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No matter what level you play at, the cue in your hands is your most important piece of equipment. It's an extension of your arm, and often, a reflection of your personal style. But with so many manufacturers on the market each promising superior performance, choosing the right brand can feel overwhelming.
That's where this guide comes in. We've distilled the most common questions players have about the industry's leading cue makers into one comprehensive resource. In this first installment, we're breaking down three iconic brands: Cuetec, the carbon fiber pioneer backed by world champion Shane Van Boening; Lucasi, the brand that marries exotic aesthetics with modern engineering; and Viking, the enduring symbol of American craftsmanship and innovation.
Let's dive in.
A Guide to the Top Pool Cue Brands
Cuetec
While other brands have only recently embraced carbon fiber, Cuetec has been at the forefront of modern cue technology since pioneering fiberglass coatings in the late 1980s. Today, their Cynergy carbon fiber shafts are among the most respected in the game, offering players exceptional low deflection and a consistent hit that outperforms traditional wood in all conditions. Players choose Cuetec because they want cutting-edge carbon performance.
Where Are Cuetec Cues Made?
Cuetec’s story begins with a Taiwanese engineer named Jones Chang, who introduced the technology that would become the foundation of the brand in 1987. The company itself was officially founded in 1989 and began distribution in the U.S. Today, their advanced carbon fiber shafts, like the popular Cynergy line, are manufactured in Taiwan. While the wood for their cues is sourced from China, the final assembly and distribution happen in the U.S. through their agent, Imperial International.
What Joint Does Cuetec Use?
For its own complete cues and shafts, Cuetec primarily uses a 3/8 x 14 joint pin. However, you can purchase a Cynergy shaft designed to fit a variety of popular cue brands. The available joint configurations include :
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- 3/8 x 10 (Compatible with McDermott, Elite, and OB Cues)
- 3/8 x 14 (Cuetec & Scorpion cues)
- 5/16 x 14 (Compatible with Schon and Joss Cues)
- 5/16 x 18 (Compatible with Action, Players, Meucci, and others)
- Radial ® and Uni-Loc ®
- United ® and Wavy ®
What Tip Does Cuetec Use?
Cuetec has a clear partnership with Tiger Products, a well-respected tip manufacturer. Cynergy Shafts use a laminated Tiger® Sniper Tip, while Avid cues come standard with a Tiger® Everest Laminated Tip.
Which Pros Use Cuetec Cues?
Cuetec has a very impressive roster of professional players, far beyond just one star. Here are a few of the most prominent names.
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- Shane Van Boening (SVB): The multi-time U.S. Open champion is the face of the brand and has collaborated with Cuetec to design his own line of cues, the SVB Gen I and Gen II. His input was also key in developing the Cynergy shaft.
- Francisco Sanchez-Ruiz: The reigning World Nine-ball Champion and World Eight-ball Champion joined Team Cuetec in late 2023 .
- Chris Melling: The multi-disciplinary pro, known as "The Magician," joined the team in 2023 .
- Sky Woodward: Another notable professional who collaborated on the AVID Proof Series.
Where Can I Buy Cuetec Cues Online?
Cue-pros.com is an authorized dealer of Cuetec and offers every line of Cynergy and Avid Cues and shafts as well as glove and accessories. Find our complete Cuetec Cue collection here.
Lucasi
With a focus on intricate inlays, exotic woods, and striking designs, Lucasi cues are as much works of art as they are precision instruments. They’re also wonderfully engineered. Their Pinnacle series features aerospace-grade carbon fiber shafts that rival any on the market, while their Custom series offers the classic feel of solid-core low-deflection wood shafts. Players are drawn to Lucasi because they offer tour-level performance wrapped in eye-catching designs that stand out in any pool hall.
Where Are Lucasi Pool Cues Made?
Lucasi is owned by Cue & Case, a company headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. While the brand is designed in the USA, the cues themselves are manufactured in China. The "Country of origin" is listed as China for many of their products.
What Are the Top Products Offered by Lucasi?
Lucasi Pinnacle Series represent the brand's top-of-the-line offering, featuring aerospace-grade carbon fiber shafts. The new carbon fiber Halo line from Lucasi Pro also boasts aerospace-grade T700 carbon fiber and a matte finish that’s so smooth, you might not even need a glove.
The Lucasi Custom Series is where Lucasi showcases its craftsmanship in wood cues. Starting at $494, Lucasi Custom cues come standard with a proprietary Solid Core Low Deflection Technology Shaft. While the Pinnacle is for pure performance, the Custom series is for players who want performance wrapped in an elegant, classic look.
Beyond these, Lucasi also offers the Pro Series (created and designed with the guidance of the 3-time Mosconi Cup USA Team Member Oscar Dominguez and WPBA Savannah Easton), Hybrid Series (which uses ergonomic sport grips) and the Lux Series (for clean, everyday playability).
What Are the Best Lucasi Pool Cues for Beginners?
