When looking for the best snooker cue in the UK, which brands and individual cues come out on top?
We have scoured the market and tested many of the most popular snooker cues around to help you choose the right one to improve your game.
Here’s what we found…
Our Top-Rated Snooker Cues
We have focused on two-piece cues as, while one piece cues are favoured by professionals, most non-professionals won’t notice much difference – and two piece cues are far more convenient to transport!
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Top Pick: CUESOUL 57 Inch Handcraft 3/4 Jointed Snooker Cue + Extras
Pros:
- Superb value for money
- Includes carry case, mini butt, and other accessories
- High quality ash shaft
Cons:
- 9.5mm tip may be small for some beginners
- Some reports of damage during shipping
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CUESOUL isn’t a brand that would immediately jump out of many peoples lips when asked to name the best snooker cue. However, don’t let that put you off.
If you’re looking for a good combination of quality and fair pricing, CUESOUL delivers.
The cue itself is a beautifully designed product. Straight away, the ash grain gives a very premium look and feel, one which you do notice as you play each shot.
It has a 3/4 joint which makes it more convenient than a one-piece cue but without the balancing issues that can sometimes be experienced with a 50/50 split cue.
It’s a 57 inch cue which will mean it suits the vast majority of people, though if you’re particularly tall, you may find it on the small side.
Speaking of small sides, at 9.5mm the tip is ever so slightly thinner than you’ll find on many cues . That means you’ll find it easy to get a strong reaction to any spin you put on the cue ball.
However, a smaller tip does also make it harder to strike the cue ball exactly where you intend, which may not suit complete beginners.
While the overall price may not be the cheapest, it is good value as, in addition to the cue you also get a 6” mini butt extension, an aluminium telescopic extension, a cue towel, gloves and a joint protector. This all comes together with a sturdy aluminium cue case for added protection.
Overall, this is a piece of equipment that is very deserving of our best snooker cue tag.
- 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: Peradon Classic 58” 2 Piece Ash Snooker Cue
Pros:
- Well-respected brand that’s been around since 1885
- High quality cue that will suit more serious players
- Available in custom weights between 17 and 19 ounces
Cons:
- A little on the expensive side
- No extras included
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Whereas our top pick for the best snooker cue isn’t necessarily a household name, Peradon is very well known and respected in the industry having been making snooker cues since 1885.
This particular cue is 58 inches which means it’s better for players of above average height, though even smaller people may still find it nice to play with.
Like all good snooker cues, it’s made of ash and looks every bit the part with its contrasting tones giving the impression of a much more expensive cue.
Once again, it uses a 9.5mm tip (in this instance, Elkmaster leather) which is perhaps better suited to players who don’t have too much of an issue striking the centre of the cue ball, but who do perhaps need a cue that can impart more spin.
The downside is that it’s a two-piece cue that splits bang in the middle. This makes it easier to transport, but some people may not like the balance of the cue.
To some extent, that’s overcome by the fact you can request a custom weight between 17 and 19 ounces.
The downside is that it’s not the cheapest cue on the market, as you might expect given it’s such a well-established brand. You don’t get any accessories with it so if you need a case, mini butt, or extension, you’ll need to buy that separately.
- A truly unique and beautiful 2 piece cue made in the UK by Peradon that features an Ash butt with a matching Ash shaft - measures 58"
- 58" 2 piece matching Ash snooker cue; Full Ash cue - butt and shaft are made from 1 piece of premium North American Ash; Silky smooth shaft
- Real Rosewood front splice; Genuine Plum and Sycamore veneers; Brass ferrule - 9.5mm Elkmaster leather stick-on tip
#3: PowerGlide Vibe Classic Snooker Cue 50/50 Split
Pros:
- A known brand but at a budget price
- 10mm tip makes it easier to cue shots correctly
- Well balanced despite being a 50/50 split cue
Cons:
- The larger tip means achieving spin is a little more difficult
- Modern butt detailing makes it look more like a pool cue
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If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the price of our first and second picks, our third choice for the best snooker cue might suit you better.
It has the advantage of being produced by a well known snooker cue brand, but it doesn’t come with the hefty price tag you might expect.
It doesn’t quite have the same sleek aesthetic appeal as our top picks. In fact, the butt of the cue has a more modern design that reminds us more of the styling detail you see on some pool cues.
However, let’s face it, you’re buying it to play with it, not to look at it!
So how does it play? Well, surprisingly good, actually. It’s an ash shaft that measures 57 inches, so favours the average and below-average height players.
While it is a 50/50 split cue, it is surprisingly well-balanced, meaning you probably won’t even notice.
It has a 10mm tip which isn’t large by any stretch of the imagination yet beginners will find it slightly easier to cue as intended than with a smaller tip. The pay-off, of course, is the slightly larger tip makes it harder to impart spin.
Overall, for the money it is an excellent cue and is particularly well suited to those on a budget or those just starting out in the game.
- 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
#4: AONETIGER 3/4 Jointed 3 Piece Handmade Ash Snooker Cue
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Includes mini butt and some other small accessories
- Lots of really positive customer reviews on Amazon
Cons:
- Relatively unknown brand gives questions over quality
- Less common tip size may make it harder to replace like-for-like
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Our fourth pick for the best snooker cue is an AONETIGER which isn’t a brand you’ll necessarily be familiar with.
