What Cue Does Mark Allen Use?
Short answer: Mark Allen has been associated with two cue makers: he has given a testimonial for John Parris cues, and he visited the O’Min factory in China and signed as a spokesman for the brand. Which cue he uses at every event has not been officially confirmed, and his specifications have not been published. In 2024 his cue was temporarily lost by easyJet just hours after he won the Players Championship.
| Spec | What we know |
|---|---|
| Maker | Associated with John Parris (testimonial) and O’Min (brand spokesman) |
| Length | Not publicly documented |
| Weight | Not publicly documented |
| Tip | Not publicly documented |
| Joint | Not publicly documented |
| Source confidence | Medium on makers; specs unknown |
Parris and O’Min
Allen appears among the players who have given testimonials for John Parris cues, praising the power of the cue and how it helped his game. Separately, O’Min, one of the largest Chinese cue manufacturers, reported that Allen visited its factory in Linhai, Zhejiang, explained how he selects a cue as a champion, and signed as a spokesman. O’Min said he was curious to see why it made his preferred cue and learned that each shaft is picked from thousands.
It is common for professionals to have endorsements with more than one company over a career, so we present both as associations rather than claim to know which cue is in his case today.
The easyJet saga
On 26 February 2024, nine hours after beating Zhang Anda 10-8 to win the Players Championship and reach a career-high world number two, Allen discovered that his cue had been lost on a flight from Belfast to Zurich. He posted that easyJet and handler Swissport had been worse than useless at providing information, even though he could see where the case was via an Apple AirTag. easyJet apologised, and the cue was eventually returned.
How the cue suits his game
Allen is a gritty, left-handed competitor, a former UK champion and Masters winner, capable of both heavy scoring and long tactical exchanges. He has made several maximum breaks in his career. That all-round game suits a traditional ash cue with a reliable medium or hard tip, though without published specs we cannot be more precise.
Endorsements versus the cue in the case
Professional players often work with several cue companies over a career. A testimonial or ambassador role does not always mean the player uses that brand’s cue in every match, and a player may switch between a handmade cue and a sponsor’s cue at different times. With Allen, both a London handmade maker and a large Chinese manufacturer are part of the story, and we have not found a definitive statement of which cue he currently uses in tournaments.
What his factory visit reveals
The O’Min account of Allen’s visit focused on shaft selection, with every shaft reportedly picked from thousands. That is the same priority that comes up again and again when top players talk about cues: straight, stable, well-seasoned wood matters more than anything else. Even a mass-produced cue is only as good as the shaft selection behind it.
The AirTag lesson
Allen knew where his cue was when the airline did not, because he had put an Apple AirTag in his case. It is a small, inexpensive step that more players at every level now take. Combined with a strong hard case, it gives you the best chance of seeing your cue again if it goes astray in transit.
Left-handed players and cues
Snooker cues are not made specifically for left- or right-handed players; the same cue works for both. What can differ is how a player sights the shot and how the cue sits under the chin, which is personal to each player rather than a matter of which hand they use. If you play left-handed, choose a cue on the same basis as anyone else: length to suit your height and stance, a weight that lets you cue smoothly, and a tip size you can control. Allen’s success at the highest level shows that the choice of hand makes no difference to what a good cue can do.
Want a cue like Mark Allen’s?
- Compare handmade and factory cues. Allen’s associations span a London handmade maker and a large Chinese manufacturer. This ranking of snooker cue brands helps you compare.
- Track your case. An AirTag helped Allen find his cue. A robust case matters too; see snooker cue cases and accessories.
- Choose a cue that fits your game. Browse ash snooker cues on Best Snooker Cue.
Frequently asked questions
What cue does Mark Allen use?
Mark Allen has given a testimonial for John Parris cues and signed as a spokesman for Chinese manufacturer O’Min after visiting its factory in Zhejiang. His current match cue and its specifications have not been officially confirmed by him or either company.
Did easyJet lose Mark Allen’s cue?
Yes. In February 2024, nine hours after he won the Players Championship, easyJet and handler Swissport lost Allen’s cue on a flight from Belfast to Zurich. He tracked it with an AirTag, easyJet apologised, and the cue was eventually returned to him.
Is Mark Allen left-handed?
Yes, Mark Allen plays left-handed. The Northern Irish player is a former UK champion and Masters winner, and in February 2024 he reached a career-high world ranking of number two after winning the Players Championship with a 10-8 final win.