Lucasi’s are generally considered advanced cues, so you may want to choose one at a lower price point if you’re just starting out. The Lucasi Custom Sneaky Pete Wrapless Cues starts around $370.
What Joint Does Lucasi Use?
Lucasi uses a variety of joint types across its different cue lines:
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- 5/16 x 14 (Pro)
- 5/16 x 18 (Pro, Pinnacle, and Hyrbid)
- 3/8 x 10 (Pro, Pinnacle, and Hyrbid)
- Radial ® (Pro, Pinnacle, and Hybrid)
- Turbo Lock ® (Pinnacle)
- Uni-Loc ® (Hybrid & Custom)
Where Can I Buy Lucasi Cues Online?
Lucasi’s Cue-pros.com is an authorized dealer of Lucasi and offers the Pinnacle, Hybrid, Custom, and Pro lines.
Viking
Viking represents the gold standard of American cue-making. Since 1965, they have been handcrafting cues in Middleton, Wisconsin, using aged Hard Rock Maple that undergoes years of careful preparation to ensure stability and consistency. Viking also pushes the boundaries of cue technology with features like the ViKORE low-deflection shaft and their groundbreaking FULLY CORED construction, developed in collaboration with Hall of Fame cue maker Paul F. Drexler. Players choose Viking because they value American heritage and meticulous craftsmanship.
Where Are Viking Pool Cues Made?
Viking cues are proudly made in the USA. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located in Middleton, Wisconsin. The company emphasizes that they manufacture 99% of the parts used in their cues and guarantee their flagship Viking brand is 100% American-made. This commitment to domestic production is a key part of their identity and a major reason for their enduring reputation.
What Makes Viking Pool Cues Unique?
There are several factors that set Viking apart:
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- Heritage and Craftsmanship: The oldest, most respected manufacturer of cues made in the USA, built on generations of experience and meticulous handcrafting.
- Innovative Technology: Viking shafts feature advanced designs like the ViKORE® low-deflection performance shaft, which is standard on many of their cues. Furthermore, their flagship Element Series utilizes the fully cored construction method, a technique developed with legendary cue maker Paul F. Drexler that creates a more solid, stable, and consistent hit. Viking is the first and only major cue manufacturer to use this advanced process.
- Lifetime Warranty: Every Viking cue comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and warpage, demonstrating the confidence they have in their products.
How Much Do Viking Cues Typically Cost?
Viking offers a wide range of cues to suit different budgets, from entry-level to premium collections. Here are a few of the most popular:
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- Valhalla Series: These are designed as a premium imported line, offering a cost-effective way to experience Viking's design and quality control. They start around $126.
- Kayano Series: As an entry point into the flagship American-made lineup, the Kayano series offers elegance and performance with the ViKORE shaft. Prices start around $375, making it an accessible "American Made" option.
- Defender Series: These cues represent a step up in materials and design, featuring more intricate inlays and premium woods. The Defender DF1211 is priced around $1,500 and offers a lot of options for upgrades.
- Element Series: This is Viking's premier, limited-edition collection, developed in collaboration with master cue maker Paul F. Drexler. These cues are priced at a premium level, listed at $1,750.
How to Choose a Viking Cue for Beginners
Valhalla by Viking is the most budget-friendly option, designed for players who want a quality cue without a significant investment. It's a great way to get a feel for the game and develop your skills. The Valhalla Cue Series 100 is listed at $126.
For a beginner ready to invest in an American-made cue with professional features, the Kayano series is an excellent starting point. Starting around $375, it gives you access to Viking's ViKORE performance shaft and high-quality materials right from the start.
What Is the Best Viking Cue for Professionals?
For advanced and professional players, the Viking Element Series is the ultimate expression of Viking's craftsmanship and technology. Developed with Hall of Fame cue maker Paul F. Drexler, these limited-edition cues feature unique Fully Cored construction, exotic woods, and genuine stone inlays.
Another great choice is the Viking Defender DF1211. This cue is a favorite among professionals, including players like Moritz Neuhausen. It features a Birdseye Maple forearm, premium pearl inlays, and comes standard with the ViKORE performance shaft. A major advantage of the Defender series is that it can be ordered with multiple upgraded shaft options, including several carbon fiber choices.
Where Can I Buy Viking Cues Online?
As a trusted dealer of premium billiards equipment, Cue Pros offers an extensive selection of Viking cues across all series. You'll find competitive pricing, expert customer service, and fast shipping at Cue Pros. Check out our Viking collection here!
Looking for High Performance Carbon Fiber Pool Cues?
If you're ready to make the switch to a carbon fiber pool cue, Cue Pros has you covered. Their online store features a carefully curated selection of the industry's best carbon fiber cues and shafts, including Cuetec's award-winning Cynergy line and Lucasi's aerospace-grade Pinnacle series. Cue Pros provides lightning fast shipping, expert guidance, and competitive pricing to help you find the right carbon fiber setup. Upgrade your game today and experience the future of pool cue performance.
