A Complete Guide to Snooker and Pool Cue Materials
Choosing the right snooker cue isn’t just about looks – it’s about feel, balance, and how it responds to your every shot.
Walk into any proper snooker hall or pool club in Britain, and you’ll notice something right off the bat: everyone’s got an opinion about cues. Ask a few players what makes a good one, and you’ll get everything from “It’s all in the cue tip” to “You can’t beat a proper ash shaft.” It’s more than personal taste — your cue’s material shapes how you strike the ball, how you feel in control, and ultimately how much you enjoy the game.
Whether you’re picking up a cue stick for the first time or upgrading from that old hand-me-down, knowing your materials can make all the difference.
Let’s break it down — plain and simple — with a look at the most common cue materials, what they bring to the table, and why your choice matters more than you think.
Why Cue Material Matters
A good billiard cue should feel like it’s part of your arm — not a lump of wood you’re dragging around the table. The material affects the cue’s weight, stiffness, balance, and even sound on contact. Get it wrong, and you’re battling the cue stick as much as your opponent. Get it right, and your game starts to feel smooth, natural, and confident.
Think of it like choosing a good pair of shoes. Sure, you could wear anything on your feet, but the right fit and support make walking feel effortless. The same goes for your cue. The right material will suit your style, your tempo, and your shot choices.
The Classic Choice: Ash and Maple
Let’s start with the two big hitters in cue materials – ash and maple. These two woods dominate the cue-making world, but each brings its own character to the table.
Ash – The Traditional British Favourite
Ash is like the old faithful of snooker cues. It’s strong, slightly springy, and shows off a lovely visible grain down the shaft.
Why players love it:
l Offers a bit of natural flex, ideal for players who enjoy a bit of ‘feel’.
l The grain acts like a visual guide when lining up shots.
l Has a classic look – you’ll spot it in most traditional snooker cues.
Ash cues are particularly popular in the UK, where snooker has deep roots. There’s a sort of poetic comfort in using a cue made from the same wood favored by generations of players.
Cons:
l Slightly more vibration on off-center hits
l Doesn’t suit every playing style
Best for: Snooker players, traditionalists, or anyone who appreciates feedback through the cue.
Ash is often associated with classic British snooker — no flash, just pure focus. If you appreciate craftsmanship and a bit of heritage, this might be your go-to. Top brands like Mark Richard use high-grade ash in their snooker cues for exactly this reason — strength, clarity, and feel.
Maple – The Smooth Operator
Maple cues are more popular across the pond but have gained traction in the English pool and some snooker circles too.
Why players love it:
l Smoother finish, which some players find better for a silky bridge hand.
l Straighter grain and less natural flex – give a slightly firmer hit.
l Looks clean and modern – often finished with darker stains.
l Less prone to warping than ash
l More rigid — good for strong, consistent strokes
Maple might not have the nostalgic charm of ash, but for players who prefer consistency and a crisp hit, it’s a winner.
Cons:
l No visible grain, so some players miss that alignment aid
l Slightly less “feel” in softer touch shots
Best for: English pool players, or snooker players who like a cleaner cue action.
For pool lovers — especially those who favor 8-ball or fast-paced games — maple cues are a solid choice. If you prefer a crisp, clean hit and a smooth slide, maple might be your best friend.
Exotic Touches: Ebony, Rosewood, Zebrano & More
While the shaft is usually ash or maple, the butt (the thicker end of the cue stick) is often spliced with denser wood. These woods are not only pleasing to the eye but also add balance, weight, and character.
Ebony
Ebony is rarely used for the full length of a cue — it’s usually added to the butt end to provide weight, stability, and balance. A touch of ebony gives the cue a rich, dark look that many players love.
l Dark, luxurious, elegant, and premium in appearance
l Adds weight to the butt, helping with cue balance and making it more stable
l Provides contrast for splicing with ash or maple
Rosewood
l Rich in tone, slightly lighter than ebony
l Adds warmth and traditional aesthetics
l Feels slightly softer under the hand, great for players who value touch
Zebrano, Cocobolo, Olivewood
l More decorative exotic woods
l Used for splices and detailing, giving the billiard snooker cue a unique personality
l If you want your cue to stand out without looking out of place – these are top-tier choices
Exotic Woods are often found in high-end handcrafted cues, like those in the billiard snooker cue collection at Mark Richard. These cues combine tradition with a touch of luxury — ideal for players who take pride in their gear.
The Rise of Composite High-tech and Fiberglass Pool Cues
For American billiards, especially for more casual or high-use situations, composite high-tech or fiberglass cues are becoming increasingly popular.
Pros:
l Extremely durable – not prone to warping
l Low maintenance – great for pubs, clubs, or beginners
Cons:
l Less “feel” compared to wood
l Lacks the craftsmanship and soul of a traditional cue
They are a good choice if you’re a regular in a bar pool league and need a simple, functional billiards cue. But for players who seek skill and individuality, wooden cues are still the first choice.
What’s Inside Matters Too: The Cue Ferrule and Tip
Even if you have the best cue wood in the world, our game will suffer if your cue ferrule or tip is not of good quality.
l Ferrule: Usually brass, stainless steel, alloy, or even carbon fiber. Brass is common in snooker cues and gives a solid hitting experience.
l Tip: Soft tips grip the cue ball better (more spin), while hard tips last longer and give a crisper contact.
Choosing the right combination depends on your playing style – and it’s something the experts at Mark Richard can help with, whether you’re after finesse, control, or power.
Joint Materials – The Hidden Detail That Matters
Don’t overlook the joint. The material used where your cue screws together can affect feedback, balance, and longevity.
l Brass joints are traditional, offering solid weight and a classic feel.
l Stainless steel joints add a touch of modernity, and are commonly seen on American-style pool cues.
l Alloy joints combine the strength of brass with added corrosion resistance and lighter weight.
l Quick-release systems can save time and reduce wear.
A good joint keeps your cue stick firm, aligned, and trustworthy — and the best brands get this right, right down to the thread.
Choosing What’s Right for You
At the end of the day, your billiard cue should feel like a natural extension of your hand. Here are a few quick tips:
l If you like a bit of feedback and control, go with Ash.
l If you prefer a smooth stroke and crisp shot, maple might suit you better.
l Love tradition? Go for a 3/4 jointed snooker cue with an ebony butt.
l Looking for something unique? Choose a cue stick with exotic splicing.
Here’s the real kicker: there’s no one-size-fits-all cue. It’s not about finding the most expensive or the flashiest — it’s about finding the one that feels good in your hand.
Your Cue, Your Story
Every cue tells a story. It’s not just about potting cue balls – it’s about how it makes you feel when you’re lining up a long red, or digging deep for a tricky escape spot. It should suit your rhythm, your mood, and your style of play.
A well-crafted billiard snooker cue not only improves your performance. It deepens your connection to the sport. And whether you’re playing in a league or just hitting balls casually on Sunday, that connection is what turns a hobby into a passion.
So whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been chalking your cue tip since the 90s, take a moment to consider what’s in your hands. Visit Mark Richard and explore their premium snooker cues — each made with care, tradition, and with players' real needs in mind.
Because when your equipment matches your playing style, you’re not just playing — you’re showing off.