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.

Viking VIK350 Cue

Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 8 customer ratings

(8 customer reviews)

$625.00

Viking VIK350 pool cue featuring 29″ VIKORE Performance Shaftÿ shaft. ViKORE shaft technology.

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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: VIK350 Categories: Pool Cues, Viking Cues Brand: Viking, Viking

Viking Cues, handcrafted in Wisconsin since 1965, combines Scandinavian-inspired design with American craftsmanship. The Viking VIK350 features 29″ VIKORE Performance Shaftÿ shaft, Black with brown speck Irish linen wrap for exceptional playability. The traditional Irish linen wrap offers excellent grip and moisture absorption during extended play. Built for intermediate to advanced, this cue represents serious investment in your game.

Weight	1.4 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 34 in
Tip	13mm Tiger Everest
Ferrule	1" Viking Super Ferrule
ColorSB	White
Shaft	29" VIKORE Performance Shaftÿ
Pin	Viking Quick-Release
Collar	Birdseye maple, American Cocobolo, and West African Ebony, African Zebrawood rings at joint and on the butt plate.
Forearm	Coffee stained maple
Wrap	Black with brown speck Irish linen
Butt Sleeve	Birdseye maple, American Cocobolo, and West African Ebony, African Zebrawood rings at joint and on the butt plate.
Butt Plate	Black high impact modified acrylic with silver Viking logo
Bumper	Threaded black rubber bumper
Weight Changable	Yes
Type of weight bolt	WBVIK
Comes With Joint Protector?	No
Comes With Extension?	No
Comes With Case?	No
Select an option	18, 19, 20, 21
Warranty	Lifetime
Made in	US

8 reviews for Viking VIK350 Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

Dave K. – June 18, 2020

Coca Bola

I am thrilled with my new stick. My cue ball control is much better,I beat an APA 7 I’m a 6 in APA 4 to1. I appreciate my Coca Bola.
Rated 4 out of 5

Karen M. – July 1, 2020

Viking VIK350 pool pool cue

4stars, based on value per dollar. Lovely cue for the price point. Feels solid too. I bought as a gift so my experience using it is really limited. I will say that medium soft tip that came with it hits very solid and sounds and feels like a hard tip. Which personally, I don’t mind. I must say though, and I like PoolDawg, (always my first choice to search with) the shipping protection on delivery seemed loose and ineffective. The cue had a minor Knick on an area of the butt. I’ll add photos later.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim R. – September 11, 2020

Viking A350

Super pleased. Free 2 day shipping, no tax, and $45 lower than the local retailer. Plus local guy would have taken 2-3 weeks.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue K. – December 29, 2020

learning all over

great pool cue stick. need to learn how to play all over again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey A. – September 17, 2021

Stick

I really like the cue but there is a small dent in the shaft
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim K. – February 8, 2022

Great cue

This cue has really upped my game. Shoots superb and love the feel of the stick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Drew A. – November 3, 2022

Great shooting stick.

My first Viking stick and I love it. Great quality workmanship and finish. Great step up from the Valhalla stick that I have.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris B. – January 19, 2023

Excellent Cue

In my experience, phenomenal performance with this stick. Fits perfectly in my grip and I couldn’t be more impressed with its overall quality!