I'm going to answer this in reverse...
The spiced forearm is stronger than a solid piece of wood. It's the same as plywood. You laminate a bunch of sheets together and though it's still just a chunk of wood, now it stronger because the lamination.
In Spain's book, he talks about putting blanks across and old car rim and standing on them. Try that with a straight piece of wood. *POP*
I'm about to stir the stuff, sorry. As a note, I like full splices. I have much respect for those guys building them today. My current playing cue is a full splice. With that said....
I hear a few people talk very highly of full splices. Honestly, to the point they are almost saying half splices are worthless. Which is complete nonsense. I have yet to see one single scientific test showing that full splices do in fact play better. I'm not saying there is no difference. The buzz issue is one case where the full splice is better. You still don't see the pro's beating down custom cuemaker doors demanding their full splices. Plenty of people are playing top level pool without a full splice.
Here is the test I propose. You build two butts EXACTLY the same. Same veneer colors, same woods, same joint style. The only difference is one is half spliced and one is full spliced. You then put wraps on the cues covering the base of splice so now both cues are look EXACTLY alike. Finally build ONE shaft that can be swapped between the two butts.
Now you have isolated EVERYTHING in the cue except for the splice construction.
Finally, pass them out to good players. Tons of good players. Also, pass it out to these full splice gurus. Let them use the cues and guess as to which is which.
Tabulate the numbers and see if in fact that full splice are better.
I've got $100 that says no one will be able to tell the difference.
matta
