Frequently Asked Questions


How can I become an authorized Viking Cue dealer?
If you operate a billiard business (billiard room, pool and spa store, leisure store, billiard supply store, etc.) from a retail storefront and have a valid local or state sales permit, you should contact us. Ask to speak with one of our account representatives about the requirements to become and benefits of being an authorized Viking Cue dealer.
 
How does Viking compare to other manufacturers?
Viking cues are made differently than most other manufacturers' cues. We rarely ever use metal or steel dowel pins to hold the wood pieces of a butt together. Instead, we utilize a more reliable, natural way of constructing the butts of our cues by finger jointing the wood pieces of a butt together. Finger jointing the pieces of the butt improves the structural integrity and playability while further assuring straightness. We season (condition) our wood over an extended period of time (usually 12 to 24 months) in a climate-controlled environment to insure straightness. We offer more standard models at more price points than any other cue manufacturer. That means we are likely to have a cue that matches your personality and budget. The number of no-charge options (stain, wrap, and pearl colors) we offer is far greater than any other cue company. We encourage you to take advantage of all of the options we offer so you get a "customized" cue that meets your specifications. Lastly, we support the game and sport more than any other cue company. We encourage participation through our support of the sport by making the best cues and offering the most value.
 
What determines the price of a Viking cue?
The price of a Viking cue is determined by the intricacy of the design, the machinery involved in making the parts for the cue, the number of parts, the cost of the parts and materials, and the labor required to construct the cue. Viking advertises the suggested retail price. Dealer pricing may vary.
 
Can I design my own cue and have Viking make it for me?
Yes, but expect to pay a minimum of $1,000 as the process to go from concept to finished product is rather tedious and expensive. Computer (CAD/CAM) programming is $100 per hour. Materials and labor are also very expensive to make just one cue from a custom design. We are able to produce custom decals, please contact Viking for more information.
 
What other kinds of products does Viking offer?
In addition to our fine cues, we also sell cue cases (each with the Viking logo embroidered), joint protectors, Q-Wiz, and logo apparel (t-shirts, sport shirts, and caps). These items are also available through your nearest authorized Viking Cue dealer.
 

Can I change the weight in my Viking cue? All current models of Viking cues feature an adjustable weight-bolt system. You should return to your authorized Viking Cue dealer to have the weight adjusted in your cue. We do not recommend you change the weight yourself.
 
How should I care for my Viking cue tip? We suggest a Brad scuffer for shaping and scuffing. The Prik Stick tool works well for preparing the tip to hold chalk better. Tip curvature should be similar to that of either a dime or nickel, depending on personal preference.
 
How often should I replace the tip on my Viking cue?
You should replace the tip as often as necessary so as to avoid any damage to the ferrule. Do not let the curvature of the tip get down to the ferrule.
 
What is side pressure?
Side pressure is any force exerted upon the cue from the side. Cues are made to withstand significant straight-line impact when the tip appropriately makes contact with the cue ball. Side pressure can result from a number of circumstances: leaning a cue against the wall, stool, or table laying your cue on the table with the butt resting on the rail whipping your cue around like a sword breaking with too much follow through moving balls with the shaft of your cue dropping your cue on the floor slamming your cue against the table or on the bed of the table in frustration Obviously, there are other forms of side pressure. We have listed the most common forms. Side pressure may not necessarily result in immediate external damage to the cue. An interior fracture may occur. The interior fracture will then make its way to the surface of the cue when continuously used in normal play or if exposed to any form of additional side pressure. Damages as a result of any of the aforementioned forms of side pressure are not covered under warranty nor are any circumstances of side pressure.
 
How can I avoid applying side pressure to my Viking cue?
First and foremost, never loan your cue to anyone. No one will take care of your cue as well as you will. If you must lean your cue against a wall, do so at the slightest possible angle away from foot traffic. Obtain a cue holder. Lay your cue flat on the bed of the table. That will not only prevent any circumstance of side pressure, but it will also prevent your opponent from breaking until you are ready.
 
How should I store my Viking cue?
We recommend you store your Viking cue in a protective cue case at room temperature. Do not store your cue in a rack in the basement. Do not leave your cue in your car in the hot sun or cold weather. As a general rule of thumb, if you are not using your cue, store it in a cue case and tuck it away under your bed or in a closet, but not in your car or basement.
 
