What are the core raw materials of a billiard stick?(The main body of the pool cue.)This is the key factor determining the performance of the pool cue.The mainstream types can be divided into two categories:wooden and synthetic materials.
Solid wood material –For higher end, quality cues that can be in the upper thousands a straight-grained hard rock maple is the primary substrate. Other expensive woods used in modern cues include: ebony, red ivory, blackwood, and olive wood among others.
Maple wood:The most common material for pool cue,especially the hard maple from North America.It is characterized by straight grain,uniform density,high hardness and moderate elasticity,providing clear feedback when hitting the billiard ball.It is suitable for American nine-ball,Chinese eight-ball and other playing styles,and is also a common choice for professional players.
ASH:A commonly used shaft material in Europe,with a slightly coarser texture than maple.It has greater toughness and a hardness slightly lower than that of maple.It offers better shock absorption when hitting the ball,and is mostly used in English snooker cue.
Birch:Its density is relatively low and the wood is rather sparse.The texture is not as clear as that of maple or ASH ,but the coloring is uniform and attractive.It is inexpensive and is often used for making public cue or membership cue.
Synthetic materials Fiberglass & Graphite – These are the mid-level cues that are a cheap alternative to wood. These are great for starter cues if the player intends to become serious in improving their game.
Carbon fiber:The newly emerging pool cue materials has the advantages of being moisture-proof,resistant to deformation,and having extremely high strength.The impact force is transmitted directly,making it suitable for players in humid environments or those who value durability.It is commonly found in American pool cue.
Glass fiber:The cost is lower than that of carbon fiber,its performance is comparable but the feel is slightly inferior.It is mostly used in entry-level billiard cue.
Everything else – Lower quality cues that are generally frowned upon by professional players are made from materials like acrylic, aluminum, and titanium. These are highly prone to warping.
Resin composite material:Often mixed with wood chips and pressed together.It has good stability and is inexpensive.It is commonly used as the material for budget-priced pool cue.