I wanted to bring you my best cues under $200, and I feel I have succeeded, not only because they are all just great cues under $200 but because they are great CUES.
These cue sticks all hold their own against stiff competition and I guarantee you’ll feel the improvements while playing.
Improved tips, grip, build, and even some low-deflection shafts prove these cues at less than $200 are well worth more than their going price! A whole range of perfect cues for you to browse through.
If you want to play pool in a completely professional and experienced way, then choosing the best pool cue should be your first choice.
As you will search around, you will be finding so many companies and brands that are offering excellent quality of pool cues at affordable prices. Therefore, choosing the best pool cue can be an intricate task for you.
Similar to the full range of sports tools and types of equipment, pool cues are also available in various features and specifications. Based on your requirements and skill, you need to choose the one that can help you to grow your pool skills even more efficiently.
In a hurry?
If you don’t have much time then use the links below to quickly find my best cues for under $200, check out the price on Amazon. You can be assured we only choose the best products…
- Best Pro cue for your game – Players HTX15(Amazon Link)
- Best Budget cue for your game – AB Earth(Amazon Link)
Reviews: best pool cues for under $200
I will be discussing a list of the best pool cue for you under $200. But before that, let’s share some fascinating and essential buying guide tips for you to choose the perfect pool stick for yourself! you can check out my buying guide HERE
The best pool cues under 200 based on playability and cost are:
- Players HXT15 pool cue – Overall Best
- Players D-15 pool cue
- Champion spider cue
- Cuetec gen-tec pool stick
- AB earth pool stick – Best Value
Check out the fantastic cues for under $200 below when you’re ready!
Players Technology Series HXT15 Two-Piece Pool Cue
This cue from Players is definitely one of the best cues under 200.
It’s an exceptional stick, one of my personal favorites.
It’s a beautiful 58-inch 2-piece pool cue. The shaft is nice and smooth and it’s balanced very nicely.
When the cue makes contact with the cue ball it’s a premium 13mm Kamui soft tip with 10 layers of pig skin that creates all that extra english.
This is a great cue anyway but the addition of a Kamui tip is the cherry on the cake for me.
Moving down the cue is pure x’s very own low deflection ferrule which reduces deflection giving increased accuracy and power.
The cue’s shaft and butt fit together with a stainless steel joint and there is a double-pressed Irish linen wrap to give you extra grip while taking your shots.
As well as being a great looking cue, it also comes in different weights that will suit you personally from 18oz to 21oz
This fully north American hardwood maple cue is protected from moisture and warping adding to its durability.
In my opinion, this smooth hitter rivals some of the higher end cues. It gives a nice clean hit that gives you tremendous feedback.
This is a fantastic cue for the price, packed with technology so if you’re taking your game seriously then you won’t go far wrong with this finely crafted cue
This Players HXT15 cue is fully worthy of my pro choice award for best pool cues under 200!
PROS
- High-end balance
- HXT shaft
- Kamui soft tip
- LD ferrule
CONS
- Soft tips are not ideal for hard breaks
Players D-JS White with Jester Best on Pool Balls Cue
This is one of the most remarkable and best pool cues available in the market today. This 2-piece pool cue is available with so many advanced features. I find this cue bring the fun back into the shooting pool, with its stylish look and excellent feedback on the hit.
This cue has a stainless steel joint for connecting the two parts of the stick nicely. Its available in multiple weights from 18-21 ounces which depending on your preference can give you a nice weighted feel.
Players have really made this cue look great, it has real personality about it. The jester designs with the dripping card suits really give it an artistic feel, you can tell they really put a lot of effort into the design of the cue because even the grip has a skull multi-zone traction pattern.
The overall design of the pool cue is exceptional The butt of the cue has a black rubberized grip and the pro taper shaft uses a Tweetens hard oak leather tip and a high-impact ferrule making it very durable.
This Maple wood cue is treated with Nelsonite to add to the protection against atmospheric changes and then coated with an epoxy to seal the pores in the maple wood to add even more protection against moisture that if untreated can lead a cue to warp.
It’s even treated against chips and fading. This is all waxed keeping the cue silky smooth.
PROS
- Attractive design
- Affordable
- Strong grip
- Smooth and straight to touch
- Players lifetime warranty
CONS
- I’m not a fan of the rubber grip
Champion Spider Maple Pool Cue
This is a fantastic cue, packed with tech and looks great too. It’s not just amazing in terms of design, looks, smooth feel but it also includes some advanced features such as the low deflection ferrule and a hard Tiger Everest Tip.
The size of the tip comes in 11.75mm, 12mm,12.5mm, and 13mm depending on which color and model you pick. Talking about the colors,
The cue is available in many different colors, all of which make the cue look great.
This 58-inch cue has a stainless steel joint to firmly lock the butt and shaft together. a pro-style taper is connected to the LD ferrule.
Hybrid wrap on this compared to the snake or gator leather options?
A: Very tight, feels very comfortable in your hands, and the gripping material embedded into it is flawless.
