Mark Richard Snooker Cue Review: Craftsmanship, Playability, and a Story of Resilience
If you’ve ever chalked your snooker cue, bent over the baize, and felt the complex mix of nerves and excitement before a tricky long red, you’ll know how much the right cue matters. A good snooker cue or English pool cue is more than just a piece of wood – it’s an extension of your arm, a partner in those tense frames and late-night battles down the club.
This Mark Richard cue review, therefore, isn't just about specs or wood type; it's about a story of craftsmanship, playability, and resiliency. Too many reviews are saturated with buzzwords like "handmade" or "professional quality." But let's put that aside: what does it actually feel like to play with a Mark Richard cue? And why are thousands of players around the world quietly making the switch?
The answer lies not only in the cues themselves, but also in the remarkable journey of the man behind the brand.
Mark's Story: From Club Owner to Global Cue Maker
In 2006, Mark ran Angle Billiards, the largest club in his city. This club was more than just tables; it was a community. Over 2,000 members came to enjoy games, laughter, and a warm atmosphere.
However, the 2008 financial crisis saw membership halve in six months. To make matters worse, a flood destroyed the basement club. Overnight, everything was gone. But in 2009, he regrouped, determined to create high-quality, affordable snooker cues. Working with experienced cue maker Richard, he focused on selecting the finest ash, hand-shaping each cue shaft, and splicing exotic woods with precision.
From these humble beginnings, the Mark Richard brand was born. Today, the brand has sold over 50,000 cues worldwide, in clubs, dealers, and online stores in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Spain, and New Zealand. Known for quality, service, and value, the brand offers free cue case swaps, cue tip upgrades, as well as after-sales service, making it feel more like a handshake at your local club than a faceless transaction.
Every time you pick up a Mark Richard cue, you're gripping more than just ash and ebony; it's a story of perseverance and never giving up.
First Impressions: Ultimate Handmade Craftsmanship
Unboxing a Mark Richard cue is like unwrapping a vintage guitar or a Swiss watch. The North American ash shaft immediately catches the eye—silky smooth, with a perfectly grained surface and no trace of roughness. Slide your hand down it and you’ll understand why players describe the feel as “buttery.”
The butts are equally striking. From modern blackwood to classic ebony splices with maple veneers, each snooker cue feels unique – no two are identical. Balance is spot-on. Even before striking a cue ball, the cue sits comfortably, alive in your bridge hand, ready to respond to the smallest flick of the wrist.
Start Your Own Path to Billiards Glory
Mark Richard believes every player deserves the right tool to shine. Therefore, the brand has developed three cue series tailored to different skill levels:
- White Badge Beginner Series – Start Your Billiards Journey
Perfect for newcomers learning basics, ball sense, and cue control. Includes 1/2 jointed snooker cues (easy to carry, Canadian ash, straight and stable) and 3/4 piece break cues for controlled tee-offs. Affordable, reliable, and confidence-building.
- Black Badge Intermediate Series – Take Your Game Higher
Designed for billiards enthusiasts who demand precision and control. Includes 3/4 piece snooker cues, English pool cues, and one-piece cues crafted from American ash. Balanced weight, mid-range price, and professional feel make it easy to advance to the competitive stage.
- Alloy Badge Professional Series – Crafted for Victory
Tailor-made for professionals. Featuring one-piece and 3/4 piece alloy snooker cues, built with 5A North American ash with alloy ferrules and joints. These are cues designed for ultimate accuracy, control, and tournament performance.
Choosing Mark Richard isn’t just about buying a billiard cue – it’s about stepping onto your personal road to billiards glory.
Cue Options and Technical Highlights
Main Types:
One Piece Cues – uninterrupted feedback, preferred by purists.
3/4 Jointed Cues – portable and a great all-rounder.
1/2 Jointed Cues – easy to travel with, powerful.
Cue Materials:
Ash – classic, flexible, easier for spin.
Maple – denser, solid, less grain distraction.
Splicing – ebony, rosewood, or exotic woods for beauty and strength.
Tip Sizes:
Snooker: 9.3–9.8mm (ideal 9.5mm).
English pool: 8–9mm (8.5mm common).
Break cues: 11mm for power.
Tip Hardness:
Elk Master (softer feel).
Century Pro Series (G1–G4 from soft to hard).
Medium hardness is the most popular all-around cue choice.
Weight:
Standard: 18–20 oz.
Lighter options are suitable for English pool, while heavier options provide power for snooker.
Length:
Most common: 57–58".
Adjusted options available for different player heights.
Balance & Butt Size:
Standard 29–30mm butt fits 80% of players.
Balance point options let you choose a forward-weighted or neutral feel.
Ferrules & Joints:
Brass or alloy ferrules for strength.
Secure threaded quick-release joints for stability.
Every Mark Richard cue is inspected for straightness before shipment and is delivered ready to play, without the need for additional shaping.
Performance on the Pool Table
On the baize, Mark Richard cues offer the following advantages:
- Low deflection for accuracy.
- A solid, satisfying shot.
- Superb cue ball control – whether deep spin or feather-light touch.
- Consistency that grows with you as your game develops.
This isn’t just a pool cue that meets you where you are – it’s a cue that grows with you.
Final Verdict: More Than Just a Cue
To wrap up this review:
- Build Quality – top-class ash, maple, and exotic splices.
- Cue Ranges – White, Black, and Alloy Badge series for all levels.
- Playability – balanced, responsive, confidence-boosting.
- Service – free cue tip upgrades, free cue case swaps, and exceptional after-sales service.
- Brand Story – Tenacity, passion, and a mission to make billiards accessible.
A Mark Richard Handmade cue is more than just wood and ferrules—it's your partner on the road to mastery. Whether you're just starting or aiming for a century break, Mark Richard is a brand that understands both the technical and emotional side of the game.
Because in the end, snooker isn’t just about potting reds and clearing colours. It’s about that quiet connection between hand, cue stick, and pool table – and with Mark Richard, you'll feel that connection every time.