Getting an upgraded pool cue is a massive piece of developing your game. Not only does it provide a means for you to play better, but it can help make your skills more eye-catching, too.
There are a number of different things to look out for when you’re buying the best pool cues: if it has a veltex grip, leather wrap, adjustable weight, the quality of the tip, lifetime warranty if it comes with any extras like a cue ball of maintenance kit, and more.
All of these features can cost you a fortune, though, and buying a cue isn’t as black and white as looking at what’s included.
That’s why we’ve put together a buying guide of the eight best pool cues for under 200$. After that point, you start to go into the professional pool price range where a polycarbonate ferrule Tiger Everest tip is going to cost more than some of the sticks on this list.
Under $200 gives you a good starting point to get yourself a decent cue without breaking the bank.
Cuetec Professional Series 1-Piece Cue Canadian Maple Wood
Cuetec is known for making the best cue stick and tip options around. The brand manufactures high-quality cues for all types of players, which means you’re getting the option to progress naturally with the same brand.
The Professional Series is a one-piece instead of a two-piece, which is typically something not vindictive of the best cue sticks. However, it doesn’t make much of a difference when it comes to Cuetec.
For a minuscule price, you’re getting a pool stick that is going to propel your game into the stratosphere. It’s not the best cue in the world, but it’s one of the top places to start.
The cue is made from maple wood, which is the prime material to manufacturer a pool cue from. Everything about this cue is phenomenal from the price tag to the soft tip.
It’s not treated with Nelsonite like the HXT15 is, but for the price, you really can’t expect anything more.
Viking Valhalla Pool 2-Piece Cue Stick
Viking is another cool cues brand that has been around the block for quite some time now. It has a reputation for making the best beginner cues out there, and the Valhalla is no exception to that.
Despite running you under $70, the Valhalla is made with some of the best materials around from tip to shaft. Viking is so confident in the quality of the product that it actually gives you a lifetime warranty on the cue.
It also has a much broader range of colors than other cues out there, so if you’re into how you look when you play, you’re going to have tons of customization with this one.
Viper Desperado
We’re taking it up a notch with this next cue. The Desperado breaches the $100 mark, but you’re getting one of the best cues that you can for that price.
It’s a 2-piece maple pool cue that comes with a lifetime warranty, which again speaks volumes about the confidence that Viper has in it.
It’s got some of the best features that you’re going to find on cues of this price, including a premium leather tip, genuine leather wrapping, and stainless steel joints.
If you’re able to push your budget up from the $70 mark to pick this one up, you should.
Cuetec Series 58 2-Piece Canadian Maple Cue
We’re back to Cuetec for this next one. The Series 58 is a welcomed step up from the last Cuetec entry on the list. Everything about it from the tip to the grip is better than its predecessor, although you do have to pay more for those features.
It’s one of the best-looking cues out there with a sleek red and black finish, but its specs are more important than appearance.
It has a pro taper power bonded shaft, a polycarbonate ferrule tip, and a veltex grip that would make cues twice the price envious.
If you’re looking for a moderately priced Cuetec that’s going to help you push yourself to the next level; then this is easily the best option that you have.
Players D-JS White
The Players D-JS White is an unbelievable looking pool cue that could easily cost double what it does now. It’s more than 200$ on Amazon, but you’re going to be able to find it locally for about half of what it goes for on that marketplace.
It’s a low deflection 2-piece pool cue with a well made stainless steel joint collar to hold the whole cue together. It comes with a lifetime warranty, which always speaks volumes about the pool cue quality.
Of course, we have to talk about the design of the cue. It’s got a gorgeous white jester style design on the shaft. It’s the greatest looking pool cue under 200$ in our opinion, but it’s not for everyone.
If you prefer your pool cue simple, then you’re not going to like this cue. If you enjoy the design element of your cue, though, then you’re going to fall in love with this one.
Champion Green Spider
When you’re looking at the best cues for the money, there are a few things you look at: Hard rock maple, le pro leather tip, Tiger Everest compatibility, grip, linen wrap, as well as the value for money.
We don’t expect pool cues to come with a cue ball and a maintenance kit, but for under 200$ there should be some gearing towards newer players.
The Champion Green Spider does exactly that by including two Canadian maple billiard pool cues in the deal. Both maple billiard pool cue models are treated with Nelsonite, which is a great indication of quality.
It’s a great looking hard rock maple pool cue stick with solid stainless steel joint construction, and a good price tag to boot.
Cuetec CT296
Cuetec dominates this list for cues under 200$, but there’s a clear reason for that. The quality of the pool cue stick models that the company makes is unlike anything else on the market.
When you talk about the best pool cues, Cuetec is synonymous with that conversation. The CT296 is one of those pool cues under 200$ that gets discussed anytime the topic of best pool cue comes up.
It’s a 3-piece, which is unusual for pool cues under 200$, but we’re not going to complain. Like most of the best pool cues out there, it has a maple frame construction, but it also has adjustable weight.
It’s not the best pool cue on our list, but it sure comes close to that accolade. Unfortunately, there’s just one Cuetec that’s better than it.
Players Technology Series HXT15
This cue is the creme de la creme for cue shoppers everywhere, not just those under 200$. The HXT15 does push that price point, but you can get it for just under depending on where you’re shopping.
It’s constructed from a North American Maple Wood and Nelsonite body, making it one of the best and more durable pool cue models in the world. It also comes with solid-backed double pressed Irish linen wrap. All of the best pool cue models in the world have the same kind of construction as this cue, which is incredible given the price.
This billiard pool cue is the most expensive on our list, but trust us when we say that it’s more than worth it. It comes with Kamui Black tips that cost over $20 individually, so the hardware you’re getting is more than worth it.
The low deflection North American maple shaft is one of the nicest you’re ever going to use, even when compared with the big market giants.
We cannot sing the praises of this 2-piece Canadian Maple Billiard cue enough.
