Abstract: Cue sticks, shaft sections of cue sticks, and methods of using such devices are disclosed, where the devices are configured to reduce the phenomenon of cue ball deflection. In particular, limits upon the mass of the cue stick in a section extending from the tip to a predetermined distance toward the butt end are revealed to improve cue ball deflection characteristics. Other embodiments of the invention place a lower limit on the bending stiffness of the tip end of a cue stick or shaft to reduce accentuation of cue ball deflection under high offset/high velocity conditions. As well, an upper limit on specific section modulus is described for deterring the phenomenon of double strike in off center ball strikes.