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 VIK503 Cue

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 9 customer ratings

(9 customer reviews)

$530.00

Viking VIK503 pool cue featuring 29″ ViKORE 12-14″ pro taper, not piloted 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: VIK503 Categories: Pool Cues, Viking Cues Brand: Viking, Viking

Viking Cues, handcrafted in Wisconsin since 1965, combines Scandinavian-inspired design with American craftsmanship. The Viking VIK503 features 29″ ViKORE 12-14″ pro taper, not piloted shaft, Black with blue 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	Black, Blue, Grey
Shaft	29" ViKORE 12-14" pro taper, not piloted
Pin	Viking Quick-Release
Collar	Gold w/ Ocean Glow Premium Pearl and thin black and gold rings
Forearm	Double Wash Ocean Blue and Yellow Sunflower stain on Birdseye maple
Wrap	Black with blue speck Irish Linen
Butt Sleeve	Ocean Glow Premium Pearl material with gold and black rings
Butt Plate	Black with silver Viking USA logo
Bumper	Black rubber threaded
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

9 reviews for Viking VIK503 Cue

Rated 5 out of 5

John C. – February 5, 2020

Fantastic Cue

This is a outstanding cue as I bought it march of last year, now the only problem is that my shaft has recently broke and its been a pain to find a new shaft with the 5/16×18 qr pin. Otherwise robust stick. Highly recommend
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary J. – May 5, 2020

Everything arrived quick. Amazing stick

Everything arrived quick. Stellar stick choices and much more thanks pool dawg
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth C. – June 1, 2020

Great service and great shipping!

Everything showed up quickly and as expected. Thanks!
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve C. – December 20, 2020

Awesome experience!

I must admit, i will recommend PoolDawg to any and every pool player who is shopping for pool cue! Kevin was so helpful and really prompt in his responses when I would call in relation to my order. The initial pool pool cue that I ordered was in stock, but unbeknownst to me was damaged, so PoolDawg reached out to manufacturer and placed an order thru them! Fantastic awesome awesome customer service skills! And they gave me a lot of freebie items with my order which was a plus!
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate J. – March 5, 2021

My games got a little

My games got a little better with my new q
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim K. – March 24, 2021

Good service!

I had an email conversation with an employee and they were truly helpful, I wish I saved the email, I believe the name was Christian? Anyway this employee helped me out and actually sent a picture of the cue that I wanted to order to make sure it looked like the advertisement picture, actually saved me a ton of trouble, because the previous pool cue of interest looked a lot different in design and I ended up purchasing this model. The product was securely packaged and was delivered in what seems to be perfect condition. Truly happy with the cue so far, remember to register on Vikings website for the lifetime warranty!
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley R. – July 9, 2021

Shoots like a dream!

Not only is this cue stick lovely to look at, its even more beautiful to shoot with. Very low vibration during shots and the colors and details are gorgeous. A nicely crafted cue stick for a great value.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse K. – March 29, 2022

Truly very pleased with my

Very very pleased with my new Viking stick
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor C. – October 7, 2025

Great Purchase

This Viking VIK503 pool cue stick I just purchased from PoolDawg is amazing. I couldn’t be happier with the product and the experience. Thanks!