I'm standing with qbilder on that. Sure looks like maple, spalted.
Had a cue like that, noisy one. Did not understand why until a cuemaker told me. When its spalted like that it turns brittle. Not the best wood to qbuild:) unless its been processed.
I sure love the look of it. Wish someone...
Yes Sam, nod nod, its could be the bones, especially when it gets cold.:grin-square:
I would agree with you on the smaller tip getting lesser contact area on that cueball. Change it to a soft tip, see how that works. Dont try changing the bones now