In fact, it’s a cue that is pretty much only available on Amazon which is bound to raise questions over long-term durability and overall quality.
However, it does have a lot of very positive Amazon customer reviews. The odd bad review tends to be due to confusion over whether or not the case is included.
So, what does it have going for it? Well, its a 3/4 jointed cue so balancing shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
It’s a 57 inch cue which will have mass appeal but may not suit particularly tall people. The shaft is made of ash, but the butt has a black ebonised finish which doesn’t exactly make it look like a premium product.
The biggest thing to note, however, is the tip size. At 9.7mm it sits between the 9.5mm and 10mm tips you usually find on cues in the price range.
On the plus side, that gives you a nice balance between being able to impart plenty of spin on the cue ball, without massively impacting the accuracy of your cue action.
The downside is that 9.7mm tips aren’t quite as common as 9.5mm and 10mm ones which means your choice of like-for-like replacements may not be quite as wide.
- √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.
#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
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Our final selection in our list of the 5 best snooker cues available in the UK goes to this intriguing Riley cue.
It has two features that make it stand out from other cues. Firstly, it has an adjustable weight system.
Basically, you can add or remove small metal discs to the thread whether the two pieces join. This will make the cue lighter or heavier depending on your needs.
The second stand-out feature is the shock absorbing grip. This is essentially a cushioning system on the butt that reduces shocks and vibrations as you play.
Now, some people are likely to love the experience, others may find it had to adjust to the feel and lack of feedback you get on shots.
However, if you like to play a lot of more aggressive power shots you’ll likely find the grip makes for more comfortable play (while being able to increase the weight will also increase your cue power).
Other than that, the cue measures between 57 and 58 inches depending on how many weighting rings you add. The included tip is 10mm which will help accuracy but reduce spin.
You Might Also Need:
A new snooker cue is an investment that should last for years to come, but only if you take proper care of it. Here are some additional products you may need…
Cue Cleaner & Polish Gift Tin
Easily remove any residue or dirt from your cur without damaging the sensitive wood with this cleaner and polish set.
- 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
Prevent the wood of your cue from drying out and becoming deformed by regularly applying a thin coating of this excellent cue balm.
- 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 the professionals wiping their cue down during gaps in play, helping to remove grime and sweat so the cue glides smoothly over the bridge hand at all times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Now we have showcased some of the best snooker cues around at the moment, let’s take a look at some of the other common questions people ask…
Which is the best cue for snooker?
There isn’t a single best cue for snooker that will suit everyone. Many of the professionals use John Parris cues, but they also tend to be out of the price range of many hobby players.
Our top-rated snooker cue provides an excellent blend of quality and price that will have broad appeal. But, even that won’t be the right choice for everyone since each individual is looking for different sizes, weights, tip sizes, and features.
What snooker cue does Ronnie O’Sullivan use?
Ronnie O’Sullivan uses a one-piece snooker cue, as many professional do (to avoid any balancing issues – though most amateurs won’t notice much difference). It’s said to be 58.25 inches long, 18.3 ounces, and with a 9.4mm tip.
He is said to have used both John Parris and Hunt & Osborne cues, though like most professionals, he uses hand-crafted cues that aren’t available to buy ‘off the shelf’.
Does a good snooker cue make a difference?
If you’re a complete beginner, you probably won’t find the quality of the snooker cue makes a big difference to your place. Far more important is mastering your technique and shot selection.
However, as you progress and begin to knock in reasonable breaks, the quality of your cue begins to matter. A good cue will be free of any warping that might ‘throw off’ shots and being able to play with the same cue every time will improve your accuracy as you adjust to the cue.
Is a lighter snooker cue better?
A lighter cue is better when playing more delicate shots while a heavier cue is better when playing power shots or those that require more spin.
That means there is no one weight of cue that will suit everyone in all circumstances. It’s more about finding a weight that suits your style of play. Once you have decided on a weight, it’s best to stick to it so you get used to it.
What weight snooker cue do pros use?
Believe it or not, weights of snooker cues do not vary much from the ones you can buy in the store to the ones the professionals have custom made. The vast majority of pros use snooker cues between 480g and 525g (around 17 ounces to 18.5 ounces).
Of course, some prefer slightly heavier and some prefer slightly lighter but most are in this range, as are most of the cues you’ll find available to buy!
What size tip do pro snooker players use?
Most professional snooker players use a tip sized between 9.5mm and 10mm though some will use a slightly smaller tip in order to get more reaction from the cue ball.
These tip sizes are in line with the most common tip sizes you can buy as a member of the public. Generally, a smaller tip will help you get more spin on the cue ball but it will make it harder to strike the cue ball exactly where you intended.
A larger tip will increase your accuracy but at the cost of making it harder to achieve spin.
How long does a snooker cue last?
A good snooker cue should last a lifetime if properly cared for. This is why it’s better to invest in the best cue you can afford if you intend on playing the game for a long time.
That said, you do need to expect to have to replace the tips on a regular basis and you will need to oil the cue from time to time to prevent the wood drying out and warping.
The Best Snooker Cues