Can I use a piece of a brown paper bag, a dollar bill, or sandpaper to smooth my Viking cue shaft?
Yes. Using a piece of a brown paper bag works well if you need to smooth your Viking cue shaft in a hurry and don't have access to anything else. We caution against using regular sandpaper unless it has very fine grit (600 and up). Sandpaper can remove the original finish or sealant and reduce the diameter of the shaft if sanded too much. Using 000 steel wool works fine too, but be careful not to overuse it. We suggest you use the Q-Wiz cue shaft conditioning disc to smooth and polish your cue shaft.
 
Can I use any kind of after-market product to care for my Viking cue?
Yes. Read the instructions carefully so as to avoid any potential damage to your Viking cue.
 
I think my ferrule is cracked.
Since the inception of our proprietary ferrule material in 1996, Viking has not needed to repair one cracked ferrule. If you think your ferrule may be cracked, take some 400-600 grit sandpaper and lightly sand the area where you believe it to be cracked. Viking guarantees it is only scratched and will sand out.
 

What is the length of a Viking cue?
58 inches.
 
Is there a difference in the quality of a low-end and high-end Viking cue?
No. Each Viking cue, regardless of price, is subject to the same stringent quality control standards as it makes its way through our production process. There are over a dozen quality control checks in our process.
 
Do you use different grades of wood?
Yes, and we do not compromise quality or durability when grading wood. We grade wood based on cosmetic appearance.
 
What kind of tip is on my Viking cue?
All Viking cues come standard with a French LePro hard tip.
 
What kind of ferrule does my Viking cue have?
Your Viking cue has a proprietary ferrule made in our factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Our ferrules are made from an extremely durable, high-impact plastic material that is resistant to cracking, chipping, and breaking.
 
What kind of taper does my Viking cue have?
Your Viking cue has a pro taper of 12 to 14 inches.
 
What is the difference between a stain and paint?
Stain is absorbed into the wood leaving the wood grain still visible. Paint is applied on the wood, and it is rare to be able to see the grain through the paint.
 
Is pearl durable enough for a forearm?
No. Pearl does not have the same strength as wood. Extra care should be taken so as to avoid any kind of impact with the pearl materials.
 
Where is the balance point in a Viking cue?
The balance point is within 3/4 of an inch above or below the wrap on most Viking cues.
 

You offer four different types of joints for Viking cues. Which is best?
Cue joint selection is a matter of personal preference. If possible, you should base such a selection on previous experience. If you are new to the game or have never owned a cue, your best bet is joint A or B. Joint D offers the best hit in terms of how closely it resembles the look, "feel," and "play" of a one-piece cue.
 
Will the Viking quick-release pin compromise durability of the joint?
No. We researched this over several years. The removal of all but about 4 to 6 threads from the male pin does not compromise the durability or strength of the joint because those additional threads are not needed.
 
What is the advantage of the quick-release pin?
The advantage is that it requires 50% fewer turns to tighten your cue and take it apart.
 

What if I want a thinner shaft diameter later on?
Send your cue to our repair department. (Refer to the instructions on how to go about sending your cue in for repair in our Warranty & Repairs section.)
 
Can I get a different kind of tip on my Viking cue?
Yes, we also offer the Elk Master (soft), Crown (medium), Talisman (medium), Champion (medium-hard), Buffalo (hard), and Triangle (hard). Additional charges apply for tips other than the standard French LePro (hard) tip.
 
Can I get a different taper?
Yes. Other tapers we offer include the "old Viking" taper (8 to 10 inches) and the European taper (starts to widen immediately at the ferrule). We will do other tapers upon request. There is an additional charge for tapers other than standard.
 
Why would I want to purchase an extra shaft for my Viking cue?
You may want to purchase an extra shaft for your Viking cue if you play a lot and think you might want to have a backup shaft in case something happens to your primary cue shaft, such as loss of a tip during play.
 
How do Viking shafts compare to "After market shafts"?
Most after market shafts consist of a pie shape design marketed to reduce cue ball deflection, shaft vibration, and increase spin. Viking shafts are made from one solid piece of hard-rock maple. Viking shafts have a pro taper (12 to 14 inches) and a proprietary ferrule and are designed to achieve similar results. Because Viking shafts are also engineered to reduce cue ball deflection and increase cue ball spin, we recommend you try the Viking shaft before spending a significant amount of money on the purchase of an after-market shaft.
 
Can I retrofit a "after market shaft" to my existing Viking cue?
Yes. Obtain a blank aftermarket shaft from one of the authorized dealer and send the after market shaft blank and your entire Viking cue (butt and all existing shafts) to the attention of our repair department.
 
