Pool sticks are properly called cue sticks or simply cues. When you are searching for equipment specifically used in pool, pool cue is the clearest term. “Pool stick” is common casual wording, but “cue,” “cue stick,” and “pool cue” are the standard names.
The proper name for a pool stick
The World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) defines a cue as a “tapered device, usually wooden, used to strike the cue ball to execute carom or pocket billiard shots,” and notes that it is also called a cue stick. That makes cue and cue stick the formal general terms.
For a pool-specific conversation or product search, use pool cue. It tells the reader or retailer that the equipment is intended for pool rather than another cue sport.
Are “pool cue” and “cue stick” the same thing?
Usually, yes. Both describe the tapered stick used to strike the cue ball. The difference is mainly specificity:
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#1 Best Overall
- Size Options for All – Choose 42", 48", or full-size 58" cues to match teen or adult players. A great fit for family game rooms, bar play, or practice with friends.
- Standard & Heavy Weights – Select 17–18oz for regular play or exclusive 20oz heavy cues for stronger breaks and powerful shots. Perfect for players who want more control and impact.
- Durable Wooden Build – Solid hardwood construction resists warping, while a 13mm fiber leather tip delivers consistent spin, cue ball control, and smooth performance over time.
- Portable 2-Piece Design – Quick-release joint allows easy assembly, storage, and transport. Take your cue to the bar, pool hall, or keep it compactly stored at home.
- Protected & Guaranteed – Rubber bumper prevents floor damage. Backed by a 1-year warranty and 30-day money-back policy, giving you worry-free confidence with every purchase.
| Term | What it means | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Cue | Short general name for the playing stick | Conversation and formal cue-sport terminology |
| Cue stick | Another name for a cue | Explaining the equipment to a general audience |
| Pool cue | A cue intended for pool | Buying equipment or specifying the game |
| Pool stick | Informal wording for a pool cue | Casual speech; less precise product wording |
What do you call sticks used in other cue sports?
“Cue” is the broad equipment term, while the sport or intended shot adds precision.
Snooker cue
A snooker cue is the game-specific term for equipment used in snooker. Calling it a pool cue can be misleading because the games use different equipment conventions.
Rank #2
- This listing includes 4pcs of 58" pool cues.
- Reliable and recommended for residential use.
- 13mm leather cue tips.
- Hardwood shaft. 5/16x18 Joint. Standard weight.
- Beautiful overlay decal butt.
Billiards cue
Billiards cue is a broader phrase that may refer to cues used in billiards contexts, including carom or pocket games. If the game matters, name it directly: pool cue, snooker cue or carom cue.
Jump cue or jump stick
A jump cue, also called a jump stick, is a specialized, shorter and lighter cue designed for jump shots. Specialist descriptions commonly note its harder, wider tip, which is intended for that particular shot rather than ordinary play.
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- Size Options for All – Choose 42", 48", or full-size 58" cues to match teen or adult players. A great fit for family game rooms, bar play, or practice with friends.
- Standard & Heavy Weights – Select 17–18oz for regular play or exclusive 20oz heavy cues for stronger breaks and powerful shots. Perfect for players who want more control and impact.
- Durable Wooden Build – Solid hardwood construction resists warping, while a 13mm fiber leather tip delivers consistent spin, cue ball control, and smooth performance over time.
- Portable 2-Piece Design – Quick-release joint allows easy assembly, storage, and transport. Take your cue to the bar, pool hall, or keep it compactly stored at home.
- Protected & Guaranteed – Rubber bumper prevents floor damage. Backed by a 1-year warranty and 30-day money-back policy, giving you worry-free confidence with every purchase.
Which term should you use when shopping?
- Search for pool cue when you want a standard cue for pool.
- Use cue stick when you want a broadly understood description.
- Search for break cue if you need a cue made for breaking.
- Search for jump cue or jump stick only when you specifically need jump-shot equipment.
A listing that says “pool stick” may still mean a pool cue, but the more precise search term is pool cue.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the cue is used
The cue strikes the cue ball, which then contacts the object balls. ActiveSG describes the cue ball as the ball a player hits with the cue stick to sink object balls into pockets. In other words, the stick is the cue; the ball being struck first is the cue ball.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pool Cue Stick Set Of 4：Each billiard cue length is 58 inch and finished off with a 13mm Tip. This combination includes 18 19 20 21 ounce all commonly used weights to meet the needs of different people
- Canadian Maple Wood：Firm and durable, we have chosen the best quality for the pool stick and the pool cue tips durability. In addition,we use hand polishing painting .not use 3D priting decal,All colors are dyed on the wood, not priting with stickers
- Upscale Look：carbon fiber design and clear bright pattern makes the cue stick more attractive. Stainless steel joint M/18,with real Irish linen wrap,which is more expensive than 3D priting tecnology.
- Best Recreational Sports：Meet the needs of the whole family to exercise together regardless of the season
- Enjoy The Game：If for any reason you’re not satisfied (which you won’t), tell us we’ll take it back,We offer a two-year warranty period.
Rank #4
- ● Economic billiard cue, high-quality wood material, stable structure, not easy to break and deform. Glue-on Tip diameter: 13 mm.
- ● 36 inches long snooker cue, 13mm Glue on top ,suitable for family and business recreation, sports games, billiards clubs. Both children and adults can use it
- ● Two Piece Centre Joint make it easy to store and rubber end cap protect it all the time
- ● High-quality wooden billiard cue, good elasticity, comfortable feel, good grip, stable transmission force, and can be more prepared to hit the ball
- ● Lightweight and stylish. Club structure: 3/4 split billiard cue, threaded interface, seamless connection. Make the transmission force more stable and improve the accuracy of hitting
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