We’ve all been there. You’ve just sunk three balls in a row, the table is open, and you can see the path to victory. Your next shot is a simple cut on the 5-ball into the corner pocket. But there’s a problem—a big one. The cue ball is frozen to the rail, and that rail is just two feet from the wall. Your prized 58-inch cue is useless. You try the awkward, near-vertical “jab” shot, miscuing horribly. You attempt a behind-the-back shot with the grace of a tangled marionette. The game is lost, not because of a lack of skill, but because of a lack of space. This single, frustrating scenario is the bane of every home game room enthusiast who couldn’t dedicate a cavernous space to their table. It turns a game of precision into a game of compromise. For years, I faced this exact dilemma in my own basement setup, where one side of the table left precious little room to maneuver. It was a constant source of irritation until we discovered a purpose-built solution: the Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set. This isn’t just a smaller stick; it’s a key that unlocks your table’s full potential.
- Please choose TGA SPORTS. We are an exclusive store with no authorized branches. Please make sure to check if the packaging is consistent after purchase to avoid buying error goods. Shorty cues are...
- 36 inches of high-quality, durable wood to your stick arsenal
- 13mm hard leather tip for strong shots. The less weight and length of your backhand, the cleaner the stroke
What to Consider Before Buying a Specialty Billiard Cue Stick
A Billiard Cue Stick is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between the game you want to play and the space you have to play it in. For many, a standard 58-inch cue is the default, but it’s often an imperfect tool for a home environment. The main benefit of a specialty cue, like a “shorty,” is its ability to eliminate the physical constraints of a room. It allows for a proper, level stroke when walls, furniture, or support columns would otherwise interfere. This not only makes the game more enjoyable but also preserves proper shooting form and prevents accidental damage to your walls and your standard cues. These cues are also indispensable for introducing children to the game, providing them with equipment scaled to their size, which fosters better habits and a genuine love for the sport.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing spatial challenges in their game room, a parent eager to teach their children pool, or even a player looking for a dedicated “break cue” that’s easier to handle. If your pool table has at least one side with less than five feet of clearance, a shorty cue is practically a necessity. Likewise, if you have kids or grandkids between the ages of 6 and 12, a set like this is a perfect investment in family fun. However, it might not be suitable for those who are serious league or tournament players seeking a high-performance, weighted, and balanced primary cue. These players would be better served by a professional-grade, two-piece maple cue with customizable tips and wraps, as a shorty cue lacks the mass and length for nuanced, full-table position play.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The primary consideration is length. A 36-inch cue like this one is specifically designed for extremely tight spots. Measure the most constrained areas around your table. If you have 3-4 feet of clearance, a 48-inch cue might suffice, but for anything less, the 36-inch length is the gold standard for reclaiming those “impossible” shots without sacrificing your form.
- Performance & Purpose: Define the cue’s role. Is it purely a “trouble shooter” for wall shots, a training tool for kids, or both? The Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set comes with a 13mm hard leather tip, which is excellent for durability and powerful, straight-on shots. This makes it great for its intended purpose but less ideal for applying delicate English or spin, which often requires a softer, shaped tip.
- Materials & Durability: Look for solid hardwood construction. One-piece designs, like those in this Alrnos set, are generally more durable and warp-resistant in this category than cheap two-piece short cues, as there’s no joint to weaken or loosen over time. The finish should be smooth to allow for a consistent stroke without snagging on your bridge hand.
- Weight & Balance: A shorty cue will naturally be much lighter than a standard cue. While you lose the powerful follow-through of a 19-21oz cue, the lighter weight offers greater control for the delicate, precise shots it’s designed for. For children, this lower weight is a critical feature, preventing fatigue and allowing them to focus on the fundamentals of aiming and striking.
This set addresses a very specific, yet very common, problem. It’s not meant to replace your main cue, but to complement it by making every spot around your table playable.
While the Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Pool Cue Stick Set Of 4：Each billiard cue length is 58 inch and finished off with a 13mm Tip. This combination includes 18 19 20 21 ounce all commonly used weights to meet the needs of different...
- MATERIALS: Selected top-tier Canadian Grade 6A Maple, known for its unparalleled strength and durability, provides solid support for every shot you take
- Size Options for All – Choose 42", 48", or full-size 58" cues to match teen or adult players. A great fit for family game rooms, bar play, or practice with friends.
First Impressions: Functional, Solid, and Ready for Action
The Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set arrived in a simple, no-fuss package—a long, slender cardboard box containing the two cues, securely wrapped. There’s no assembly required; these are solid, one-piece sticks. Our first impression upon picking one up was one of surprising substance. Often, “shorty” cues can feel like toys—feather-light, flimsy, and cheap. That was not the case here. The hardwood construction gives them a satisfying heft and rigidity that immediately inspires confidence. As one user aptly noted, they feel “solid enough that it doesn’t feel cheap or toy-like.”
