Ivory hits harder than most synthetic ferrules. Micarta and Ageis both hit harder than Ivory, but most others hit softer. There are as many different hits as there are ferrules and the hit you like is totally up to you. If you need more english on the ball then a softer ferrule is better. If you like a lot of sound to your cue then Ivory or one of the really hard ferrules are better for you. I hope this helps.
Chris www.hightowercues.com www.internationalcuemakers.com