You can find inexpensive pool cues, but your game may suffer. If you are serious about the game and want to get to the professional level, you’re going to have to spend some money.
If you’re curious about what the most expensive pool cues are, here are ten that may have you rethinking your budget.
Also read: Why Are Pool Cues so Expensive? Is it Worth It
The 10 Most Expensive Pool Cues (Least to Most)
You don’t have to purchase the most expensive pool cue.
If you want to improve your game, one of these may be what you need to sink that tricky shot.
Lucasi Custom LZC46
You’re in complete control of the table with a Lucasi custom LZC46 pool cue. The handle isn’t wrapped, like most cheaper models, giving you an improved slip stroke. It also boasts a 4-piece butt construction.
You have the balance you need for tricky shots, along with performance.
A 12.75mm Tiger Everest tip provides solid contact with the ball. Add a little English, and you can run the table with the cue.
It’s hard to beat the elegant look of the LZC46. The sleeve and forearm are maple wood with an attractive honey stain, accented with Abalone. Black and white points add more detail, giving the pool cue a professional appearance.
If you’re wondering about the price, the LZC46 is under $1000.
McDermott G708
McDermott pool cues aren’t cheap, but the sticks are worth every penny. The G708 is one of the company’s more affordable cues priced right under $1000 before tax.
With over 45 years of experience manufacturing pool cues, McDermott continues to live up to its reputation with the G708.
It’s hard to take your eyes off of the pool cue; it looks that great. It’s made from Birdseye maple, a lightweight and sturdy wood. Green burl inlay, Cocobolo, and recon ebony inlays are worked into the handle and forearm, giving you a stunning cue that’s hard to miss.
A soft 12.75mm tip connects solidly with the cue ball for perfect shots.
When you want a well-balanced cue that fits perfectly in your hands, pick up the McDermott G708.
Balabushka GBGS
When you’re ready to start playing with the pros, you need a pool cue that can keep up with the game. Balabushka pool cues are designed to make a statement both with performance and appearance.
The manufacturer’s line of pool cues isn’t inexpensive, but sometimes it’s worth the money to see a dramatic improvement in your playing skills. You can expect to pay around $1000 for the GBGS pool cue.
A 13mm LePro tip ensures the cue doesn’t miss the ball. Whether you’re aiming for the center or side for an angled shot, you won’t miss the mark. A stainless collar provides a little weight for balance, along with stability.
A black leather wrap prevents the cue from slipping out of sweaty, nervous hands.
You will notice the cue’s appearance from across the table. You will make an impression on League night when you walk in with a Balabushka stick.
The 29” shaft is constructed from hard rock maple. It’s sturdy, while still having a lightweight feel during play. The forearm is Birdseye maple with 4 ebony accent points, along with black and maple veneers.
The sleeve with its 12 mother of pearl diamond inlays is what catches everyone’s attention. You won’t look like an amateur when you play with the GBGS pool cue.
Meucci MECAS08
Even if you’re not shooting pool in a Las Vegas casino, you can feel like you are with the pricey MECAS08 from Meucci.
The company has a long reputation for manufacturing high-quality pool cues with unique designs. The MECAS08 is one example, with its inlaid dice and cards along the forearm and sleeve.
Even the collar follows the casino-themed design with its black and gold paua dice.
Following the casino theme, the black forearm is inlaid with 4 gold paua shell floating points. Each of the points is topped with Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, or Spades. The sleeve boasts green paua shell playing cards and dice, along with decorative rings designed to draw attention.
The Irish linen wrap is urethane coated to ensure a secure grip no matter how stressful the game gets.
The MECAS08 is one of the higher-priced Meucci pool cues in the series, but if you want to look and play like the pros, it’s worth the cost.
Molinari SPA8A Carom
This is the first pool cue priced over $1000 on the list of most expensive pool cue sticks and may make you question the cost.
Is it worth it to spend this much on a pool cue? The answer is yes if you want to improve your game.
Sometimes, making shots depends as much on the cue as it does on your skill level.
You’ll quickly find the Molinari Carom is worth every cent you spend. The black maple handle is balanced for improved control over where your shots go. Add in the butt sleeve that gives you a steady grip, and you can make many shots you thought were impossible.
The Vantage C shaft gives you a solid stroke, especially combined with the conical taper.
Appearance is almost as important as performance in a pool cue, and the Carom delivers. Black, light, and dark blue, along with maple veneers accent the points on the shaft. These are followed by 4 white Micarta accent points.
Referred to by Molinari as reverse mirroring, the design gives the pool cue an elegant appearance that makes you look and feel like a professional.
The weight is adjustable on Carom pool cues; just contact the manufacturer if the stick is too light or heavy.
Balabushka SLE2B
There are a few reasons why the SLE2B from Balabushka is over $1300. It is manufactured by Balabushka, a leading name in pool cues. George Balabushka, the founder of the company, is one of the most influential manufacturers in the industry.
The SLE2B is a limited edition pool cue dedicated to the company’s founder. It alludes to 1957 to 1975, the most notable years of George Balabushka’s career. The die pattern alternates between the 5 and 7, paying tribute to those years.