The finish is smooth and uniform, allowing for an easy glide across the bridge of our hand. The taper felt natural, and the 13mm tip was firmly attached and serviceable right out of the box. Visually, they have a classic “house cue” aesthetic—simple, functional, and devoid of ornate designs, which is perfectly appropriate for their intended use. Compared to other budget short cues we’ve handled, which often suffer from warps or poorly applied finishes, the Alrnos cues felt a step above in quality control. They are built not as novelties, but as genuine tools to solve a problem, and that focus on function over flash is evident from the moment you hold them.
Key Benefits
- Perfectly solves the problem of shots in tight spaces near walls
- Ideal size and weight for children learning to play
- Solid hardwood construction feels durable and not toy-like
- Excellent value, providing two quality cues for a low price
Potential Drawbacks
- Stock 13mm hard tips may need shaping or replacement for advanced players
- Very lightweight, which is not ideal for powerful breaks or full-table shots
A Deep Dive into the Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set’s Performance
A specialty tool is only as good as its performance in its intended role. For the Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set, this means excelling in two key areas: navigating cramped quarters and serving as an accessible entry point for young, aspiring players. After extensive testing in our own spatially-challenged game room and letting some junior players give them a go, we can confidently break down exactly how these cues perform where it counts.
Solving the “Wall Shot” Dilemma: Ergonomics in Confined Spaces
This is the primary reason most people will seek out this product, and it’s where the Alrnos cues truly shine. We immediately put them to the test on the “problem side” of our table, where a support beam leaves less than three feet of clearance. With a standard cue, any shot from the rail is a disaster. You’re forced to dramatically raise the butt of the cue, striking the cue ball at a steep downward angle—a technique affectionately known as the “masse mess.” It’s inaccurate and puts unintended spin on the ball.
Switching to the 36-inch Alrnos cue was a revelation. The 22 inches of reclaimed space meant we could adopt a nearly level and traditional stance. Our stroke was no longer a desperate jab but a controlled, smooth motion. The cue’s lighter weight, which might be a drawback for a power shot, becomes an asset here. It allows for a delicate, controlled touch, perfect for the soft cuts and banks that tight corner shots often demand. We found our accuracy on these previously “impossible” shots increased dramatically. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, one of whom stated, “These shorty cues turned out to be the perfect solution…light enough to control easily for those tricky corner shots.” The hardwood shaft is perfectly straight, providing a reliable line of sight and impact. It slides smoothly over your bridge hand, with none of the stickiness found on cheaply lacquered cues. For anyone whose enjoyment of their home table is hampered by a tight space, this set isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential piece of equipment that makes 100% of your table playable.
The Perfect “First Cue”: An Introduction for Young Players
Introducing a child to pool with a full-size, 20oz cue is like teaching them to ride a bicycle on a motorcycle. It’s too big, too heavy, and too intimidating. The results are often poor form, frustration, and a quick loss of interest. The Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set is, without a doubt, one of the best “first cues” we’ve ever tested for children. We handed them over to an 8- and 10-year-old, and the difference was immediate.
The 36-inch length allowed them to address the cue ball without over-stretching, keeping their feet properly planted. They could form a stable bridge hand and maintain a clear line of sight down the cue. The reduced weight meant they weren’t struggling to simply hold the cue level; instead, they could focus on the mechanics of a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. As one buyer confirmed, “The size and weight is perfect for our kids, 7-11 year olds.” We watched as their confidence grew with each shot. They were no longer just wildly poking at balls but were starting to think about angles and speed. The durability of the one-piece hardwood construction is another huge plus, as it can withstand the inevitable bumps and drops that come with enthusiastic young players. For parents and grandparents looking to share their love of the game, these cues are the perfect catalyst for creating lasting memories around the table.
Build Quality and Component Analysis: Hardwood, Tips, and Value
At this price point, expectations for build quality are often low, but the Alrnos set pleasantly surprised us. The core of the cue is a solid piece of hardwood. This one-piece design is critical for a “house cue” as it eliminates the weak point of a metal or plastic joint, which can bend, break, or cause a cue to lose its straightness over time. We rolled both cues on our table, and they were perfectly straight, with no noticeable warps or imperfections—a testament to decent quality control from the manufacturer, TGA SPORTS.
The business end features a 13mm hard leather tip. For the intended use, this is a smart choice. Hard tips are incredibly durable, require less maintenance (like shaping and scuffing), and provide a solid, crisp hit. This is ideal for beginners and for the straightforward shots these cues will be used for. However, this is also where the set’s only significant compromise lies. More advanced players looking to impart spin (or “English”) on the cue ball will find the hard, unforgiving tip makes it difficult. One user noted they “needed replacement tips immediately,” which is fair criticism for someone expecting more finesse. For the vast majority of users, however, the stock tips are more than adequate. For those who do want an upgrade, replacing a cue tip is an easy and inexpensive DIY project. When you consider you’re getting two solid, straight, and functional cues for the price, the overall value proposition is outstanding. It’s a small investment that pays huge dividends in playability and family fun.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own hands-on testing, we delved into the broader user feedback to see if our experience was typical. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most people praising the Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set for solving the exact problems it claims to. The most common theme is success in tight spaces. One happy customer writes, “Our rec room fits the pool table just fine but there are a few angles where shots can’t be taken with a standard size cue stick. These are perfect.” Another confirms, “These shorty cues turned out to be the perfect solution.”
