Barnhart Custom Cues
Based in West Virginia, Barnhart Custom Cues is built on a foundation of natural craftsmanship, precision woodworking, and a level of talent that quickly earned recognition throughout the pool world during the 1990s. Before entering cue making, Cory Barnhart developed a strong background in construction and woodworking, gaining a deep understanding of materials, balance, and precision long before he ever built his first cue—skills that continue to define the consistency and quality of his work today.
His turning point came in 1994 at the Super Billiards Expo, where he built his very first jump cue. The success and reception of that early build inspired him to officially establish Barnhart Cues in 1995. What began as a side passion quickly gained attention for its exceptional quality, and by the early 2000s, Barnhart cues had earned a reputation as some of the best “value for the money” in the custom cue industry. In 2005, with encouragement from legendary cue maker Tim Scruggs, Cory transitioned into cue making full-time.
Today, Barnhart cues represent a refined balance between traditional craftsmanship and individual design philosophy. Cory builds using classic construction methods while thoughtfully pushing beyond standard specifications, often fine-tuning proportions, taper, and overall feel to maximize performance. Produced in small batches, each cue carries subtle signature elements—including razor-sharp points, his recognizable dotted ringwork, and even a hidden pencil signature—while always maintaining a strong emphasis on playability over unnecessary decoration. His work is known for its clean execution, consistency, and flawless attention to detail, reflecting a level of precision that has become synonymous with the Barnhart name.
What makes Barnhart cues especially respected within the custom cue community is that, even after decades of success and increasing recognition, Cory has remained remarkably grounded in how he approaches both cue making and pricing. While many highly sought-after makers have steadily pushed their pricing into another tier, Barnhart cues continue to offer an exceptional balance of craftsmanship, performance, and long-term collectibility at a comparatively approachable value. Collectors appreciate the clean, timeless aesthetics and limited production numbers, while players consistently praise the solid hit, balance, and reliability of his cues at the table.
That combination is increasingly rare in today’s market: a cue that is respected not only for how it looks in a collection, but for how confidently it performs in competition. Whether it is a straightforward player or a highly detailed custom build, every Barnhart cue reflects the philosophy that great cues are ultimately meant to be played, trusted, and enjoyed for years to come.
Filters
