Standard vs. Custom Pool Cues: Which is Right for You?

If you’ve picked up the beautiful game of pool recently and been to the local pool hall enough, it might seem to you that all the seasoned regulars are practically married to their cue; they’ll swear by it and, if you let them, will go at great length explaining every little advantage the cue offers to their game. It might even inspire you to get a pool cue of your own, and that is fantastic, but now comes the hard part: Which pool cue should you get?

Now, whether you’re actually a fresh face at the pool hall or you’re a veteran player yourself, it’s no secret that a player and their cue share a special bond, and with such an abundance of customization and pre-made options out there, just the act of choosing one or the other can be overwhelming. 

Fortunately, we can help you out by presenting you with all the relevant information you will need to choose the best cue for your game or at least get your feet wet enough to go down the rabbit hole yourself. Either way, we hope this guide to choosing between a custom cue vs. a production cue will set you on the right path, whatever that might be for you. Let’s begin!

Why Should I Get My Own Pool Cue?

Becoming a better pool player is an odyssey in and of itself, and the first real step for many in that odyssey is buying their first pool cue. Even the most skeptical beginner will immediately notice how different the game is when you have a consistent cue for every game and start getting a feel for it. You learn to play to your strengths and rely on the strengths of the cue as well. Your accuracy will increase. It’s just a better experience overall.

Now, getting your first cue is not just about walking into a store and asking for the latest, most expensive model with all the bells and whistles, sight unseen. If you’re a veteran, you’re going to know exactly what you like and need on a cue, so you’ll probably ask exactly for that. 

On the other hand, if you’re a beginner, then your best move is to get a solid but basic cue that teaches you the ropes of playing with a consistent pool stick.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at the two main types of pool cues we’re covering in this guide: Custom and standard.

Custom Cues Vs. Production Cues: Main Differences

Price Of Custom Cues Vs. Production Cues

Custom pool cues, as their name implies, are made to order and reflect the preferences of the person who wants them.  As you can imagine, the price tag of a custom pool cue depends on the work and materials that go into it, as well as the skill and reputation of the maker. All things considered, custom pool cues have a heftier price tag than production cues on average. 

Still, custom cues are a little more expensive, which does not mean that production or standard cues are cheaper. A high-end pool stick from a big-name brand can easily get close to or cross over to a four-digit price tag. The name of the game with production cues, however, is variability. There are those lofty, expensive billiard cues, and then you have your low and mid-range, basic-as-they-come affairs that are solid on their own but with a few caveats on materials, craftsmanship, and so on.

Advantages Of Custom Cues And Production Cues

As we have mentioned before, it’s hard to make a direct comparison on the feel of custom vs. production cues because, while they can have their differences, their application on the pool table really comes down to the player. In other words, a pool cue can be good for a million different players, but it will only be the best for a select few. 

Still, we want to outline a few key differences in what you can expect from either of them in very broad terms. Starting with standard cues, we don’t want to paint with too broad a brush, but there’s a good reason why some of the biggest cue makers (and a few independent ones) have been around for decades: They have the engineering of the cue figured out to the most minute detail. They usually hit high marks when it comes to the balance, diameter of the butt and shaft, weight, tip, and other factors. 

The thing with standard production cues is that you don’t get to choose any of these characteristics, and while you can read a spec sheet, you only get a feel for it after using it. You might like some things about it and hate others, but it all comes as part of the same package. 

Custom pool cues are all about the journey before you can even hold the cue in your hands. First, you have to learn as much about the cue maker as you can to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth and more. Make sure they’re sourcing their wood from reputable vendors, that they have done a verifiable amount of quality work in the past, and that they’re experienced enough to make a cue that hits all the marks you want it to hit.

Pool Cue Materials And Construction

The material of your pool cue will affect several aspects of it, such as weight, flexibility, and the strength of the hit. These are some of the most common materials used in pool cue construction:

Maple

Maple is the wood most commonly used in pool cue construction. It is known for being durable and having a consistent performance level when properly cared for.

Ash

Ash is the choice wood for most of Europe. Ash is a flexible wood with a very characteristic feel and hit, and it’s quirky enough to be preferred by many players worldwide.

Fiberglass and graphite

These “artificial” cues are known for their high durability and lighter weight, which, combined with their rigidity, make for a very particular feel that is divisive amongst players.

Your pool cue’s tip will greatly influence how you play your game because, despite its minuscule size, it’s the only part of the entire cue that actually makes contact with the ball.

Hard Tips

Hard tips are the preferred tip for breaking and jump shots and are the most durable kind of tip. They are a good choice for the player who is at the pool hall often.

Soft Tips

Soft tips are better at absorbing the impact force when hitting the ball, which offers the player more control and a higher degree of spin on the cue ball. Obviously, it's not as durable as hard tips.

Medium Tips

As the name implies, medium tips provide a good balance of the characteristics between hard tips and medium tips, offering some degree of both control and durability, but without excelling at either of them.

Great Beginner’s Pool Cues from Triangle Billiards

It’s tempting to want a fancy, custom-made cue on your wall or cue stand, but beginners and even some billiards enthusiasts want a trusty and affordable quality cue they can use for regular play or for visitors to play with. 

These cues from Triangle Billiards are excellent for those starting out or for casual pool players who have some good game in them. 

Voodoo VOD36 RIP - Voodoo Queen

Athena pool cues are well known for their elegant designs, catering more to female players in the billiards community.

