Unless you’re playing at the top end of the game, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a new snooker cue. Here’s our guide to the best snooker cues under £100.
While top professionals might spend hundreds or even thousands of pounds on a snooker cue, that’s because to them, the smallest details matter.
When you play the game at the elite level, a tiny mistake can lead to losing a frame or match. That’s why professionals need complete confidence they have the very best equipment available.
But for most people, it’s not necessary to spend much on a snooker cue as the benefits of a more expensive cue will not be noticed.
So, let’s dive in to our list of the best snooker cues under £100…
Our Top-Rated Snooker Cues For Beginners
While we’ve called it a list of the best snooker cues under £100, it’s important to appreciate that prices do vary. If any of the cues listed are no longer available for under £100, we apologise. We check and update the list regularly but cannot guarantee all prices are still as they were when we last updated this article.
You May Also Like:
Top Pick: CUESOUL 57″ Handcraft 3/4 Jointed Snooker Cue With Extras
Pros:
- Good value package that includes carry case
- Smooth cue that glides nicely
- Looks more expensive than it is
Cons:
- Some reports of slight warping
- Joint can be a little tight
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BEST PRICE
If you’re looking for the best snooker cue under £100 you could do a lot worse than buy this lovely cue from CUESOUL.
It certainly has the look and feel of a much more expensive cue. It’s smooth and nicely weighted, which means you won’t notice it’s a cheaper cue whilst striking the cue ball.
It has a 9.5mm tip which puts it on the slightly smaller side – great for getting more spin but not so great for those still perfecting their cue action. That said, that shouldn’t put you off since you can easily replace the tip for a larger one if preferred.
Included with this cue is a mini butt to help you reach those shots that are just slightly too much of a stretch. Plus, you get a soft carry case too.
Overall, that means you’re getting a lot for your money, making this cue an excellent choice as our top pick.
What about the downsides? Well there isn’t a huge amount to talk about here, but it’s worth pointing out that you do get what you pay for.
There is a slight lack of quality that you might notice when you look very closely. For instance, the joints can sometimes stick a little due to an overly tight fit. That won’t impact your play, but it does mean you get regular reminders that this isn’t an expensive cue.
There are also some reports of the cue arriving slightly warped, however we are unable to verify how much of an issue it is since such reports are not widespread.
That aside, for the money you’ll struggle to find a better snooker cue under £100.
- Price include VAT
- 3/4 Jointed Snooker Cue:Weight 18oz;57 inch;9.5 mm Cue Glue on Tip
- Walnut Butts with Four Splices and Maple Veneers + Front Burl/Maple/Kempas Splice Decorated ,
#2: PowerGlide Vibe Classic Snooker Cue 50/50 Split 10 mm Tip
Pros:
- Recognised brand
- 10mm tip is more forgiving when cueing
- 50/50 split makes it easier to transport
Cons:
- Shaft looks more like a pool cue
- Some reports of damage during shipping
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BEST PRICE
If you’re looking for a more recognisable brand name but still want one of the best snooker cues under £100, this popular cue from PowerGlide is worth considering.
It might not a brand you’ll see the pros wielding, but it is very popular in the hobbyist market. PowerGlide are known for mass-producing good equipment at very wallet-friendly prices.
That’s what makes it an appealing option if you’re looking for a snooker cue under £100.
The included 10mm is a nice size if you’re still trying to perfect your cueing technique. It’s a little more forgiving of errors though you will struggle to generate as much spin as you might from a smaller tipped cue.
Overall, it’s a pretty good quality cue that feels nice to play with. Perhaps its biggest weakness is simply the way it looks.
While not an ugly cue, it does look a little more ‘fun’ than a typical snooker cue and that makes it seem more like a pool cue.
Of course, that doesn’t impact how well it plays and so shouldn’t put you off too much.
Looks aside, for the price, this is a very good snooker cue.
- FOR ANY PLAYER: this beautifully made Ash shaft with a hardwood butt and attractive decal design.
- THE CUE: 2 piece cue, Ash shaft and hardwood butt with decal design, The cue measures approximately 145cm (shaft length 72cm excluding the protruding male joint, butt length measures approximately 72cm), Cue weights available 18oz and 19oz
- THE TIP: High grade monolayer 10mm natural leather tip
#3: AONETIGER 3/4 Jointed Snooker Cue – 9.7mm Tip + Accessories
Pros:
- Reasonably priced without being ‘too cheap’
- Includes accessories that will appeal to beginners
- Tip size offers ‘best of both’ for accuracy and spin
Cons:
- More trimming and shaping required to replace tip like-for-like
- Relatively unknown brand gives questions over quality
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BEST PRICE
Our third pick for the best snooker cue under £100 is a brand that you quite probably haven’t heard of before, but don’t let that put you off!
