft , great price! quick delivery.
Rated 4 out of 5

Jordan J. – September 6, 2022

breaks great,glad i bought it.

breaks great,glad i bought it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan R. – October 28, 2022

Stellar as usual!!

Amazing as usual!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey B. – December 6, 2022

Great shaft. Put it on

Great shaft. Put it on my 19oz butt. First night made two 8 on the breaks
Rated 5 out of 5

Pat R. – March 9, 2023

correction for miscues on break

Substitute break cue shaft. Original shaft has a phenolic tip. Too many miscues. Leather tip on this one works perfectly on every break.
Rated 4 out of 5

Rick T. – March 23, 2023

Nice shaft, exactly what I needed fit and

Nice shaft, perfect fit and breaks pleasant
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary N. – March 28, 2023

Excellent quality and rapid service.

In my experience, excellent build quality and fast service. Just misunderstood and thought I was purchasing the whole pool cue
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim W. – May 3, 2023

This pool cue shaft is outstanding

This cue shaft is great solid no deflection I can really feel the hit its great I recommend this cue to anyone
Rated 5 out of 5

Sarah N. – May 15, 2023

Predator tip with Action shaft

Tip was installed perfect on shaft and was packaged with care. Delivered in a timely manor.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave B. – June 16, 2023

Breaks truly well impressed.the price point

Breaks really well impressed.the price point exactly what I needed.
Rated 4 out of 5

Taylor H. – April 1, 2024

It’s straight and true,works reliable

It’s straight and true,works good but had a little nix on it !!
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary S. – June 13, 2024

Performs like it should.

To be frank, works like it should.
Rated 5 out of 5

John N. – July 26, 2024

great customer service. breaks properly

great customer service. breaks well.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen W. – October 2, 2024

Fantastic shaft. Excellent value.

Great shaft. Excellent value.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave N. – January 17, 2025

Quite satisfied

Straightforward selection process. Superb delivery times. Excellent construction.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew B. – March 17, 2026

Bought this item to replace

Bought this item to replace old shaft