The Importance of The Ferrule
If you are looking to buy a cue or want to have your current cue repaired, it is important to know each part and it's importance to help you decide the cue or cue part that is best for you. In this section, you will find extensive information about each part of a cue.
This section features:
Tips | Ferrules | Shafts | Joints
Inlays | Wraps | Weight
Look just below the tip to find the ferrule, a white sheath that serves as a buffer between the tip and the shaft. Ferrules protect the shaft from potential damage during a hit.
Ferrule Sizes
Ferrules vary slightly in length, with some of the newer model cues sporting shorter ferrules. Usually ferrules measure from a 1/2 inch to 1 ¼ inches. Some believe the shorter ferrules offer less deflection during a shot.
Types of Ferrules
Once made almost exclusively from ivory, ferrules are usually solid plastic. Other materials include aegis, melamine, pvc, ivorine and phenolic.
Phenolic
The phenolic ferrule can be purchased in black or brown. Usually a one-piece tip & ferrule combination, these tips offer a direct, solid contact with the cue ball. These combinations can either slip on or screw on the end of the shaft. These types of ferrules are common in jump cues and break cues.
Linen Based
The linen based ferrules are typically made from aegis or ivorine. They are commonly found on mid to high end cues and are white to ivory in color.
Metal Ferrules
Typically, metal ferrules are found on lower end cues. Some amateur players like the look and feel of a metal ferrule because of their durability and they are also easier to keep clean. Metal ferrules usually slip-on to the shaft rather than the screw in type and measure from 1" to 1 1/4 " long. Because the ferrule is metal, glue does not adhere to it well, therefore, tips may have difficulty staying glued during play.
Slip-on Ferrules vs. Screw on Ferrules
Some ferrules screw onto the shaft while others simply slip on. Others feature a cap between the ferrule and the tip that absorbs some of the impact of the hit. Fibrous pads may also be used to soften the hit.
Learn how to maintain your cue in our Cue Maintenance & Repair article or find a professional to repair your cue in our Pool & Billiard Directory.