The pool cue has two 13mm shafts, along with custom protectors for the joints. Matching ring work completes the design, and it’s also a high-performance pool cue. Like all Balabushka sticks, it’s designed to help you improve your game.
Though with only 50 of each model in the series on the market, you may want this signed and numbered pool cue for display.
McDermott M29B Bridgeport
The American-made pool cue is money well-spent. The stick is under $2000 but looks and performs like it is worth more.
It comes with a Birdseye maple wood handle, along with attractive brass rings. There are six white urethane points and cocobolo inlays on the sleeve. The inlays continue into a web with turquoise added. It gives the pool cue a distinctive and polished look.
The handle isn’t wrapped, but you still get a solid grip. The M29B delivers a solid hit with firm contact. You don’t have to worry about the ball getting away from the stick.
For the money, you get a better pool cue that will also help improve your game. Tenon tip technology increases the sweet spot in the shaft. You get a more solid hit with more control. Perfect for breaking up balls and across table shots.
A triple-layer carbon fiber core in the i-Shaft stabilizes the stick and adds durability. The M29B is designed to last through years of play.
You get what you pay for with the M29B and you’ll see results the next time you shoot pool.
J. Pechauer Camelot II Cam 12-Manchester
You know you are serious about the pool game when you pay over $2000 for a cue. However, the Cam 12-Manchester is worth the expense. You get an attractive pool cue that will help you improve your skills.
Everyone will notice the ebony and leopard wood. It gives the stick a classic look, especially combined with the ivory and pearl inlays. It’s subtle and classy without being overstated.
To add to its appearance, the Cam 12-Manchester has matching inlays on the wood handle.
The 13mm tip connects solidly with the ball. The coated tip won’t easily wear down or become slick and hard. A stainless steel joint adds stability and the right amount of weight. The weight can also be adjusted, thanks to the adjustable weight screw.
The Cam 12-Manchester is a limited edition pool cue. It’s one reason for the high sticker price. J. Pechauer, the manufacturer, only licensed 50 sticks and each one is numbered and signed.
Even though it is a high-performance pool cue, it may be one you only break out for special games.
Mike Bender Smithsonian Edition
You will need your checkbook or credit card for the Mike Bender Smithsonian Edition pool cue. There are only three in existence, and one is for sale by a private seller for $60,000. It is one of the most expensive pool cues in the world.
Wondering about the other two limited edition cues? One is at the Smithsonian Museum and the other is owned by a private collector with no signs of selling.
The Bender Smithsonian Edition and Price
The Alaskan Bender Cues company is world-renowned and was selected by the Smithsonian Museum to create a custom pool cue for their Billiards Exhibit. Mike Bender created the Smithsonian Edition pool cue, but he made only three sticks.
Each has the museum’s label on the handle. It’s one of the few times the museum has allowed its name to be used on items for sale on the public market.
After settling litigation, the Smithsonian allowed the other two pool cues to remain in private collections. There was a stipulation to the agreement: Bender Cues can never manufacture an identical stick again.
With only one up for sale and the likelihood the other two will never hit the market, it’s easy to explain the high price.
The McDermott Intimidator Masterpiece Cue
For around $150,000 you can own the world’s most expensive playable pool cue. The Intimidator is also a work of art and aptly named. Any opposing player will feel intimidated when the one-of-a-kind pool cue comes out of the case.
Starting with a piece of 82lb stainless steel, artisans spent more than a year to get the cue to 9.6lbs. It’s ornate, lightweight, and you can use it to make incredible shots.
Not only is the pool cue lightweight, but it’s also perfectly balanced. It fits great in your hand, and you won’t have to worry about grip slippage.
The one-of-a-kind pool cue is currently owned by a Polish collector.
Intimidator Masterpiece Cue Appearance
The first thing you notice is the French scrolling inlaid with 24k gold. The wicked-looking shaft also gets everyone’s attention. Its medieval design is reminiscent of sword pommels, with a pointed wing on both sides.
An Italian Obsidian gemstone is on the base. It’s hard to miss and gives the cue a flawless appearance. The Obsidian sphere measures 63 inches and is precisely engraved.
In total, there are over 210 inlays, including precious metals on the pool cue.
Artisan Hours
Creating the Intimidator Masterpiece cue was no easy feat. It took artisans more than a year from start to finish or 1,992 hours.
One look at the ornate scrollwork shows you the many hours were worth it.
Are Expensive Pool Cues Worth the Price?
There’s not an easy answer to the question. It depends on your finances and dedication to the game.
You do get more with higher-priced pool cues, but you don’t have to pay collector prices. You can get a high-performance pool cue for under $1000.
For a lower price, you can get a high-performance pool cue that will help you improve how you play. You can also find a stick that stands out from the rest without paying thousands of dollars.
What you don’t want to do is settle for the cheapest pool cue. It will affect your shots. If you’re serious about the game, you need to spend money on a good pool cue.
Other articles you may also like:
- How to Replace a Pool Cue Tip?
- How To Control The Cue Ball: The Basics Explained
- Best Pool Cues in the Market
- What Are Pool Table Balls Made Of?
- Graphite Pool Cues vs. Wood Pool Cues – What’s the Difference?
- Pool Cue Sizes
- 10 Different Types of Pool Cues
