faq’s
Appraisals
How can I obtain a proper appraisal for my cue?
There are two ways:
- Viking Cue Appraisal Service. You simply send us your cue for inspection, along with $25 to cover the appraisal and outgoing freight (you are responsible for all incoming shipping charges). We will appraise the cue and send you a Viking Appraisal form and send the cue back. It's that easy. In addition, if we feel that there are services to enhance the value of your cue, we will contact you and let you know the costs to do so. Ship your cue to: Appraisal Department, Viking Cue Manufacturing LLC, 2710 Syene Road, Madison, WI 53713
- Go to https://store.bluebookinc.com/poolcues/default.aspx to order the 'bible' of cue information by Mark Simpson.
General 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, online retailer), 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 manufacturer’s cues. We rarely 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 (18 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.
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.
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.
Materials & Construction
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 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.
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.
Joints
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.
Shafts
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, please go to www.vikingcuerepair.com for details.
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.
Cue Options
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.
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.
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 10 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.
Warranty & Repairs
Do Viking cues have any kind of warranty? Viking Cue Manufacturing LLC warrants against warpage and all components of the cue for the life of the product, but excludes replaceable parts such as the tip, ferrule, finish, wrap, and bumper. Viking cues covered by this warranty will be repaired or replaced without charge. Joint changes are covered. Shafts that are standard length and 11.75-13mm are covered. Anything longer, shorter, over 13mm, or under 11mm will not be covered. Butts that are standard length are covered. Custom tapered butts, over length, and under length butts are not covered. In the unlikely event your Viking cue has a defect, you may contact the nearest authorized Viking dealer or Viking Cue Manufacturing LLC directly at (800) 397-0122 for instructions.We also have Warranty Handling Instructions here on our website.
This warranty applies to Viking and Valhalla cues purchased from an authorized Viking/Valhalla retailer or distributor. The cue must be accompanied by a copy of the original sales receipt from the authorized Viking/Valhalla dealer. The cue must be registered on our website (see tab above) within 60 days of purchase. The warranty applies to Viking/Valhalla cues belonging to the original owner and is non-transferable. You must ship us the entire cue (butt and shaft) for any warranty considerations. All claims are resolved at the discretion of Viking Cue Manufacturing LLC Viking does not warrant its cues against any damage caused by third parties.
This warranty is void if your Viking cue has after-market products or if it has been subject to mishandling, abuse, or worked on by an entity other than Viking Cue Manufacturing LLC If you have any questions about our warranty, please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions - Warranty & Repairs section of our website.
Where can I find the most complete repair information?
Simply go to www.vikingcuerepair.com
Do you have any dealers capable of resolving warranty claims or performing warranty work?
No we do not. Unfortunately the warranty is void if your Viking cue is repaired by an entity other than Viking Cue Manufacturing LLC.
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.
Please 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 Manufacturing LLC
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 other brands of cues. Please go to www.vikingcuerepair.com for details.
Who pays for shipping my cue back after it has been repaired?
You are responsible for all incoming and outgoing shipping charges for repairs.