Can I have a "after market shaft" on my new Viking cue?
Yes. You or your nearest authorized Viking Cue dealer should obtain a after market shaft and send it to the attention of our order department. Your dealer should send the order along with the after market shaft.
 

Can I specify the weight and shaft diameter of my Viking cue?
Yes, you can specify the weight and shaft diameter of your Viking cue. The standard weight range is 18 to 21oz. (in quarter-ounce increments) for no additional charge. The standard shaft diameter range is 12 to 13mm (in quarter-millimeter increments) for no extra charge.
 
I am new to the game and don't know what weight or shaft diameter to choose.
We recommend you start with a 19 oz. cue and 13 mm shaft. These are the most common cue specifications.
 
Can I get a longer or shorter Viking cue?
Yes, you can specify up to 3 inches longer on the shaft and butt for a total of up to 6 inches over-length. We can make a cue as short as you want, but we recommend nothing shorter than 52 inches. You will likely incur additional charges for an under- or over-length cue.
 
Can I get a different kind of tip on my Viking cue?
Yes, we also offer the Elk Master (soft), Crown (medium), Talisman (medium), Champion (medium-hard), Buffalo (hard), and Triangle (hard). Additional charges apply for tips other than the standard French LePro (hard) tip.
 
Can I get a different taper?
Yes, but there are additional charges depending on the complexity of the taper. Other tapers we offer include the "old Viking" taper (8 to 10 inches) and the European taper (starts to widen immediately at the ferrule). Other custom tapers start at $25 and go up depending on the specifications of the taper.
 
Can I stain a wood other than maple?
No. Other woods do not absorb the stain.
 
Can I have the shaft of my Viking cue stained?
No. We do not stain shafts because over time the stain will begin to wear off. Cue shafts also end up discolored from cloth, chalk, powder, dirt, and perspiration.
 
Can I specify any stain color for a cue that can be stained?
Yes. You may select any color stain that is available in our catalog. There may be additional charges.
 
Can I request a wood other than that which is shown in the catalog?
Yes. Additional charges vary depending on the wood selected.
 
Can I change the pearl color in my Viking cue?
In most cases, yes you can, on new cues only. You may select any color pearl that is available in our catalog. There may be additional charges.
 
Can I choose the wrap color for my Viking cue?
Yes, all Viking cues come with an Irish linen wrap. You may choose from more than 28 wrap colors.
 
Do you offer a leather wrap?
Yes, we offer leather in black, brown, and ostrich patterned black. There is an additional charge for leather.
 
Do you offer other types of wraps such as cork, nylon, or stacked leather?
No.
 
Can I get a Viking cue without a wrap?
Yes, you can get a Viking cue without a wrap. You will need to specify the wood type. The price varies depending on wood type.
Can I get a Viking cue with a finish over the wrap?
Yes. There is an additional charge to do so.
 
Can I have my name engraved on my Viking cue?
Yes, you may choose from Roman, Block, or Script font styles. We are able to engrave up to 27 alphanumeric characters (including spaces) per line on most cues. Additional charges apply for engraving.
 
Can I choose the color of engraving?
Yes. Available colors are black or white.
 
Can I engrave on a part of the cue other than the butt cap, choose a larger font size, or mix engraving styles?
Yes, but there are additional charges.
 
What is a break/jump cue?
A break/jump cue is a multi-purpose cue generally used solely for break and/or jump shots. The break/jump cue typically has a second joint cut in just above the top wrap line.
 
Does Viking make a break/jump cue?
Yes, we do. It is the Fat Daddy Break/Jump cue. We also offer a break/jump conversion as an option on most other models (new cues only).
 

How do I find the authorized Viking Cue dealer in my area?
Check out the dealer locator feature on our web site. If in the U.S., enter your zip code and click on Search. The search will result in a list of the 15 closest dealers within a 60-mile radius of your zip code. If there are no dealers in your area, you will have the option of contacting one of our catalog or Internet dealers. If outside the U.S., just click on the Canadian province or country from the lists given. You may also call (800) 397-0122 or (608) 271-5155 to obtain the names of the authorized Viking Cue dealers in your area.
 
Can I buy directly from you, the manufacturer?
No, you must purchase a Viking cue from the authorized Viking Cue dealer in your area. However, if there is no authorized Viking Cue dealer within a reasonable distance from where you live, you will be given the option of contacting one of our catalog or Internet dealers.
 
