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Many pool players think Action Pool cues are just budget options that can't match premium brands. They see the lower price tag and assume these cues lack quality and performance.
However, some players swear by their Action cues, claiming they offer excellent value and play just as well as cues costing twice as much. These fans point to the solid construction and consistent performance in game situations.
So, are Action pool cues good?
The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
In this review, we'll check the actual quality, performance, and value of Action cues to help you decide if they might be right for your playing style and budget.
Before we judge if Action cues are worth your money, we need to understand what these cues are and where they came from in the pool world.
Action cues are mid-range pool cues made by Action Products, a company that started in the 1980s. They sit between cheap starter cues and high-end custom sticks, typically priced from $100-$300.
The company offers several product lines, including the Action Exotic series, Value series, and their higher-end ACE series. Each has different woods, designs, and features.
What makes Action cues stand out is their focus on providing decent quality at prices most players can afford. They use maple shafts and various hardwoods for butts and include features like Irish linen wraps and quality tips.
From the beginning, Action’s goal was simple: create decent playing cues at prices average pool players could afford.
They began with basic designs and gradually expanded their lineup to include more exotic woods and better features. While never reaching the prestige level of brands like Predator or McDermott, Action carved out its own spot in the market.
Today, Action cues remain popular in pool halls across America. The company continues to focus on its core strength of providing value-priced cues for casual and improving players.
When you're spending your hard-earned money on a pool cue, you want to know exactly what you're getting in terms of construction and materials.
Action cues typically feature North American maple shafts, which provide a good balance of stiffness and feel. The shafts are straight-grained and kiln-dried to prevent warping.
Many models come with a 13mm tip diameter, though some offer slimmer options. The taper is generally standard rather than pro-tapered, which affects how the cue feels during play.
For butts, Action uses a variety of woods depending on the price point. Their basic models feature maple throughout, while mid-range and higher-end cues incorporate exotic hardwoods like Cocobolo, purpleheart, and bocote.
These woods are primarily for looks rather than performance, but they're generally well-sealed to prevent damage from chalk and moisture.
Most Action cues use a standard 5/16 x 18 brass joint, which provides decent stability and hit transfer. This is not as advanced as the uni-loc or radial joints found in premium cues, but it's reliable, and parts are easy to replace if needed.
The joint work is clean with minimal gaps, though sometimes you'll feel a slight vibration through the joint on harder hits.
Action cues come with Le Pro tips on most models, which are medium-hard tips with decent performance. Higher-end Action cues might feature Kamui or Triangle tips.
The tips are well-installed and shaped properly from the factory. They hold chalk reasonably well and provide acceptable control for most players, though serious players often upgrade to premium tips.
Irish linen is the standard wrap material on Action cues, with some models offering leather options. The wrap application is generally neat without loose ends.
The finish on Action cues is typically a clear coat that protects the wood well. It's neither too glossy nor too tacky, allowing your bridge hand to slide smoothly.
Now that we know what Action cues are made of, the big question remains: how do they actually perform when you're at the table trying to make shots?
Action cues can deliver consistent hits from shot to shot. You won't experience the strange miscues or unpredictable rebounds that often plague cheaper cues.
The cue ball response stays fairly predictable across different shot types, though you might notice slight inconsistencies when switching between soft and power shots.
Most Action cues have standard deflection characteristics. They don't offer the low-deflection technology found in Seybert's higher-end cues, but they're not wildly deflective either. You'll need to account for some squirt on angled shots, especially with English.
The feedback from Action cues falls in the middle range - not too stiff, not too whippy. You'll feel enough of the hit to understand what happened without harsh vibrations jarring your arm.
The hit tends to be solid rather than crisp, with a slightly dampened sensation. This makes them comfortable for long playing sessions but might leave some players wanting more precise feedback.
With Action cues, most players see improved accuracy compared to house cues. The balance point is typically around 19 inches from the butt end, providing decent control for most shot types.
Fine position play becomes more manageable, though extremely delicate shots might still challenge you. The standard tips provide adequate control for most players, though spin control isn't as precise as with premium equipment.
Not every pool cue is right for every player. Action cues make excellent first "real" cues for beginners moving beyond house cues. The improved consistency helps developing players learn proper technique without breaking the bank.
Budget-conscious intermediates who can't justify spending $500+ on a cue will find Action offers solid performance at a fraction of the cost.
Weekly league players get reliable equipment without a major investment. Even experienced players at Seybert's often keep an Action cue as a backup or break cue.
Action cues offer a solid middle-ground option that balances quality and affordability in a way few other brands manage. They won't compete with high-end cues costing three times more, but they far outperform their budget price tag.
For most recreational players and improving enthusiasts, an Action cue provides everything needed to enjoy the game and continue developing skills. The value proposition is hard to beat.
Ready to upgrade your game? Check out our selection of cues at Seybert's Pool Supply today.
