Craftsmanship and Quality

The craftsmanship and timbers used for our cues is comparable to, and often better than, some of the best cue makers in the world today. When you order from our shop stock, your cue will be with you in days, not months or years. Total satisfaction is guaranteed, but numbers are strictly limited due to the time-intensive methods of manufacture.

GBL cues are all bepsoke made to order, made to the specifications that I place myself. The feedback from many years has enabled me to order what is required for shop stock.

Cue Range (2026 Price List)

• Break Cue - Standard Range Cue - Cue Prices £160 - £180
• Classic - Standard Range - Cue Prices £250.00 – £470.00
• Special - Premium Range - Cue Prices £350.00 – £685.00
• Vanquish – Ultimate Range -  Cue Prices £575.00 – £885.00
• Special FS - Premium FS Range -  Cue Prices £480.00 – £805.00
• Special XS - Extra Strong Premium Range - £400.00 - £725.00 
• Vanquish FS – Ultimate FS Range -  Cue Prices £775.00 – £1180.00
  
• Vanquish XS - Extra Strong Ultimate Range - £675.00 - £985.00 
• Valkyrie - Pro Shaft Range - £975.00 - £1415.00 *New Model*
• Limited Edition FS Range - Ultimate FS Cue Prices - £1300.00 - £1500.00
  
  

GBL Classic - Standard Range

Classic Information

The Classic range cues feature hand-spliced ebony butts, with each piece of ebony displaying some brown figuring, lending individual character to every cue. The shafts offer reliable strength and density suitable for good playability, though visual grain patterns may vary and are not prioritised in this range. Classic cues are ideal for players who prefer a shaft with some flex, with shaft strength typically varying from medium to medium-firm and offering a degree of flexibility—rarely are these shafts exceptionally stiff. This range is perfect for those seeking a high-quality playing cue at an accessible price. Despite being entry-level, Classic cues are still used by professional players on the main tour.

Classic Range Price Structure

·         Starting from: Plain Ebony, ¾ Jointed, Ash Shaft, Brass Ferrule – £250.00

·         Classic Front Splice Design: + from £30.00

·         Classic 4 Splice Design: + from £80.00

·         1 pc: + £25.00

·         Maple Shaft: + £20.00

·         Titanium Ferrule: + £40.00

 

GBL Special - Premium Range

Special Information

The Special range uses higher-grade hand-spliced ebony, usually with an almost completely black appearance. Special shafts are premium grade, generally stronger and stiffer compared to the Classic range, with attractive visual grain featuring forward-facing arrows or chevrons. This range is designed for players who value both high-grade woods and visual appeal, offering cues with medium-firm to stiff shafts for excellent playability.

Special Price Structure

·         Starting from: Plain Ebony, ¾ Jointed & 1pc, Ash Shaft, Brass Ferrule – £350.00

·         Special Front Splice Design: + from £45.00

·         Special 4 Splice Design: + from £140.00

·         Special 12 Splice: + from £250.00

·         Maple Shaft: + £20.00

·         Century Titanium Ferrule: + £40.00

 

GBL Vanquish – Ultimate Range

Vanquish Information

Vanquish cues use the highest-grade hand-spliced ebony, typically entirely black with minimal lighter brown markings. The shafts are ultimate grade, carefully selected for optimal strength, density, and the right balance of flex and spring to maximise playability. Shaft strength ranges from medium-firm to stiff, while visual grain is excellent with well-formed arrows and chevrons. The Vanquish range is ideal for players seeking high-quality cues with outstanding materials and visuals, offering exceptional value compared to other professional-level cues. This is the most popular GBL range, used by a lot of professional players.

