10 Best Break Cue for the Money

If you’re looking for the best break cue, then you have come to the right place. Whether your game is snooker, pool, or billiards, having your own break cue could be very beneficial. Now I know what you might be thinking I already have a cue so why can’t I just use that? 

Well while many players will have a cue of their own, they likely won’t have a break cue. If you just play down at the pub or bar then these establishments likely won’t have a break cue either. They will normally just have the basic playing cues available. A break cue isn’t the same as a playing cue. 

They are thicker and have harder tips, this means that they provide more force which means they can be used during the break. Because of this, break cues are going to be heavier as well. They are valuable (and some would argue essential) tools for a number of games. So, let’s take a look at some of the best break cues available today. 

The 10 Best Break Cue Reviews in 2022

1. Iszy Billiards Break Cue

Made from high-quality Canadian Maple hardwood the Iszy Billiards Break Cue would make a fine way to start a game of pool, snooker, or billiards. The cue is easy to put together with its 2-piece design and measures an impressive 58 inches when put together. 

The tip features a strong leather wrap which will help give you a strong, powerful break every time. Weighing 23 ounces this break cue does have a good weight to it making it an ideal choice for novice players. 

Well balanced with a good powerful punch to it this break cue will feel smooth and easy to use. This break cue may seem a little dull or ordinary from a design point of view but it offers a powerful performance with every game. It might be a little no-frills but it’s a great break cue for beginners.  

Pros 

• Well-balanced and ideal for beginners 
• 23 ounces is a good middle-ground for weights 
• Available for a great budget price 

Cons

• Could be considered a little dull by some players 

2. Rage Heavy Hitter Break Cue 

While it is one of the more expensive choices the Rage Heavy Hitter Break Cue certainly offers a very high-quality package. The cue measures 58 inches in total but both the butt and middle section are removable so the total length can be altered. 

The cue also features a wrapless handle for improved slip stroking and a more secure hold. It’s also made from 100% Maplewood so will offer great strength with every shot. The tip is always one of the most important parts of a break cue and this one doesn’t disappoint. 

It’s made from hard Bakelite which helps offer a solid punch. Weighing a total of 25 ounces this is a very well-balanced cue and it’s even available in a wide selection of different colors. You can choose between black, blue, red, hot pink, and silver.  

Pros 

• Available in a great range of colors 
• Wrapless handle offers improved slip stroking and hold 

Cons

• Heavier 25 ounce weight might be uncomfortable to some 

3. Players JB5 Break Cue

The Players JB5 Break Cue is available in numerous different weight classes so whatever you’re looking for in your search for the best break cue this model could have something for you to try. The lowest weight is 18 ounces and the highest is 21. 

But there are options in the middle so more professional or experienced players will be able to choose the right weight for their needs. The cue is built from high-quality wood and a stylish midnight black in color. The cue is also adorned with a double-pressed Irish linen wrap. 

This gives the cue a brilliant slip-free grip. The tip is 14mm and made from high-quality bakelite. With a three-piece design and a secure turbo-lock hold, this cue would make a fine choice for anyone looking for a professional break cue. 

Pros 

• Available in a range of different weights 
• Features a strong, slip-free grip 
• Can be used as both a jump and break cue 

Cons

• Not as powerful as some other break cues 

4. ASKA Jump Break Cue

The ASKA Jump Break Cue is available under numerous different weights including 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, and 28 ounces. So, if you have a particular weight you’re looking for you have plenty of options with the ASKA break cue. 

This cue features a high-quality Phenolic tip which offers excellent levels of energy transformation. The debate between the best tip for a break cue has been raging for some time but most parties agree that Phenolic makes a great choice. 

The cue is made from strong Canadian Maplewood and measures 58 inches. It is also adorned with a double-pressed Irish linen wrap so it offers a greater hold and can be used as a jump cue as well. Available for a great price with plenty of room for personalization this cue would make a fine choice. 

Pros 

• Available in numerous different weights 
• Can be used as a jump cue as well 
• Available for a great bargain price 

Cons

• A little dull from a design point of view

5. Pure X Break Cue

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As one of the more expensive options on this list, the Pure X Break Cue likely isn’t the best choice for beginners or novice-level players. But it could make a fine choice for more professional, experienced players thanks to its excellent construction. 

The cue is made from quality Maplewood and it has a Phenolic tip that will provide a good solid hit. The cue is the standard length of 58 inches and from a purely aesthetic point of view, this break cue is certainly very striking. 

The bright white features small silver highlights which makes this cue very different from many of the darker more natural-looking options available. Finally, the wrap at the handle of the cue features multi-zone grip technology. This will help ensure you always have a strong, secure grip. 

Pros 

• Very striking and distinct design
• Multi-zone grip technology will be very beneficial 
• Ideal for more experienced players  

Cons

• One of the more expensive options available 
• Not really suitable for novices 

6.  Players JB12 Break Cue 

The Players JB12 Break Cue is the second Players cue in our list. This cue is available in numerous different weight classes from 18 to 21 ounces. Made from Maplewood and Zebrawood in equal halves this cue would make a fine choice for any player. 

The handle is wrap-less which some players do actually prefer. The cue also has a turbo-lock secure hold with quick-release pins. This helps ensure the cue offers excellent balance and a sturdy shot every time. 

Finally, let’s talk about the tip of the cue. This break cue tip is made from high-quality Bakelite which will help ensure you always get a powerful break. Durable, strong, and sure to provide a good kick this break cue would make a great choice. 

Pros 

• Available in numerous different weight classes 
• Made from two different high-quality woods 
• Very strong and balanced 

Cons

• Dull design may put some players off 

7. Viper Jump Break Cue 

The Viper Jump Break Cue is available in 4 different weight classes 18, 19, 20, and 21 ounces so you have plenty of choices. Measuring 58 inches and with a three-piece design, this cue is strong, powerful, and quite stylish. 