It’s a brand that mostly sells via Amazon and so isn’t yet that well known. However, that does also mean you get excellent value for money as they look to try and build up their reputation.
One thing we particularly like is the fact it comes with a 9.7mm cue tip. That gives a really nice blend of ability to achieve spin while minimising any loss of accuracy during cueing.
Of course, tip size is entirely personal and can easily be changed, but we thought it at least worth mentioning.
Other than that, the cue has a nice weight and feel to it and includes a mini butt, though there is also an option to add a carry bag too.
It’s a 3/4 cue which many professionals say is their favoured choice, however, that does mean it’s a little larger when going to and from the club.
Despite the low price, the quality feels good and it won’t be immediately obvious to people that your cue cost less than £100.
- √This great value, modern looking cue, features a smooth ash shaft and is ideal for both snooker and pool.Quality North American matching ash grain shaft.All black ebonised butt.
- Red 9.7mm Tip with brass ferrule - Selected From the Finest Leathers.
- 3 piece ,3/4 jointed cue,cue length measures approx 145cm.(Shaft length measures approx 110cm,Butt length measures approx 35 cm)Mini Butt extension length approx 10cm.Cue warp 28.5mm.Cue weights available approx 19oz.
#4: BCE Mark Selby SAPPHIRE 2 Piece Ash Pool Snooker Cue
Pros:
- Carries the name of pro snooker player, Mark Selby
- Centre-jointed makes transport easier
- Safe bet if buying the cue as a gift
Cons:
- Probably slightly more expensive than it should be due to carrying Mark Selby’s name
- Smaller 9.5mm tip isn’t ideal for complete beginners
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BEST PRICE
As a multiple World Champion, Mark Selby is considered one of the greats of the game and this cue happens to carry his name.
Don’t mistake that for being a replica of the cue he uses though as it’s not. If anything, the fact it carries his name is more of a marketing gimmick than anything.
That said, that shouldn’t detract from what is otherwise a pretty good cue that offers good value for money.
The fact it carries Selby’s name could even be considered a positive since he’s unlikely to put his name to a cue that didn’t meet certain standards.
The downside is you’ll probably be paying a slight premium for the fact it carries his name.
It also has a 9.5mm cue tip, which, as we’ve discussed, isn’t a bad thing though complete beginners might struggle to get used to it.
One nice feature is that you can request your favoured weight of cue when you order. It’s not guaranteed to be an exact match but the sellers will do their best to send you a cue near to the weight you prefer. You don’t get that service very often at this price!
#5: Riley HD-400 2 Piece ASI Snooker Cue + WAC Technology
Pros:
- Well-known brand
- Weight can be adjusted by adding or removing rings
- Shock-absorbing grip reduces vibrations for a smoother experience
Cons:
- No thread to screw on an extension or mini butt
- Most people replace the included tip soon after purchasing
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BEST PRICE
Our 5th pick for the best snooker cue under £100 is a fascinating proposition from Riley.
Not only are Riley a well known brand, they’ve also pushed the boat out with the technology they include in such a low cost cue.
Firstly, its one of the few cues we’ve seen where you can actually adjust the weight yourself – even mid-frame if you like!
That’s because it has weighted discs that screw into the join and can be added or removed depending on the weight you prefer.
Theoretically, that means you can add extra weight when playing power shots and remove weight when playing more delicate shots. However, in practice, it’s much more likely you’ll use it to experiment until you find a weight you like, then stick with that.
The other neat feature is the shock absorbing grip. Now, this won’t be for everyone as it moves away from a traditional snooker cue and perhaps doesn’t allow quite as much ‘feedback’ when playing shots.
However, the slightly padded grip will help absorb vibrations and shocks when playing shots. This can help keep your shots steadier and prevent fatigue if you’re playing a lot of heavy shorts or have issues with your grip strength.
As we say, it’s not for everyone but if you’re after something a little different, this may well deliver.
You Might Also Need:
After buying the best snooker cue under £100 you might want to also add some accessories, if your budget allows. Here are some worth considering…
Cue Cleaner & Polish Gift Tin
One of the most noticeable things when playing with a lower cost cue is how well it glides across the bridge hand. Keeping it clean and polishing it regularly is key to ensuring a smooth action.
- This deluxe gift tin has everything you need to ensure your cue will play like new every time you step up to the baize.
