Fully Custom Accessory Kits
- Big Sky Billiard Supply
- May 2, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 17, 2024
If you are purchasing a custom table and you would like a fully custom accessory kit, here are the categories you will need to consider:
If you would like us to create the Accessory Kit for you and you would simply like to choose the Cues and Balls, these are the items that are the bulk of the value in the kit, and we can do that. If you have a specific product that you prefer for any of the items in an accessory kit like a favorite type of cue chalk, just let us know and we will provide it.
The price of the table you purchase includes a $500 accessory credit. We will simply add the amount over and above that amount to the order if you choose items that are more expensive.
CUES
If you are purchasing a modern pool table, we suggest the Cuetec brand of cues and you can read about those HERE.
We also recommend McDermott Cues (look for G-Series cues with the G-Core shaft) or Viking Cues (scroll waaay down), both of which are made in the United States in Wisconsin. The average price of a custom cue will be in the $550-$800 range. If you have purchased a table with a rustic design, we suggest the Wildfire cues by McDermott which are approximately $550 per cue.
Each brand has an import line and we recommend the Viking Valhallas (again, scroll waaay down) if you would like a less expensive option. Simply write down the model numbers (you can tell if they are in stock by how they are listed on the website) and we will write up the quote.
If you would like some nicer Player Cues, we would be happy to pick some for you. The average Player cue is $190-$300 and you can find them HERE. Lucasi is a brand of Luxury cue with a slightly higher average price (low-deflection shaft, uni-loc quick-release joint) and may appeal to those who prefer a modern style. You can find those cues HERE.
If you prefer a wrap, look for linen or leather wraps. If it doesn't matter, take a look through and let us know what appeals to you.
Billiard Balls
You can read my post on Billiard Balls HERE. You'll be looking at the BSBS Price.
Ball Racks
Ball racks are the racks you'll place the balls in prior to breaking them during play. The traditional balls racks come in plastic, wood, metal, and there are balls racks that are flat sheets that sit on the table where you place the balls in small indentations. This sheet is called the Magic Rack and has become more popular in the past few years for the ability to set up very tight racks. It is now used in many tournaments. If you decide you would like a Magic Rack, you may also want a traditional 8-ball and 9-ball rack in case you want to use a more traditional rack when entertaining.
The Delta Series Rack is a $160 metal high precision rack:
Heavy Duty wood racks are a traditional option and will be chosen based on the wood type of the table you've ordered.
The Magic Rack has become for popular to rack 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball and trick shots:
Cue Racks
Cue racks are racks that hold your cues when you aren't using them. They come in both wall racks and floor racks. The only thing to remember about floor racks is that if you have to life the cue up to take it out of the floor rack, you need to be cognizant of ceiling height.
These days, many pool tables come with drawers that will hold the entire accessory kit. Olhausen is especially known for drawers that are extremely well-made. The "Perfect Drawer" which is an add-on, is not recommended.
If you would still like a wall rack for storage, most companies will make matching racks to the pool table you have ordered. Sometimes they are available in floor models as well.
I have included our Wall Rack PDF below and I will add a Floor Rack PDF to this post when it is complete. These are racks that we recommend and we are happy to recommend a rack that will suit your needs based on the table you have purchased.
If you have ordered a modern table, this is one of my favorite racks done by Legacy Billiards called the ARIA Floor rack. I have attached the ARIA PDF below.
Table Brush & Cleaners:
The best table brushes have natural bristles and these are normally included in an accessory kit. There are additional table cleaning products like the Simonis Cleaner, PTC Table Cleaner and other products that we can include that will help to keep your table in top shape.
Tip Maintenance
Most people don't think about the cue tip when they are buying a pool table, but it really is where the leather meets the resin in this game. Keeping the leather pool cue tip soft, shapely, and conditioned will make your game better and more enjoyable. Having a tip tool of some sort to shape and condition your tip is a good idea. We suggest some basic items for your kit and they are the $3 tip sander and the $12 Porper Tip Shaper:
Cue Chalk & Hand Chalk:
We will always provide the chalk that will match the color of the cloth on your table in either Master Chalk or Silver Cup Cue Chalk, whichever is available. If you have a preference for chalk, please let us know or see my post about Cue Chalk.
Most people who have played pool are familiar with hand chalk and there are other options for keeping your hands dry during play, however, cone chalk is the most popular and certainly the most traditional. You can certainly do without it, but if you want it included, please let us know. You'll need somewhere to place the cone chalk which has a hole in the center so that it can be set on a cone chalk holder. I've put some options below:
Bridge & Bridge Head
Some people prefer the more traditional style brass or nickel bridge head below, and some prefer the poly carbonate shaped bridge heads. We will provide a black bridge stick that will have an end specifically designed to fit a bridge head.
This will round out your accessory kit. Now, if you haven't thought about lighting, you should! Good lighting ensures that you will play comfortably for many years.
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