How much different is the feel of a solid ivory joint vs. a collared ivory joint?

[gobrian77]

I'm on the look-out for an ivory-jointed cue to bring back to Thailand with me after I viist NY at the end of the month, and I've gotten several interesting offers.

Will there be a huge difference in feel between a collared ivory joint and a full ivory joint? Due to my location I don't have any experience with either, and I need to rely on your learned opinions for help.

Also, do ivory ferrules make a big difference?

Sorry if these are "newbie" questions- I did a few searches and couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

 

[tpdtom]

I have both, and I prefer an ivory collared joint with a radial pin or a 3/8 X 10/11 in a wood to wood contact, but YMMV. Ivory ferrules definitely hit harder than melamine, but I'm swinging over to the melamine, and the type of tip makes a huge impact as well. I'm told that ivory ferrules deflect more too but I have never noticed myself, being totally used to ivory. I think the bottom line is that you MUST try the combination that you are considering buying, unless you can go broke like me trying them all . It's a very personal thing.

I let all my poolroom friends try all my cues, and there are a few that everyone seems to like. My Olney, which has a wood to wood, phenolic collared 3/8 X 10 joint, with melamine ferrules and a Moori medium, is loved by everyone who tries it. No exceptions ! My Paul Dayton cue, with an ivory collared wood to wood joint with a Radial pin, ivory ferrules and Talisman mediums is a close second in popularity. My Darren Hill sneaky, a full splice blank, wood to wood with a phenolic collar and a 3/8 X 10 pin and a melamine ferrule with a Le Pro I think, puts a smile on every player's face. So there you have it.

I have another beautiful Hoppe cue with a flat faced ivory joint, a Radial pin, ivory ferrules, and Triangle tips. I love the cue but people who are not used to ivory may not like it. YMMV...Tom

 

[gobrian77]

I think the bottom line is that you MUST try the combination that you are considering buying, unless you can go broke like me trying them all . It's a very personal thing.

Hehe- you nailed my situation exactly- living on a tiny island like I do there aren't too many cues around for me to try.

Thanks a lot for that reply- it was very helpful and pushed me over the edge in making my decision.