The Best Affordable Break Cues – Low Cost, High Power
Break cues are a special cue type designed specifically for the break shot. They provide maximum power, low deflection and better control for the break shot, helping to create a more open table after the break.
Compared to a regular playing cue, a break cue will have harder tips – usually phenolic, but some have leather ones. Also, the break cue has a heavier cue weight (18-25 oz) and a larger cue diameter, typically 13mm.
Break cues come in a wide range of prices. You can get one for as little as $80-100, but some premium models will retail for up to $1,000 and sometimes slightly more.
But, you do not always need to spend a small fortune to get the results that break cues deliver. There are other cheaper ways of getting the same result, such as upgrading your regular playing cue.
In this article, we will review some inexpensive break cues that can still deliver excellent results. We will also explain how you can make these affordable break cues more durable. But first, let’s start by looking at situations when a break cue is necessary.
When is a Break Cue Necessary?
You can still play pool without a break cue. The majority of casual pool players don’t use one. But, there are some situations when a break cue is necessary.
Here are 3 scenarios that might require use of a break cue:
1. You want your playing cue to last longer
Breaking requires more force, and it will have more impact on the cue tip. If you regularly subject your playing cue to this abuse, it will not last long. A break cue can handle the extra force much better than a playing cue.
2. You need more power on the break
Break cues allow you to put as much power as you want behind your break shot. Their hard phenolic tips and extra weight deliver massive power transfer to the cue ball.
3. You want to show off a stylish fancy cue
Adding a break cue can add a little more flair to your pool cue arsenal. It allows you to use another cue that has your favorite playing characteristics, and is appealing to the eye.
7 of the Best Budget Friendly Break Cues (All under $200)
1. Any house/bar cue paired with a good tip
Break cues can be an expensive investment. But, you do not have to incur the expense, as you can still get the same results from any solid wood house/bar cue. Many of these cues are heavier and tougher than regular playing cues. They can deliver almost as much power as a break cue.
Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on a break cue, you can invest much less (as little as $10) on a premium hard tip. A good phenolic hard tip combined with the solid wood bar cue can give you the same results as an expensive break cue.
2. Rage Heavy Hitter Jump Break Cue – $106-122 @ seyberts
The Rage Heavy Hitter is a 25 oz break cue, making it heavy enough even for pros. The cue is perfect for any player looking for something that can deliver that extra heft for every break shot.
The Heavy Hitter is made from solid maple wood, making it tough enough to withstand all the break shot forces. It also has a larger 14mm cue tip that makes it more forgiving and includes a sleek wrapless handle that gives it an impressive overall appearance.
3. Action Sneaky Pete Break Cue – $134 @ amazon
The Action Sneaky Break Cues are designed to offer quality at a bargain. Besides the top-notch craftsmanship, the cues come with one-piece phenolic tips that guarantee a solid hit every time.
This cue comes wrapless to help keep costs down. The wrapless design still provides a good enough grip to smash a rack of balls. Each cue will also come with a case for easy storage and carrying.
4. Players JB9 Jump Break Cue – $145 @ seyberts
The Players JB9 Jump Break Cue is a no wrap cue designed to offer an excellent value for all kinds of players. It features customizable weight as you can choose from several weight options from 18 to 21 oz, making it ideal for most casual and intermediate pool players.
5. Players Maple Bocote Break Cue – $145 @ ozone
If the appearance of your break cue is at the top of your mind, the Players Maple Bocote break cue is an excellent option. It has a sleek half-and-half design that combines natural hardwood Maple and Bocote. The choice of wood also makes this one of the toughest affordable break cues.
This cue has 2 quick-release joints, making it easy to take apart for storage and replacement. Also, despite being affordable, the manufacturer still provides a lifetime warranty that also covers warping.
6. Elite Heavy 27oz Break Cue – $153 @ amazon
Any pro or beginner pool player looking for a heavy break cue on a budget will love the 27 oz Elite Heavy break cue. In addition to the massive weight, the cue also includes a phenolic tip. You can be sure you’re getting the most powerful break shots from this cue.
The cue also has a super comfortable black Irish linen wrap that provides an excellent grip when making your break shot. It will hold up well to the abuse that comes with break shots for many years, thanks to the solid Hardrock Maple build.
7. J&J Break Cues – $120-200 @ J&J
The J&J Break Cues have a special design that ensures excellent jump and break performance. They also allow you to choose from several tip options, including phenolic and leather. You can easily customize the cues to suit your playing style and level.
Changing between the break and jump cues is very easy, thanks to the speed joint design.
How to Make Your Cheap Break Cue Indestructible
The cheap break cues will save you money but may not last as long as the more expensive options. They also often come with low-quality and less than premium phenolic tips that do not perform as well as higher end cues.
Luckily, you can still upgrade your budget break cues to make them indestructible by investing in a premium hard tip. Upgrading the tip can help the cues last longer and provide more powerful break shots.
Here are a few premium hard tip options you can use for your upgrade:
1. White Diamond – Highly affordable non-phenolic tip that takes and holds chalk well and minimizes miscues.
2. Samsara – A 9-layer hard leather tip that works well for both breaks and jumps without damaging balls.
3. Bulletproof – Hyper-reactive polymer tip designed to hold chalk like leather tips and is more powerful than phenolic.
4. Tiger – Vacuum laminated leather tip designed to offer both power and maximum control.
Wrap Up
A cheap break cue can still be a great investment. We hope you now understand that affordable break cues from a reputable brand can still deliver powerful breaks.
Cheap break cues can still be highly customizable. By upgrading the tip, you can achieve the same results as someone using a high-priced premium break cue. Be sure you choose a good quality tip for the upgrade.
As we’ve explained, you do not have to spend a fortune on a break cue. Just pick up an affordable model and upgrade it to make it extra durable and improve its overall performance.
Happy Shooting!
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