- Sil Kleen (1oz bottle) - to clean and prepare your shaft; Use to clean your shaft; Removes dirt, grease and grime; Also polishes your brass ferrule; Simply apply with a dry cloth and buff off
- Cue Silk - to polish your shaft and make it glide through your hand like silk; Just add a few drops to a paper towel and buff the shaft; Cue will glide through your hand for the smoothest cuing action ever; Helps improve your game play through better control; Over 30 applications in a bottle
Snooker Cue Balm
We mentioned how one of our top picks has some reports of minor warping. This isn’t uncommon on snooker cues under £100 but applying balm regularly will help to prevent it happening.
- GOOD FOR YOUR CUE.. GOOD FOR YOUR GAME !!
- FEEDS, PROTECTS, SMOOTHS ALL WOODEN SHAFTS
- CALMING ESSENTIAL OILS AROMA
Microfibre Cue Towel
You’ll often see professionals rubbing down their cues with a towel. That helps to remove the moisture and dirt that can build up, helping keep your cue in good condition and playing nicely.
No products found.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, we’ve covered what we consider to be the best snooker cues under £100, but we realise you may have some more general questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions people visiting this page have…
Which cue is best for snooker?
Put simply, the best cue for snooker is one that you feel comfortable playing with.
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to the best snooker cue. The length, weight, tip size, jointing, and general feel of the cue all come together to make one that works for you.
Even among professionals, the exact make-up of the cue in these areas varies drastically.
What cue do snooker players use?
There isn’t one single cue or brand of cue that professional snooker players use. Each one will use a different cue depending on their individual preferences, strengths and weaknesses.
For instance, some use a smaller tip to get more reaction from the cue ball, some use a larger one to retain more accuracy. Some use a lighter cue to make delicate shots easier, some prefer a heavier cue to generate more cue power.
However, most professionals use custom-made snooker cues from cue makers such as John Parris rather than ones you can buy ‘off the shelf’.
How much is a decent snooker cue?
Unless you’re playing at a good level (e.g. regular breaks above 50), you don’t need to spend much on a snooker cue. A couple of hundred pounds will get you a good quality cue. Decent snooker cues can even be bought for under £100.
It all depends on what exactly you’re looking for and how good you are at the game. Most players won’t notice much difference between a £100 cue and a £500 cue unless they are already a very good player. Many won’t notice the difference between a £50 cue and a £100 either!
Do professional snooker players use 2-piece cues?
Many professional snooker players use 2-piece cues, though one-piece cues are also popular and perhaps the most common.
There’s no real reason for that other than personal preference with some feeling that a joint might impact the weighting of the cue. This won’t be noticed by most amateurs though.
Of the snooker players using 2-piece cues, most modern players opt for 3/4 jointed cues. Again, this appears to be mostly personal preference, though some report catching stubble in centre-joints or simply finding it distracting.
Either way, you’ll still see snooker players using 50/50 split cues, 3/4 jointed, and one-piece cues.
Do expensive cues make a difference?
An expensive snooker cue will only make a noticeable difference to your game if you’re playing at a high level. Even then, you’ll still only really notice if the cue is a particularly good or bad fit for your strengths and weaknesses.
Regardless of whether a cue is a good fit for you or not, you’ll always require a period of time to get used to a new cue before you can truly decide if it’s right for you or not.
What size snooker cue should I use?
Snooker cues are typically sized between 57 and 59 inches. Shorter players will generally prefer around 57 inches, taller players will usually prefer a slightly longer 59 inch cue.
Those under 5ft 6in might prefer to go down to a 56 inch cue to make things slightly more comfortable.
However, ultimately the size is not massively important. What is more important is that you feel comfortable and are able to cue balls smoothly and accurately.
How long does a snooker cue last?
It’s not unknown for snooker cues to still be playing relatively well after 100 years or more! That means a decent snooker cue should last you a lifetime.
That said, like anything, it will require care and maintenance to help prolong its life. Regular cleaning and polishing and occasional top ups of balm to keep the wood from drying out are essential if your cue is to last a lifetime.
What is the best weight for a snooker cue?
There is no right or wrong weight for a snooker cue, it all depends on your personal preferences.
Many players prefer a heavier cue as it helps them generate more power and some feel it helps the cue straighter too.
Others prefer a lighter cue which is good for more delicate shots.
The best bet is to simply try different weights on different types of shots until you find a weight that feels ‘just right’ for the majority of shots you play.
Is a 10mm tip good for snooker?
Snooker cue tips typically vary from 9.5mm to 10mm, though they can be a little higher or lower. A 10mm tip is a good size for any level of player and even some professionals use this tip size.
However, the smaller the tip, the easier it is to impart spin so that should be a consideration. It’s not all good news though as smaller tips will make it even more important you strike the cue ball exactly where intended, they aren’t as forgiving of mistakes.
That’s why 10mm is a good size for many people, plus you can always file a larger tip down to a smaller size – but you can’t make a smaller tip bigger!
The Best Snooker Cues Under £100
