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!

Griffin GR46 Cue

Rated 4.92 out of 5 based on 12 customer ratings

(12 customer reviews)

Original price was: $319.00.Current price is: $287.10.

Griffin GR46 pool cue featuring 29″ hard rock maple, 10 – 12″ pro taper, brass insert shaft. Steel-Tite joint system.

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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)

Griffin cues deliver tournament-quality construction at budget-friendly prices, making quality billiards accessible to all. The Griffin GR46 features 29″ hard rock maple, 10 – 12″ pro taper, brass insert shaft, Black Irish linen wrap for exceptional playability. The traditional Irish linen wrap offers excellent grip and moisture absorption during extended play. An excellent choice for players developing their skills and building consistency.

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 33 in
UPC	822114044684, 822114044691, 822114044707, 822114044714
Tip	13mm, Tiger Redline tip
ColorSB	Black, Green
Ferrule	1" Fiber linen ferrule
Shaft	29" hard rock maple, 10 – 12" pro taper, brass insert
Pin	Piloted 5/16 x 18
Collar	Stainless steel
Forearm	Black with maple points alternating green and reflective points
Wrap	Black Irish linen
Butt Sleeve	Black with maple points alternating green and reflective points
Butt Plate	Black with gold Griffin logo
Bumper	Plug black rubber
Weight Changable	Yes
Type of weight bolt	WBACT
Comes With Joint Protector?	Yes
Comes With Extension?	No
Comes With Case?	No
Select an option	18, 19, 20, 21
Warranty	1 Year Manufactures
Made in	China

12 reviews for Griffin GR46 Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan K. – June 24, 2020

Really happy with the stick

Quite happy with the pool cue stick it plays as well as much more expensive sticks that I have very sturdy hitting and a very quality tip really like the redline tip at is on it plus it’s a very reliable looking stick
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam P. – November 4, 2020

Very good cue stick

This pool cue is really nice, well balanced. The green is really pretty too. If you like some color this gives you color but yet the classic look. I did upgrade the tip. And the linen wrap is solid too. I can’t wait to shoot some pool with it. If your looking for an upgrade this is a fine option for the value.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth S. – March 18, 2021

Much more accurate shots.

Much more accurate shots.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom K. – August 23, 2022

Outstanding service!

These guys are great! Told me they would have my stick on mon,when I called them on Monday it was there as promised.
Rated 5 out of 5

Bob T. – March 29, 2023

Lovely stick

Fantastic stick. Nicely made really delighted with it!
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan H. – April 1, 2024

Green pattern

Its doing me pretty well so far. Hoping use it in more tournaments with results.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve K. – September 17, 2024

It’s a really reliable stick

From my perspective, it’s a really good stick solid craftsmanship Satisfied customer here.
Rated 4 out of 5

Sarah H. – November 21, 2024

Shoots properly balanced pleasant like

Shoots nicely balanced nice like it alot
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy A. – November 28, 2024

Wow

Wow. Top-notch pool cue ever. The glove and chalk are also superb. So much for buying items online. These work. Sunk 8 balls in a row!!! Not bad for an old coot🤣 Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate F. – January 13, 2025

Wonderful cue

Beautiful stick and functions terrific. Only bad thing I have to say is the annoying sticker that took time to take off it. Was the top-notch stick in the house and the engraving looked great too!
Rated 5 out of 5

Ann H. – January 15, 2025

Love my new Stick

I appreciate both of my sticks purchased recently. They are both Griffin brand. One is a 18oz and the other one is a 19oz. I had each engraved and liked how nicely they turned out. There are well made pool cues. Quite lovely inlays on each. From order to prompt turn around and delivery. I am pleased in every way. Thank you everyone in the process at PoolDawgs. 😊
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen L. – August 9, 2025

Birthday gift

I bought this stick as a birthday gift and had her name inscribed and it turned out beautifully. I scored major points with her on this purchase. She absolutely loves it!