Should You Buy A Dufferin?

If you've spent any time in a Canadian bar or pool hall, you've probably shot with a Dufferin cue without even realizing it. For decades, they've been the quiet standard — the cue leaning against the wall that nobody thinks about. And that's exactly when the questions start. Is Dufferin actually a good brand, or just a familiar one? Does a cue that costs under $100 hold up next to something three times the price? 

In this article, we break down Dufferin's full lineup, from one-piece house cues to two-piece models with custom graphics, and explain who each category is for. We'll cover what Dufferin does well, and why we still consider it one of the most reliable names in the entry-level market. Let’s dive in.

Are Dufferin cues good?

Yes — and for many players, they're the smartest place to start. We highly recommend Dufferin cues, especially for anyone stocking a bar or game room, or buying their first two-piece cue.

Dufferin was founded in 1967 in Toronto and quickly grew into Canada's largest pool cue manufacturer, dominating the market from the 1970s through the 1990s. As other brands chased technological advancements in cue-making, Dufferin stayed true to what it did best: building dependable house cues. That focus is exactly why the name became synonymous with the category in Canada. Looking at what Dufferin actually delivers today, we still consider it one of the most reliable names in the entry-level market.

The reason comes down to value and consistency. A house cue has one job: to be straight, solid, and dependable night after night, even in the hands of careless customers. Dufferin cues do that job exceptionally well, which is why they remain a standard choice for bars and pool halls. 

To help you understand your options, we break the most popular Dufferin cues into three primary categories. First are the one-piece cues that generally serve as house cues, or the trusted pieces you'd use to stock a bar or a home game room. Second are two-piece cues with traditional designs and no fancy graphics, perfect for players making their first upgrade from a house cue. Third are cues with the same hardware as the second category but with upgraded graphics.

Dufferin One-Piece Cues (House Cues) – $72-$81

If you need a cue that can take a beating and still roll straight, this is the category to focus on. Dufferin's one-piece cues are the ones you'll find leaning against the wall in bars and pool halls across Canada and the U.S. At under $90, they're priced low enough to buy several for a home game room or a small bar, but they're built with the same care that earned Dufferin its reputation. The one-piece construction means there's no joint to loosen or rattle over time, making it much easier to maintain. 

What makes these cues stand out at this price point is the quality control. Dufferin cues are checked and finished to a standard that most budget brands simply don't match, which is why they've remained the default choice for commercial use. If you're stocking a game room or just want a dependable cue for the basement, these are the safest bet in their price range. You can browse the current Dufferin one-piece lineup here.

Dufferin High Run One-Piece Cue ($81.90)

Dufferin Two Piece Cues (Traditional Style) – $137-$197

This is where Dufferin becomes a serious option for players, not just bars. A two-piece cue is the first real upgrade most beginners make, in large part because they are portable. Two-piece cues can be broken down and put into a case, making it possible to travel with them and also easier to store them safely. At $137–$197, these Dufferin cues are noticeably better than a house cue, but still far below the price of a custom or high-end production cue. The traditional designs are also classically elegant, but you’re not paying extra for graphics. 

The reason we recommend Dufferin two-piece cues so strongly for beginners comes down to consistency and feel. Dufferin's manufacturing standards mean you're getting a cue that's straight, well-balanced, and built to last at a great price point. They are affordable cues you can trust on your first step to becoming an advanced player. 

Check out the current Dufferin two-piece lineup here.

Dufferin Maple Wrapless Cue ($137.10) 

Dufferin Two Piece Cues with Graphics – $197-$266

This category is for players who already know they want a Dufferin and want a cue that makes a statement. These are the same cues as the traditional two-piece lineup, but with upgraded graphics that shine. In other words, the higher price tag doesn’t reflect better performance, but rather for the design work and the finish. At $197–$266, the premium over the plain version is modest, and for a lot of players it's worth it. A cue you're proud to pull out of your case is a cue you'll practice with more, and that alone can improve your game.

That said, this is the one category where we'd encourage beginners to be honest with themselves about priorities. If you've been shooting for a while, you know you're in it for the long haul, and you want a cue that reflects your style, these graphics models are a great choice. 

Browse the current two-piece lineup here.

Dufferin Shadowed Pines with Linen Wrap ($226.80)

FAQs about Dufferin Cues

What is a Dufferin house cue?

House cues are one-piece cues that are used in pool halls, bars, and game rooms, and Dufferin is one of the most popular makers of house cues. Dufferin house cues cost around $72-$90, and they can be purchased in bulk from a trusted distributor (Call Cue Pros for wholesale pricing). They come in three types: the commercial one-piece cue, the High Run 58” one-piece, and the High Run One-Piece Shorty Cue. 

You can find low prices on all three cues in our Dufferin one-piece collection.

Where can I find Dufferin cues on sale?

Cue Pros has a wide variety of reduced priced cues, including from trusted brands like Dufferin. At the time of publication, we had 40 Dufferin cues with reduced prices in our sales section. Our sales prices update daily, so make sure to bookmark our on sale pool cues to get the best deals!

How do I choose the best Dufferin cue for beginner players?

When it comes to beginner players, Dufferin gives you three options. You can purchase a one-piece cue, which will only cost you around $72-$81, but will have limited options for travel and upgrades. You can also jump right into a two piece cue, and if you go that route, the only choices you’ll need to make are about styles (wrap type or wrapless, shorty cue, traditional vs graphic design, etc.). These choices won’t make a significant impact on performance, but rather should reflect your preferences as a player. 

If you’re not sure about what type of wrap you want, whether you need a shorter cue, or any other questions about cue specs, you can always reach out to us at 573-356-3571. We’re happy to help you find the right cue for your play style!