MARK RICHARD Black Badge Rainbow 3/4 Jointed 8.5mm UK Pool Cue Stick - 9.5mm Tip Snooker Billiards Cue and Case Set #SC106

The right tip size depends on the game you play and your preferred playing style.

8.5mm Tip – Best for English Pool

• Designed for the smaller cue ball used in English 8 Ball Pool.
• Offers greater precision for fine positional play, spin, and delicate cue ball control.
• A popular choice for experienced English pool players who value accuracy and finesse.

9.5mm Tip – Best for Snooker

• The standard size for most snooker cues.
• Provides a larger contact area with the cue ball, making it easier to generate consistent power and control.
• Ideal for players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, especially when playing full-size snooker.

If you mainly play snooker, we recommend a 9.5mm tip. If you primarily play English pool, an 8.5mm tip will usually provide better cue ball control and shot precision.

If you regularly enjoy both games, consider choosing the tip size that matches the game you play most often or owning a dedicated cue for each discipline for the best performance.

Yes. All prices shown on our website already include VAT.

If you're ordering from the website, the price you see at checkout is the final price you'll pay. You won't be charged any additional VAT, import tax, or customs duties upon delivery.

We work with trusted shipping partners to ensure your order arrives smoothly, so you can shop with confidence and enjoy a hassle-free buying experience.

If you are not satisfied with our product, you may return it within 30 days from the date of purchase to receive a refund or exchange for the same item. 
Please ensure that the product is unused and in its original packaging. Once your return has been received and has passed inspection, we will issue the credit to the original payment method or exchange items.
Return shipping costs will be at the purchaser’s expense, only the UK accepts returns.

Our standard delivery time is 5–9 business days for most orders.

All products are shipped directly from our warehouse in China using fast international air courier services, ensuring your order reaches you as quickly and safely as possible.

Once your order has been dispatched, you'll receive a tracking number so you can monitor its journey every step of the way.

No, we’re not. Everything you see on our site is in stock at our warehouse and shipped directly by us. This means faster delivery, better quality control, and real support from our own team.
We handpick and check every item before it goes out, so you always know exactly what you're getting and where it’s coming from.

Yes! Every cue is carefully prepared before it leaves our workshop.

The tip is professionally shaped and lightly pre-scuffed, so it's ready to use straight out of the box. There's no need to spend time shaping or roughing up the tip yourself before your first game.

We also offer tip-upgrade services before dispatch. You can choose to upgrade to a premium ELK Master tip or a Century Pro tip, both of which are popular choices among serious players for their excellent feel, grip, and consistency.

Every upgraded tip is expertly fitted, shaped, and finished by our technicians, ensuring your cue arrives match-ready and performs at its best from the very first shot.

The main differences are material, appearance, durability, and cost.

Hi-Tech Wood is a high-performance engineered timber made by compressing multiple
layers of natural wood with premium resins and colour dyes under high pressure. A typical cue butt contains around 100 laminated layers, while decorative splices are usually made from approximately 15 layers.

This construction offers several advantages:

• Exceptional dimensional stability.
• Highly resistant to warping, cracking, and changes caused by humidity or temperature.
• Consistent appearance and performance.
• An excellent choice for players looking for long-lasting reliability.

Because of its engineered construction, the risk of the butt developing cracks is extremely low.

Ebony is a premium natural hardwood that has been used in handmade cues for generations. Every piece is unique, with its own distinctive grain, colour variations, and natural character, making each cue one of a kind.

Benefits of ebony include:

• Beautiful natural grain and rich, luxurious appearance.
• Many experienced players and collectors prefer the traditional look.
• Premium feel and craftsmanship.

As a natural timber, however, ebony is more susceptible to movement, shrinkage, or cracking over time if exposed to significant changes in temperature or humidity, although proper care can greatly reduce this risk.

Which should I choose?

If your priority is maximum durability, stability, and value for money, Hi-Tech Wood is an excellent choice. It delivers outstanding performance with minimal maintenance and is widely
regarded as one of the best materials for handmade cues in the under £200 price range.

If you appreciate natural beauty, traditional craftsmanship, and the unique character of real wood, Ebony is the premium option. While it requires a little more care, many players feel its timeless appearance and individuality make it well worth the investment.

Both materials are carefully selected and crafted to produce cues with excellent playability; the best choice ultimately depends on whether you value practical performance and stability or the classic elegance of natural hardwood.

Finding the right weight and balance can make a big difference to your comfort, consistency, and confidence at the pool table.

We keep over 1,000 cues in stock, with slight natural variations in weight and balance point. If you have a preference, simply leave a note during checkout (for example, 18oz with a forward balance or 17.5oz with a centre balance), and we'll carefully hand-select the cue that most closely matches your requirements.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Lighter cues (17.5–18oz): Easier to manoeuvre and ideal for players who prefer a quicker cue action and delicate cue ball control.
• Medium-weight cues (18–19oz): The most popular choice, offering an excellent balance of power, control, and feel for most players.
• Heavier cues (19oz+): Favoured by players who like a more solid stroke and extra stability on long shots.

Balance is just as important:

• Forward-balanced cues can help generate a smoother, more powerful cue action.
• Centre-balanced cues provide a neutral feel and suit a wide range of playing styles.
• Rear-balanced cues often feel more agile and are preferred by players with a shorter backswing or faster cueing action.

If you're unsure what to choose, don't worry. Most players are very happy with our standard selection, and our experienced team will choose a cue with well-balanced playing characteristics. If you've previously played with a cue you particularly liked, simply tell us its weight and balance point, and we'll do our best to select the closest match from our stock.

Please chat with us on the page or email us via Support@markrichardcues.com