The cue features a 13mm 7-layer leather tip and a 1" fiber linen ferrule for precise shots and durability. The 29" hard rock maple shaft with a 10-12" pro taper offers a smooth stroke, while the piloted 5/16 x 18 pin ensures a secure and stable connection. The forearm's captivating purple stain is adorned with alternating snakes, skulls, and crossbones, evoking the powerful imagery of the mystical and the macabre.

The Voodoo Queen herself reigns over the butt sleeve, depicted in a striking purple stain that promises to turn heads in any billiards hall. Complementing the mystical theme, the cue is wrapped in black leather for a firm, comfortable grip during play. The stainless steel butt plate is etched with the Voodoo logo, adding a mark of authenticity and flair. With a Voodoo rubber plug bumper, this cue not only looks extraordinary but is built to withstand the rigors of play, ensuring that each shot is as spellbinding as the last. Whether you're an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned professional, the Voodoo VOD36 RIP - Voodoo Queen pool cue is your key to dominating the table with style and precision.

With a range of colorful and intricately designed cues, Athena offers a unique and stylish option for female players looking to enhance their game with a cue that reflects their personality.

Athena 18 Cue

This Athena cue features a 12.5mm proprietary tip paired with an Ivorene-3 ferrule and a 28.5" hard rock maple shaft designed with a 10" pro taper. The shaft is adorned with a black collar that showcases a subtle silver ring and includes a piloted brass insert. The design of the butt plate and bumper is robust yet detailed, highlighting a black background graced with the gold Athena emblem and a brass ring. The bottom is equipped with a threaded black rubber bumper that easily unscrews, allowing the addition of a 10-inch extension. Both the sleeve and forearm are styled with a black base, enhanced with a splattered pink pattern and delicate white butterflies.

Lucasi Air Hog Extra Lightweight Technology Jump Cue

For the past twenty years, Lucasi Cues has set the standard for both excellence and affordability in the pool cue industry. They incorporate high-end features like the Uni-Loc quick-release joint and select exotic woods, combining innovative designs with advanced manufacturing techniques. This approach has transformed the billiards world, offering reliable and precise pool cues at reasonable prices.

Their Air Hog Extra Lightweight Jump Cue features a G5 Grip wrap and the X-Shox Dampening System, ensuring a comfortable and stable hold with minimal vibration. It also includes the Uni-Loc pin at the joint collar for a solid hit. Additionally, the cue sports a 14mm low-deflection shaft equipped with an S4 Super Sized Sweet Spot tip, ensuring maximum contact with the ball and reduced spin.

Athena 13 Cue

This cue features a 12.5mm proprietary tip paired with an Ivorene-3 ferrule, ensuring optimal contact and control with the cue ball. The 28.5-inch shaft crafted from Hard Rock Maple with a 10-inch pro taper promotes a smooth, even stroke, while the piloted brass insert and stainless steel collar enhance durability and alignment. The joint is constructed with a piloted 5/16x18 pin and steel collar, promising a secure and stable connection.

Aesthetically, the Athena 13 Cue stands out with its naturally stained maple forearm adorned with striking purple and black points and purple heart overlays, all encased by sleek black and silver rings. The black-with-white spec Irish linen wrap offers a comfortable and firm grip, reducing slippage during play. The cue's sleeve continues the elegant design with decorative purple heart detailing set between black and silver rings. The uniquely designed butt plate features a gold Athena emblem, adding a touch of luxury, and includes a threaded black rubber bumper that unscrews to attach a 10-inch extension, providing versatility and extended reach when needed. Whether in competitive play or casual practice, this cue is sure to impress both in performance and appearance.

Outlaw OL21 Cue

Step into the rugged charm of the Old West with the Outlaw OL21 pool cue, a masterpiece that embodies the spirit of frontier legends. Crafted for the player who appreciates both history and quality, this cue features a genuine leather wrap that ensures a steady grip and a distinctive feel reminiscent of a cowboy's trusty lasso. The steel joint and butt cap enhance durability and provide a solid, balanced hit, ideal for making your mark at the table.

The standout feature of the OL21 is its butt, adorned with a western motif that's been seared into the wood using Outlaw's unique blowtorch branding technique. This branding not only adds a touch of rugged aesthetics but also makes each cue a one-of-a-kind piece with its own story, much like the tales of the Wild West. Whether you're lining up a shot in a bustling saloon or a quiet hall, the Outlaw OL21 cue brings a piece of American history to your game.

In Conclusion…

If you must boil down the difference between production cues and custom cues, all things considered, into a single sentence, here it is: When using custom cues, the cue itself is adapted to your game; when using a production cue, you adjust the nuances of your game to the strengths of the cue. It’s all a question of what you feel you need to be the best player you can be and how much you’re willing to invest to get to that point. 

There are people who have been playing pool for decades using nothing else but bar cues, others are seasoned aficionados with no reserves about pouring hundreds to thousands of dollars into their custom cues, and then you have league-game level pros using production cues because they’re being sponsored by the big brands. This is all to say that it really comes down to the player to choose 

Maybe you can get a basic mid-range production cue to get a feel for what you need as a player and measure your preferences for weight, type of tip, shaft taper, etc. Then, after a while of playing with that same cue, you’re ready to have a custom cue made just for you. 

Maybe it’s the other way around, and you first get a custom pool stick that pushes your current abilities further, and after you get to know the game a lot better, you get a nice production stick that covers the basics and leaves the rest up to you.

Triangle Billiards offers players a fantastic variety of pool cues at a wide range of prices, so there’s surely something for you in our store. Contact us today to get a fantastic cue, table, and any other equipment you might need.