Vanquish Price Structure

·         Starting from: Plain Ebony, ¾ Jointed & 1pc, Ash Shaft, Brass Ferrule – £575.00

·         Vanquish Front Splice Design: + from £45.00

·         Vanquish 4 Splice Design: + from £140.00

·         Vanquish 12 Splice: + from £250.00

·         Maple Shaft: + £20.00

·         Century Titanium Ferrule: + £40.00

 

GBL FS Cues – Full Shaft

·         Special FS: + £130.00

·         Vanquish FS: + £200.00

Full Shaft Information

Most one-piece cues today are constructed with a shorter shaft, which is extended to full length after adding weight, using an ash or maple dowel before the ebony is spliced on. The advantage of a short shaft is the ease of safely adding and securing centralised weight, allowing for forward-weighted cues. Attempting the same with a full shaft is riskier, as drilling a long distance can be problematic; thus, most makers insert weight 6–10 inches up the butt, often resulting in a lower balance point, though balance remains a matter of personal preference. While there is ongoing debate about the advantages, most players who opt for FS cues value the fact that the cue hasn't been cut and extended, providing peace of mind.

Vanquish FS Price Structure

·         Starting from: Plain Ebony, 1pc FS, Ash, Brass Ferrule – £775.00

·         Vanquish FS Front Splice Design: + from £45.00

·         Vanquish FS 4 Splice Design: + from £140.00

·         Vanquish FS 12 Splice: + from £250.00

·         Maple Shaft: + £20.00

·         Century Titanium Ferrule: + £40.00

 

XS Cues – Extra Strong Shafts

·         Special XS: + £50.00

·         Vanquish XS: + £100.00

XS Shaft Information

XS shafts are meticulously selected for maximum strength and density. Each finished cue undergoes a personal inspection to ensure the shaft meets the XS criteria before the badge is fitted. Shafts that don’t meet the XS standard become standard Special or Vanquish cues. The Green XS badge confirms the cue’s superior strength and density. While it’s rare for Classic range cues to have such a stiff, dense shaft, and only occasionally in Special or Vanquish ranges, these are not made through deliberate selection. Some players may find super stiff shafts lacking in feel and shot feedback,

Question - Will there be any cues as strong as an XS in the other ranges?
When going through the GBL grades, Classic range cues, it’s rare to find an exceptionally stiff dense shaft. Specials, there will be the odd cue that could have been an XS, but it was made not in the deliberate selection. Vanquish, the same as a Special, there will be the odd Vanquish that is strong enough to be a Vanquish XS, but it wasn’t made in the deliberate selection process.

My thoughts. I’m not convinced a super strong/stiff shaft is the best for overall playability, they can lack feel & shot feedback, super strong shafts aren’t always the most reactive. but for those who prefer a very rigid cue, XS cues meet that requirement. Ultimately, it is a question of personal preference.

XS Price Structure

Special XS

·         Starting from: Plain Ebony, 1pc XS, Ash, Brass Ferrule – £400.00

·         Special XS Front Splice Design: + from £45.00

·         Special XS 4 Splice Design: + from £140.00

·         Special XS 12 Splice: + from £250.00

·         Maple Shaft: + £20.00

·         Century Titanium Ferrule: + £40.00

Vanquish XS

·         Starting from: Plain Ebony, 1pc XS, Ash, Brass Ferrule – £675.00

·         Vanquish XS Front Splice Design: + from £45.00

·         Vanquish XS 4 Splice Design: + from £140.00

·         Vanquish XS 12 Splice: + from £250.00

·         Maple Shaft: + £50.00

·         Century Titanium Ferrule: + £40.00

Introducing the Valkyrie Cue Range

The Pinnacle of Cue-Making Craftsmanship

The Valkyrie range represents the absolute peak of our cue‑making expertise. While the Vanquish series has already earned its place as a benchmark for quality, Valkyrie pushes beyond those limits, driven by an uncompromising approach to wood selection and performance refinement.

What Sets Valkyrie Apart ?

• Unmatched Wood Selection

Every Valkyrie shaft begins with the finest timber available. Our cue makers hand‑select each piece, ensuring the grain is visually flawless, perfectly aligned, natural characteristics such as knots or blemishes are kept to an absolute minimum . Only the most exceptional cuts make it into this range.

