shaft wood

[JayBates]

i got another cue off a freind of mine the other day and was wondering. i can count 14 growth rings at the joint of the shaft. looking down the shaft the grain is resonably strait. its not laminated, just maple. if you were building a shaft for somone would a 14 growth ring piece of maple be good or on the lesser quality side? thanks,
Jay

 

[Sheldon]

There are so many other factors, there is really no way to tell from just the growth rings. I've seen really nice shafts with both low and high counts.

 

[MVPCues]

I completely agree with what Sheldon said about other factors, but showing 14 rings at the finished joint means something like 16-17 rings per inch. That is an above average count, and all other things being equal, it would be an above average shaft.

But again, one shaft with 20 grains per inch might be a dud, while another with 7 might be a real performer.
Kelly

 

[Craig Fales]

I have a shaft for my personal cue that has only 5 growth rings and it plays great...
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