Depending on the color and model, the cue comes with either a hybrid wrap or a snakeskin textured leather wrap, which adds extra durability and attraction to the whole cue. I’ve only tried the hybrid wrap and personally, I’ve found the grip very comfortable in my hands.
As well as all the looks and tech, Gator gives you a very stylish leather cue case and a pool glove to help make your shooting nice and smooth.
PROS
- Durable quality
- Smooth finish working
- Attractive design
- LD ferrule
- Excellent performance
- Comes with a cue case and glove
- Premium Tiger everest tip
CONS
- I prefer softer tips
Cuetec Gen-Tek Series 58″ 2-Piece Canadian Maple Billiard/Pool Cue
Next comes this breath-taking pool cue which is well deserved on my list! You can quickly understand why it’s so highly rated.
It has incredible performance and a lovely smooth straight solid hit, its more than worthy of being included here.
This 2-piece pool cue is the standard 58 inches long with a rubber bumper on the butt and a Tiger Everest 10 layer laminated Pigskin tip on the shaft which makes for a very nice hit of the ball allowing you to control the shot much more comfortably. The cue is made using maple wood for its strength and durability.
The cue has been treated to help it be more resistant to warping, dents, and scratches, keeping a straight shooter longer in mint condition. To clean this cue is also pretty simple too, which I like. simply use a cloth to clean and you should be good to go.
What’s nice about this cue is you are able to change the weight of it pretty easily due to its weight adjustment bolts system in the butt. simply screw on the weight you require.
Overall, I have to say its a very well made cue. It has a very smooth hit and makes excellent contact with the cue ball. Its not a cue that shouts out to “look at me”, with its simple design; but don’t be fooled. its a fantastically craved play piece that doesn’t take any prisoners.
PROS
- High durability
- Superbly powerful tip
- High performance
CONS
- Joint finishing is average
AB Earth 2-Piece 58 Inches Pool Cue Stick
This pool cue is ideal for players without a $200 budget. It is offered with stylish design too. In short, it is providing a superb combination of fashion and high-performance chart.
This cue has been settled with the ergonomic-based handle design to add the product with a firm grip. You can get this cue in many design variations as well as being available in three weight options, which are 18, 19 and 20oz.
The butt portion is also featuring with the skid-proof form of wave shape designed for adding extra comfort and secure grip, its a very unique design that really works. The shaft of the cue is made by using hard maple wood with a 13mm hard leather tip.
This is a very smooth straight medium deflection shaft with an excellent grip. Suited for beginners to intermediate players who are looking for something a little different. I think its a great cue at a great price!
PROS
- Brilliant design
- Skid-proof ergonomic grip
- Offered in different color options
- Durable build
- One year warranty
CONS
- Tip could be better
Buying guide for the best pool cue under $200
I will inform you on what you should be looking for in order for you to get the most out of your $200. If you follow my buying guide on what to look for I’m confident you’ll pick a winning cue.
Suitable Pool Tip
Usually, when you are searching for the pool stick, you should look for the one which is based on standard dimensions and measurements. A standard pool tip is around the size 11-13 millimeters.
But the sizing is not just the only thing you have to consider. The type of tip for the cue is equally essential for you too. the hardness of tips range from soft to hard. Soft tips produce more english and are perhaps a more skillful tip, whereas, hard ones give a stiffer impact and can produce more power, Very hard tips are usually found on break cues.
Weightage of Pool Cue
The next most important tip is about the weight of your pool cue! Heavier cues around 21 ounces may be a little hefty, they can add extra power but can be a little harder to handle than a lighter cue. The cue weight is really down to your preference, as a rule, heavier cues produce more power while lighter ones allow for more finesse in the shot. Cues typically are weighted between 18 and 21oz and can usually be adjusted using weighted bolts that attach into the butt of the cue.
Type of Wood Construction
f you are looking for an affordable cue and at the same time durable to last long, then choosing a pool cue made from maple is the best option for you. Maple belongs to the wood family that is light in weight and darker in coloration.
Cues can be made of other materials too, but I find the best cues to be made from maple wood or maple bonded with another material. Common materials bonded with maple wood are wood graphite, carbon fiber and fiberglass.
Wrap Up Material
Most of the manufacturing companies make use of a specific material that is wrapped around the butt of the pool cue. Common wraps for beginner and intermediate players are Irish linen, nylon, silicone and leather or leatherette.
Some cues come without a wrap which is perfectly fine, again it depends on your preference. Personally I quite like genuine Irish Linen.
Final thoughts
To sum it all up, if you are looking for the best cues under 200, then look no further. These cues are all great value for money and will provide you with the perfect tool for making great shots consistently.
Although cues at $200 are still considered budget cues, they play anything but amateur-like!
If you’d like to widen your options financially, you can check out my list of Best Pool Cues Under 100 and Best Pool Cues Under 500 to help make your decision easier.
Rob is an avid player and fan of all cue sports, particularly 8-ball, and snooker. He has competed in a few local 8-ball tournaments and although he is not a professional, he can compete with the best of them.