• Pro Shaft Standard

This level of precision is known among cue makers as a Pro Shaft, a standard typically reserved for players who demand absolute consistency and unwavering reliability in every shot.

• Strength, Density & Natural Response

Valkyrie cues are engineered for more than beauty. Each shaft is chosen for optimal strength and density, delivering a subtle, controlled spring that enhances natural reaction, feel, and overall playability.

• Performance Tested & Player Approved

Our first production batch has undergone extensive performance testing. The verdict is clear: Valkyrie cues offer exceptional touch, pinpoint accuracy, and a remarkably responsive hit.

Key Differences Between Vanquish & Valkyrie

•  Wood Selection: Valkyrie shafts are crafted only from the highest‑grade timbers, chosen with meticulous care. Every piece is visually flawless grain aligned, knots or blemishes kept to an absolute minimum

•  Pro Shaft Standard: Cue makers often refer to this level of refinement as a Pro Shaft, reserved for players who demand absolute consistency.

•  Strength & Density: Beyond appearance, Valkyrie prioritizes shaft strength and density. Each cue will have a touch of spring, creating natural reaction and enhanced playability.

•  Performance Tested: Our first batch has been rigorously tested, and the results speak for themselves - exceptional feel, precision, and responsiveness.

 

The Result: Elite Craftsmanship and Performance

Valkyrie is more than a cue, it’s a declaration of craftsmanship at its highest level. Every shaft is selected to provide superior feedback and effortless control, giving players increased confidence and a more connected feel at the table.

As the “elite refinement” of the Vanquish lineage, Valkyrie shares the same heritage but surpasses it through stricter material standards and a heightened focus on performance. This is a range built for players who refuse to compromise those who want the very best in both quality and playability.

 

Valkyrie Price Structure

·         Valkyrie Plain Ebony - from £960.00

·         Valkyrie Front Splice Design - from £1025

·         Valkyrie 4 Splice Design - from £1140.00

·         Valkyrie 12 Splice - from £1310.00

·         Maple Shaft: + £50.00 - Century Titanium Ferrule: + £40.00

New Model - Chinese 8 Ball Range 

 

• Special - Premium Range Cue - Prices Ash £390.00 / Maple £410.00 
• Vanquish  - Ultimate Range - Cue Prices Ash £615.00 / Maple £635.00

 

 

What is Chinese 8 Ball ?

Chinese 8-ball is a cue sport that merges elements of American 8-ball, snooker, and English 8-ball pool. It is played on a 9-foot pool table with 2 1/4" American-style pool balls, but features tighter pocket openings similar to those on snooker tables. This combination creates a unique and challenging game that has attracted top players from various cue sports and has rapidly gained popularity, especially in China and now in the UK.

Professional Insights and Specifications for GBL C8B Cues

 

We have collaborated with top professionals and cue makers to develop the ideal specifications for Chinese 8-ball cues. Our GBL C8B range features:

• Tip Size: Tips range from approxamately 10.5mm to 11mm, providing a balance of control and power.
• Titanium Ferrules: All our C8B cues are fitted with titanium ferrules as standard. These minimize deflection and enhance spin, improving overall playability
• Shaft: We use only  Special (Premium Grade) or Vanquish (Ultimate Grade), to ensure the necessary strength for handling heavier balls.

Currently, professional snooker players Gary Wilson, Elliot Slessor, and David Lilley use our GBL C8B cues, highlighting their quality and performance. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each cue delivers an exceptional playing experience.

How good are GBL cues ?