The second major point of praise is their suitability for children. A grandfather shared, “I bought a small pool table this past Christmas. I wanted it for my grandchildren to play… These sticks were perfect for them.” This highlights their role in making pool a true family activity. The surprising quality for the price is also frequently mentioned. The negative feedback is sparse but consistent, focusing on the limitations of the cues for serious play. One user noted they were “not straight and very light to make shooting very accurate.” While our cues were perfectly straight, the comment on weight is valid—they are not designed for precision long-distance shots. This feedback is relevant as it helps set proper expectations: these are specialty tools, not all-around performance cues.
How Does the Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set Compare to the Competition?
It’s important to understand that the Alrnos set exists in a very specific niche. Comparing it to standard 58-inch cues is like comparing a wrench to a screwdriver—they are different tools for different jobs. However, seeing how it stacks up against popular standard options helps clarify its unique value proposition.
1. HAN’S DELTA 5-Piece 58″ Pool Cue Set
- This listing includes 5pcs of 58" pool cues.
- Reliable and recommended for residential use.
- 13mm leather cue tips.
The HAN’S DELTA set is all about quantity and outfitting a game room on a budget. For roughly the price of a single decent cue, you get five standard 58-inch house cues. This is an ideal choice for someone who hosts a lot of casual parties or wants to have plenty of cues on hand for guests. However, these are basic, no-frills cues that do absolutely nothing to solve the problem of tight spaces. If your room can comfortably accommodate standard cues and your priority is equipping multiple players at once, the HAN’S DELTA set is a great value. But if you have even one “wall shot,” this set won’t help you, whereas the Alrnos set is the specific solution.
2. GSE Games & Sports Expert 58″ 2-Piece Pool Cue Sticks
- Premium Material: The pool cue shaft is made of A grade Canadian hardwood maple; the cue butt is made of Australian hardwood with a decal sleeve
- Quality: The pool cue has many layers of high gloss epoxy paint finish to prevent fading and warping, features a two-piece pool cue stick design for easy transport and storage
- Design: 12 mm glued on multi-layer leather tip with 0.5" quality fiber ferrule; 3/8-10 stainless steel quick release joint technology; pressed solid black nylon line wrap and black butt cap, the butt...
The GSE 2-Piece cue represents a step up for the aspiring player. It’s a standard-length cue made from Canadian Maple, offering a better feel and performance than basic house cues. Its two-piece construction makes it portable for players who might take their cue to a friend’s house or a local pool hall. With options for different weights (18-21oz), it allows for a degree of personalization. This cue is for the individual who is starting to take the game more seriously and wants a personal cue that’s a clear upgrade from the sticks that come with the table. It is a direct competitor to a player’s primary cue, not a specialty problem-solver like the Alrnos set.
3. Viking Valhalla 100 Series 2-Piece Pool Cue
- IMPROVE YOUR GAME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK. Features a 58” maple shaft cue, two piece design for easy transport, industry standard stainless steel 5/16” x 18” threaded joint, and 13mm leather...
- A PREMIUM IMPORT. Designed by our Viking Cue Artisans, Valhalla cues take full advantage of our production knowledge. We stay involved in the manufacturing process to ensure each cue is top quality.
- STATE-OF-THE-ART UNRIVALED QUALITY. Before a pool cue is shipped, it is assembled, rolled, and closely inspected to make sure it meets our high quality standards.
The Viking Valhalla 100 Series is a true performance cue for the intermediate player. Viking is a well-respected brand, and their Valhalla line offers professional-grade features like high-quality maple, an Irish linen wrap for grip and moisture absorption, and a proprietary tip for better control and English. This is an investment for a player dedicated to improving their game. It offers superior balance, feel, and consistency. While it is an excellent product, it serves a completely different customer than the Alrnos set. A player buying a Viking cue is focused on maximizing their skill; a player buying the Alrnos set is focused on maximizing their playing space and family fun.
Our Final Verdict: An Essential Addition to Any Home Game Room
After extensive use and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Alrnos 36″ Shorty Pool Cue Set is not just a good product, it’s an essential, problem-solving tool for a huge number of home pool table owners. It masterfully accomplishes its two primary goals: it makes previously unplayable shots in tight spaces not only possible but comfortable, and it provides the perfectly scaled equipment to introduce children to the game in a fun and effective way. The build quality is surprisingly robust for the price, featuring straight, solid hardwood that feels far more substantial than a typical “kids” cue.
While a serious player wouldn’t choose this as their primary weapon for a tournament, that’s entirely missing the point. This set isn’t meant to replace your favorite cue; it’s meant to supplement it, ensuring that every square inch of your felt is in play, regardless of your room’s layout. For the immense utility it provides—turning frustration into fun and enabling the whole family to play—the value is simply off the charts. If you have a wall that’s just a bit too close or kids who are eager to learn, we can’t recommend this set highly enough. It’s a small investment that will fundamentally improve your home billiard experience. You can check the latest price and see user photos by clicking here.
Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API