Cue Joint Types Guide: The Complete 2025 Breakdown

The joint of a pool cue may look simple, but it plays a major role in how your cue feels, performs, and connects to your shaft — especially for modern carbon fiber shafts. Whether you're upgrading to a new low-deflection shaft or buying a complete cue, understanding cue joint types is essential.

This 2025 guide breaks down every major cue joint type, including how they differ, which cues use them, compatibility issues, and how to choose the right one for your game.

What Is a Cue Joint?

A cue joint is the connection between the butt and the shaft of a pool cue. Its purpose is to:

Align the shaft and butt perfectly
Provide stability during stroke
Control feedback and vibration
Maintain structural integrity
Allow shaft swapping

The joint system includes:

The pin (male part)
The insert or collar (female part)
The joint collar ring materials
Thread type and depth

Why the Joint Matters

Many players focus only on shafts and tips — yet the joint influences:

✔ Hit Feel

Metal pins provide a stiffer feel
Wood-to-wood joints feel smoother

✔ Vibration

Radial pins absorb vibration well
Uni-Loc offers a crisp, fast connection

✔ Accuracy

Precise threading ensures perfect alignment

✔ Shaft Compatibility

If the joint doesn’t match, the shaft will not fit.

Most Common Cue Joint Types in 2025

Below is a breakdown of today’s most widely used joint systems.

1. 3/8 x 10 Joint

One of the oldest and most respected joint types.

✔ Features

Deep, coarse threads
Wood-to-wood feel
Stable and durable

✔ Pros

Smooth, traditional hit
Very strong connection
Easy to maintain

✔ Cons

Not the fastest joint to assemble
Slightly less “perfect alignment” than radial

✔ Who uses it?

Joss
McDermott
Many custom cue makers

2. 3/8 x 8 (Southwest Style)

This joint is inspired by Southwest Cues.

✔ Features

Acme-style threading
Very tight, solid hit
Thicker pin than 3/8x10

✔ Pros

Very powerful hit
Great for players who want maximum feedback
Strong energy transfer

✔ Cons

Not universal
Not as smooth as Uni-Loc

✔ Popular with

Southwest (SW style cues)
Some custom makers
Carbon shaft players who want a solid hit

3. Uni-Loc Quick Release (QR)

The most popular modern LD and carbon-fiber joint.

✔ Features

Only ~1–2 turns to tighten
Extremely precise alignment
Metal-to-metal threading

✔ Pros

Fastest assembly
Very consistent
Works perfectly with carbon shafts

✔ Cons

Slightly sharper hit
Not as “traditional” feeling

✔ Used by

Predator
Poison
Many carbon fiber cue brands
Aftermarket carbon shafts (Bizu, Rage, etc.)

4. Radial Joint

A highly engineered pin that creates a “perfect fit” with no wiggle room.

✔ Features

Spiral threads
Full-contact engagement
Very tight lock

✔ Pros

Very solid hit
Great feedback
Excellent energy transfer

✔ Cons

Not compatible with other thread types
More expensive

✔ Used by

OB
Lucasi
Many high-end custom builders

5. 5/16 x 14 Joint

A classic joint type widely used in the U.S.

✔ Features

Metal pin
Piloted joint design
Crisp, sharp hit

✔ Pros

Accurate
Clean feedback
Easy to find replacement shafts

✔ Cons

Harder hit may feel stiff
Not ideal for players wanting soft feel

✔ Common on

Meucci
Viking
Older McDermott cues

6. 5/16 x 18 Joint

Similar to 5/16x14 but with deeper, coarser threading.

✔ Features

Metal-to-metal contact
Mid-range stiffness

✔ Pros

Strong
Reliable
Good stability for LD shafts

✔ Cons

Lacks the ultra-smooth feel of wood-to-wood
Not widely used today

✔ Seen on

Players Cues
Some Cuetec models

7. Wavy Joint (Mezz)

Mezz’s proprietary “Wavy” quick-release joint.

✔ Features

Wave-shaped thread
Very tight lock
Almost zero movement

✔ Pros

Very smooth feedback
Great for carbon shafts
High precision

✔ Cons

Only fits Mezz cues
Limited aftermarket availability

✔ Only used by

Mezz
Exceed cues

8. Bullet Joint / Tiger Joint

A unique rapid-lock system.

✔ Features

Special bullet-shaped pin
Very fast assembly
Smooth hit

✔ Pros

Unique feel
Excellent vibration reduction

✔ Cons

Very limited compatibility

Joint Material Types

Material affects feel almost as much as the joint itself.

Metal-to-metal joints

Stiffer
Faster feedback
More precise

Wood-to-wood joints

Softer feel
More traditional
More vibration absorption

Phenolic joint collars

Popular on carbon fiber shafts
Provide a solid, crisp hit

Which Joint Is Best for Carbon Fiber Shafts?

To match the stiff structure of carbon fiber, the best choices are:

Top Picks

Uni-Loc QR → most precise
Radial → best solid feel
3/8 x 8 → strongest energy transfer

Avoid (for carbon):

Very soft wood-to-wood joints
(the feedback may feel inconsistent)

Compatibility Guide

You MUST match:

The pin
The thread type
The joint diameter
The pilot (flat-faced vs piloted)

Examples

Uni-Loc QR → ONLY works with Uni-Loc QR
3/8x10 → does NOT fit 3/8x8
5/16x14 → does NOT fit 5/16x18

If you’re unsure, always check your cue model or take a photo and send it to customer support.

What Joint Gives the Best Feel?

Preference	Best Joint Type
Traditional soft hit	3/8x10 (wood-to-wood)
Crisp modern hit	Uni-Loc QR
Most solid feel	Radial
Maximum power	3/8x8 (Southwest)
Fastest connection	Uni-Loc QR
Smoothest feedback	Mezz Wavy

Choosing the Right Joint for Your Cue

Here’s a quick guide:

✔ You use a carbon fiber shaft

→ Choose Uni-Loc, Radial, or 3/8x8

✔ You prefer classic wood feel

→ Choose 3/8x10 or 5/16x14

✔ You want precise alignment

→ Choose Radial

✔ You want the fastest assembly

→ Choose Uni-Loc QR

Final Thoughts: The Joint Matters More Than You Think

The cue joint is where energy, alignment, and feel all come together. Whether you're using a high-performance carbon fiber shaft or a traditional wooden cue, choosing the correct joint ensures:

Better accuracy
Better feedback
Better long-term consistency
Proper shaft compatibility

Understanding joint types helps you make smarter cue upgrades — and avoid costly mistakes.