Shaft, Ferrule, and Tip Hardness = ?

[hdgis1]

All these threads about shafts, ferrules, and tips have got me wondering about quantifying the hit of cue. What kind of mathematics would be involved in figuring out a hit rating when combining elements of different hardness? I'd think that when you take 60 rated maple, add in some 87 rated juma and throw on a 64 rated kamui for spice, there should be some way to figure out something? Funny thing is, Im not really sure what that something is!!!

Chris

 

[macguy]

All these threads about shafts, ferrules, and tips have got me wondering about quantifying the hit of cue. What kind of mathematics would be involved in figuring out a hit rating when combining elements of different hardness? I'd think that when you take 60 rated maple, add in some 87 rated juma and throw on a 64 rated kamui for spice, there should be some way to figure out something? Funny thing is, Im not really sure what that something is!!!

Chris

I can't see where there is any ultimate truth to be found. Everything, in the end is subjective regardless of the elements that go into it. One player can pick up a cue and love it while another player can pick up the same cue and hate it. Not to mention the properties of the parts are not always consistent. Two shafts may be identical and play completely different. I know you are looking for some kind of formula but I doubt one exists. So many things effect the way a cue feels and they can be very subtle.

A player may ask to have you remove a small amount of weight from the cue. You take out like 1/4 ounce. He later now claims the balance as changed and the cue is way to front heavy. Yet you place the cue on a balance tool and the balance has not moved 1/8 of an inch from where it was. To the player though the different weight has changed his whole perception and feel of the cue. Nothing is completely predictable when it comes to the construction of a cue regardless how skilled the cue maker.

Players often wait for their new magic cue to arrive only to discover they don't like the cue.
The only real determiner is to pick up a cue and play with it. There is only so much the cue maker can build in, from there this perfect match between the player and cue may be just chance. Cues can move from player to player till they find a home.