• The expertise I have gained enabled me to select the best craftsman to make our GBL brand of cues. Because of the time and care that goes into making GBL cues we only have a limited amount made every year. This is one of the reasons why I prefer not to have cues custom made to order for customers. We have approxamately 5 deliveries a year. No need to wait when we have an excellent selection of cues in stock, when visting you can compare and try before you buy!
• All GBL cues are custom made to my exact specifications and designs. Because there are so many different combinations of splices, exotic woods and veneers, cues made can be one of only a few made to a particular wood combination and design.
• When buying a GBL cue customers can be assured that they are purchasing a truly top quality product. A very strict and time consuming process is undertaken when choosing only the finest cuts of timber to make our cues, shafts have been carefully selected for straightness of grain and are seasoned and dried at different stages of process, making sure that the cue has the necessary rigidity and firmness to produce a full range of shots. Splices are perfectly formed and even, something only the finest craftsmen can achieve. Cues are naturally weighted when possible, balanced and finished off with a blend of oils to give a smooth and beautiful finish to compliment a perfectly made cue.

Key Features

• Finest grade Ash and Maple shafts. Pro Quality.
• Strength is a must when finding suitable shafts for all GBL cues. We know strength is a very important factor to a cue’s playability. You can be safe in the knowledge that your cue shaft will good strength and feel.
• Every shaft is carefully tapered in stages and left each time so that the natural stresses in the wood can settle, avoiding unnecessary warping.
• Vanquish & Specials have the highest grade of ebony for butt splicing. The Classic range has a slightly lower grade, ebony will have some brown figuring, adds individual character.
• Extra splices only the finest quality exotic woods are used.
• Each butt is individually hand spliced onto the shaft to the very highest levels of craftsmanship.
• Finished cues are not only made to the highest standards but also beautiful to look at with great feel and playability.
• An extension thread is fitted into the end of the butt as standard on all cues.

There are a lot players on the main tour who use GBL cues.

• One of the most notable was 4 x world champion John Higgins who looked for the help of Green Baize when trying to find a suitable new cue.
  
  Written by Raymond Cohen – Exquisite Cues Scotland - John Higgins Cue Update!
  
  As I’ve been getting asked lots about John Higgins and if he has a new cue? Well the answer is Yes. After many alterations to his now old cue Exquisite no 388 John felt like he went too far with alterations and wanted a fresh start, however I never had any suitable shafts to suit John as it’s a very specific grain pattern/flex/ash colour and density of shaft he likes, also most importantly it has to play well and not easy to find.

  As I found it very difficult to find another shaft even close to Exquisite 388 I advised John it might be a good idea to try Stu Green at Green Baize Cues as he has so many cues therefore more chance of finding one. That’s exactly what he did, and was lucky enough to find a great cue to his taste.

  Credit must go to Stu Green as he had to search long and hard to find a suitable cue for John and fully understands exactly what he’s after.
  I’d recommend anyone to visit Green Baize if you want to try out some nice cues, Stu is a top bloke to deal with.

  I altered Johns new cue to make it more to his exact spec, which included four lower Cocobolo splices and slight adjustment to weight, also changing base joint to my one to fit his current extensions.
  John also was kind enough to give me back Exquisite 388 to keep which has had a great run in Johns career.
  
  Thanks to Raymond Cohen for his kinds words, and much appreciated.                           
  
  John Higgins was back using a GBL Vanquish cue, which he managed to make his mile stone 1000th Century break with after his Ton Praram cue was damaged in transit coming back from Saudi Arabia. 
  We wish John all the best for coming events, currently using a China made cue from his new Sponsors.    
  
  

• Currently there are 2 players in the top 16 world snooker rankings using GBL Vanquish Cues - 2024 World Champion Kyren Wilson & 3x ranking event winner Gary Wilson. 

World Champions who have bought GBL cues over the years.

• 4 x World Snooker Chamiopn John Higgins
• 2 x World Snooker Champion Alex Higgins
• 2 x World Pool Champion Chris Melling
• 13 x World Professional Billiards Champion Mike Russell
• 5 x World Professional Billiards Champion Peter Gilchrist
• 1 x World Snooker Champion Kyren Wilson

Thanks for your time.