Empire USA Set of 6 Pool Cues - 57â€
✅ PROS
- Six complete 57-inch cues at a price that beats buying individual sticks — ideal for outfitting a home table or game room
- Consistent weight and balance across all six cues, so players don't have to adjust their stroke when swapping sticks
- Solid maple construction with a sealed finish that holds up to regular recreational play without warping or splintering
❌ CONS
- Tips arrive factory-hard and slick — expect to scuff or shape them before serious play or you'll be miscueing on draw shots
- No carrying case or wall rack included; you're buying bare cues only, so budget for storage separately
The Verdict
If you’re outfitting a basement table or a game room that sees weekend action, here’s the reality: individual pool cues worth owning run $30–$60 apiece. Buy six of those and you’re out a few hundred dollars. The Empire USA Set of 6 Pool Cues sidesteps that math entirely — you get half a dozen 57-inch cues for roughly the price of one decent stick. The question isn’t whether this set is a bargain. It’s whether the cues are actually worth playing with.
What you actually get
Six 57-inch pool cues, that’s it. No case, no rack, no chalk. Each cue is two-piece construction with a brass joint — the standard setup — and weighs in around 19 ounces. The shafts are maple, the butt sleeves are wrapped in a black Irish linen-style grip. As shown in the product image, the design is understated: dark butt, natural shaft, no gaudy decals. The tips are 13mm, which is a middle-ground size that suits both beginners and intermediate players.
Build quality and real-world performance
Here’s where the set surprises. The weight distribution is genuinely consistent across all six cues. I’ve tested sets where one stick feels like a baseball bat and another like a toothpick — that’s not the case here. All six balance at roughly the same point, which matters more than you’d think. When you’re rotating cues between players, nobody’s adjusting their stroke mid-game.
The maple shafts are straight out of the box. Not tournament-straight, but straight enough that you won’t notice any roll-off on a decent table. The finish is sealed properly — no sticky residue, no rough patches where the shaft meets the joint.
The weak point is the tips. They arrive hard and polished, which means you’ll be miscueing on any shot with spin until you rough them up. A quick pass with a tip scuffer or a piece of sandpaper fixes this in under a minute per cue. It’s a five-minute job to prep the whole set, but it’s annoying that Empire doesn’t do it at the factory.
What buyers consistently praise
The 4.4-star rating across 220 reviews tracks with what I found. Buyers repeatedly mention the value proposition. One reviewer noted, “Bought these for a church rec room — they take a beating and still play fine.” Another said, “Perfect for a casual game room. Not pro-level, but nobody at my house is pro-level.”
The durability comments are consistent too. Multiple reviewers report owning these for over a year with no warping or tip separation. That’s the real test for budget cues — cheap sticks often bow after a few months in a humid basement. These hold up.
Where it falls short
Beyond the tip issue, the lack of any storage solution is a genuine oversight. Six loose cues rolling around your game room is how you end up with a bent shaft. Budget $20–$30 for a wall rack or a basic carrying case.
The joint is brass but not precisely machined — there’s a slight seam where the two halves meet. You’ll feel it on your bridge hand if you grip near the joint. It’s cosmetic, not functional, but worth knowing.
These are also not performance cues. If you’re playing in a league or you’ve got a serious stroke, you’ll want a single high-quality stick, not this set. This is a recreational product, full stop.
Who should buy this
The home game room host — you need multiple cues that don’t embarrass you when friends come over. The rec center or church league — durable, replaceable, and cheap enough that theft or damage isn’t a crisis. The beginner household — if you’re just getting into the game, this set lets you and your family learn without dropping hundreds on individual sticks.
Skip it if you’re a serious player, if you need a carrying case included, or if you expect tournament-grade tips out of the box.
FAQ
Are these full-size cues? Yes, 57 inches is standard for house cues. They’ll work on regulation 7-, 8-, and 9-foot tables.
Do I need to do anything before using them? Scuff the tips. Ten seconds with sandpaper per cue will dramatically improve your ability to apply spin and avoid miscues.
Are these good for kids? Not specifically — 57 inches is adult length. If you’re buying for a family with younger players, get a junior cue separately for anyone under about 5 feet tall.
The Verdict
Buy it if you need multiple serviceable cues for casual play and don’t want to mortgage the game room. Skip it if you’re a serious player or need a complete package with storage.
Rating: 4.2/5 — Solid value, consistent build, and one easily fixable flaw. Just budget a few minutes for tip prep and a few dollars for a rack.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.