What kind of a return policy do you have?
Return policies will vary from dealer to dealer. However, chalking a cue does constitute acceptance of the cue in the condition in which it was received.
 
Why do you not sell online?
We do not sell products on our web site because our dealers are better equipped to sell directly to you and other players.
 

How do I obtain a new bumper for my Viking cue?
First, check with your nearest authorized Viking Cue dealer. If necessary, call us or send an email to request a bumper. Be sure to include: the model number of your cue your first and last name mailing address, city, state, zip code (or postal code) country (if other than the United States) day-time phone number Bumper costs range from $2 to $5 depending upon the age of the cue.
 
Do Viking cues have any kind of warranty? If so, what is covered?
Viking cues are warranted to be warp free, as well as, material and manufacturing defects for the life of the cue. The warranty covers all components of Viking cues, but excludes normal wear on replaceable parts such as the tip, ferrule, finish, wrap, and bumper. The warranty is void if your Viking cue has after-market products or if it has been subjected to mishandling, misuse, abuse, or repair by an entity other than Viking Cue Mfg., Inc. The warranty applies to Viking cues belonging to the original owner, and it is non-transferable. Viking Cue Mfg., Inc. resolves all warranty claims at its discretion. Our complete warranty can be found here.
 
Do you have any dealers capable of resolving warranty claims or performing warranty work?
No. We have a full-service warranty/repair shop. The warranty is void if your Viking cue is repaired by an entity other than Viking Cue Mfg., Inc.
 

I need to send my Viking cue in for a warranty claim or repair. Where should I send it? How should I ship it? And what should I include?

We suggest you use UPS or Federal Express so you are able to obtain a tracking number and insurance. Please package your cue carefully so as to avoid damage during shipping.

You must ship the entire cue (butt and shaft) for warranty considerations!

Be sure to include a note with:

your first and last name
physical (shipping) address
daytime telephone number
instructions for what it is you want done or repaired
a copy of your original receipt of sale (for warranty claims only)

While we cannot guarantee that any repair issues will be covered under warranty, we will gladly inspect your cue to make a determination.


Ship your cue to:

Warranty/Repair Department
Viking Cue Mfg., Inc.
2710 Syene Road
Madison, WI 53713

 
How long do repairs take?
Most repairs take 5 to 8 business days.
 
Do I have to send the butt of my cue to obtain a new or extra shaft?
It depends on the age and joint style of the cue. While we cannot guarantee the match of a new shaft without the butt, it is reasonable to expect that a new shaft will fit almost perfectly on any Viking cue with joints A, B, C, or D made after 1997. You must send the butt of your Viking cue in if it was manufactured prior to 1997 or any Viking cue with a double threaded joint or a 3/8 10 pin joint. It's always best to send the butt of your Viking cue in to us whenever possible so we can match the new shaft perfectly.
 
Why would it be necessary to send my entire Viking cue (butt and all existing shafts) for a repair?
In some cases, a repair may require some modification to the joint. Therefore, it would be necessary to send your entire cue (butt and all existing shafts) to insure a proper match for each shaft prior to returning your cue.
 
Do you repair other brands of cues?
Yes, we do repair most other brands of cues. There is an additional 50% of the cost of the repair added to the charge for repairs on other brands of cues.
 
Who pays for shipping my cue back after it has been repaired?
You are responsible for all incoming and outgoing shipping charges for repairs.
 
How much do repairs cost?
There is an additional 50% of the cost of the repair added to the charge for repairs on other brands of cues.
Common Repair Costs
Replace Tip (LePro tip unless specified otherwise) $15.00 up
Replace Ferrule 15.00 up
Clean Shaft(s) 15.00 ea
Shaft Tune-Up (replace tip, ferrule, and clean shaft) 35.00 ea
New Shaft(s) (fit charge applies - specify shaft diameter) 80.00 up
Fit Charge for New Shaft 8.00 ea
Replace Linen Wrap (specify wrap color) 35.00
Replace/Install Leather Wrap (black ostrich, black or brown) 80.00
Replace/Install Rubber Bumper 2.00 up
Thin or Taper Shaft(s) (specify shaft diameter or taper) 15.00 up
Increase or Decrease Weight (if possible) 10.00 up
New /Change Engraving (per line - Roman, Block, or Script) 35.00 up
Refinish Cue (price includes installation of linen wrap) 110.00 up
Other Repair Services CALL
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Viking pool cues can be customized in almost every way to satisfy your desired appearance and feel.