It’s made from strong Canadian Maplewood and features a fiber ferrule along with a 13mm leather tip. The cue is designed with wood-to-wood joints along with brass inserts that help provide a strong and comfortable feel. 

The cue also features multiple layers of varnish to help prevent damage and it comes with a strong Irish linen wrap. One other great feature of the Viper cue is that it has a quick-release mechanism that allows you to convert the cue from a breaker to a jump cue in one easy motion. 

Pros 

• Available in 4 different weight classes 
• Can be used as jump cue as well 
• Features multiple layers of varnish for extra protection 

Cons

• Some weight classes are quite expensive 

8. Cuetec Break Cue 

The 20 ounce Cuetec Break Cue makes an excellent choice for any players out there who want something a little different. But what does the Cuetec cue offer? Well first of all it’s made from fine, high-quality Canadian Maplewood. 

The two-piece locking design helps ensure you can put together the cue in seconds and the high-tech shaft design helps ensure you always can a powerful shot. This more innovative design helps ensure you always get a smooth energy transfer which helps guarantee more accurate, precise, and powerful shots.

The cue is 58 inches in length and the tip is made from laminated Pigskin. This tip is where things are quite different as Pigskin offers a good middle-ground between leather and Phenolic. The speed and movement might take a little getting used to but it still makes a fine choice for a break cue. 

Pros 

• The Pigskin tip offers something quite distinct 
• Made from high-quality Canadian Maplewood
• Striking design  

Cons

• Not a great choice for new players 

9. AB Earth 3-Piece Break Cue

The AB Earth 3-Piece Break Cue is available in numerous different weight classes including 19, 20, 21, 23, and 25 ounces. The cue measures 58 inches in length and can be converted into a jump cue easily which measures 41 inches. 

The cue is made from 100% high-quality Canadian Maplewood with stainless steel joints. There is also a double-pressed Irish linen wrap. This will help provide a slip-free grip and secure hold just what you need for a game of pool, billiards, or snooker. 

The tip of the cue is 14mm and made from hard fiber so you’ll get a powerful punch when you take your shot. Finally, you can also choose between black and maroon so you have more room for personalization. 

Pros 

• Available in numerous different weight classes 
• Irish linen wrap offers great grip 
• Two different color schemes to choose from 
• Can be used as a jump cue as well 

Cons

• Converting the cue could be a little fiddly for some

10. Gator Nemesis Jump & Break Cue

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For our final choice, we have the Gator Nemesis Jump & Break Cue this cue is another jump/ break cue hybrid. You can easily transform it into a jump cue giving you some more versatility. It’s also available in a range of different weight classes from 19 to 23 ounces.

The cue is made from high-quality Canadian Maplewood and offers a great balance and strong and secure hold. It has a Phenolic tip which will give you a strong, powerful punch with every shot. Just what you need from a break cue. 

The cue is also wrapless and available in two different color-schemes: a classic, bold black, and a more luxurious black and wine. The cue also comes with a professional Cuetec glove which will help protect your hand from blisters and reduce friction. 

Pros 

• Available in a variety of different weight classes 
• Comes with a professional, high-quality glove 
• Two different color schemes to choose from 

Cons

• Switching between jump and break cue “modes” can be difficult 

Important FAQS For Buying a Break Cue 

Now you know some of the best break cues available, there are a few more important things to think about before making a purchase. Let’s take a look at all the FAQs you need to think about when buying a break cue. 

Do You Need A Break Cue?  

Well, this might seem like an odd question but it is something to consider. You don’t technically need a break cue to play a game like snooker or pool. Many more casual players likely have never used one either. Using your standard play cue is viable but using a break cue will feel much better and almost certainly improve your game. 

When breaking with a regular cue you’ll have no real way of strategizing your shot the balls could end up going anywhere. So, if you want a better game or want to improve your skills opting for a break cue will always be the better option. 

What’s The Best Break Cue Tip Type?

Phenolic and leather are the two most common tip types for break cues although as this list shows not the only options. While both these tips are viable they do come with their own individual pros and cons. 

Phenolic tips provide great energy transfer but they require more skills to control. Leather tips offer greater control and spin but they aren’t as strong and can scuff easily. Both make good options and a lot of it is down to personal preference. 

Is The Break Cue Weight Important? 

A break cue is designed for the break shot and if you get this shot wrong then it could throw the whole game off. A break cue will help you get this shot right but you still need to know how to use the cue correctly. But choosing the weight of your break cue could be quite tricky. 

Break cues are heavier than regular play cues but there is still a lot of variation in the weights available. Lighter cues are around 18 ounces while heavier ones can go up to 25 ounces. Finding the best weight for you will likely take some trial and error. Heavier cues generally provide more power while lighter cues offer greater control. 

What’s Your Budget? 

There is a wide spectrum when it comes to the price of break cues. Some very high-end pieces can cost hundreds of dollars. But there are budget-friendly cues available as well. If you are just playing for fun or on a casual level you likely won’t be missing out on anything opting for a cheaper cue. 

However, if you want to play on a more professional level (or already do) then opting for a more expensive break cue could be the better idea.

What’s the Best Break Cue for the Money?

Deciding what the best break cue for the money is isn’t easy, all the cues on this list would make a fine choice. However, if we had to pick one break cue as our main recommendation we would choose the Iszy Billiards Break Cue. 

This cue is the standard size of 58 inches and has a leather wrap for improved hold. At 23 ounces it offers a good middle-ground when it comes to the weight as well. It’s a well balanced good all-rounder and therefore our top pick.