Alternatives to ash and maple?

[Billy]

I admit I'm rather clueless when it comes to cues (I don't play), but I'm under the impression the only woods used for cues are ash and maple, with ash massively outnumbering maple.

That said, and assuming I'm correct, have manufacturers ever experimented with other woods? I know that in the world of walking sticks, hawthorn is a very popular choice, but this clearly doesn't extend to cues.

[DeanH]

many woods other than Ash and maple have been used for cue shafts over the years
Tiger (or curly) maple and Bird's eye maple
hickory
Hornbeam
pearwood
Ramin
greenheart
Wenge
oak

I am sure there can be others. Why aren't they used now? Are they available, in good enough size and abundance; are they cheap enough when you can find them? etc.
once played with a hornbeam cue and it was smooooth
love to have one made now
A friend is making himself a cue from hickory, not seen any results yet.

[Billy]

many woods other than Ash and maple have been used for cue shafts over the years
Tiger (or curly) maple and Bird's eye maple
Hornbeam
pearwood
Ramin
greenheart
Wenge
oak

Ah, thanks.

With the exception of oak I've not heard of any of those woods.

Clearly none of these alternatives were a success then?

[DeanH]

I would not say that, as to me the hornbeam is a perfect smooth grain wood for cue shafts - but success financially - probably the thing main reason it did not become one of the "norm"

pearwood was used a lot back in the day and has many fans even today

I believe Ninja cues has been making some alternative-wood cues recently, hope he pops on here

[the lone wolf]

Where's a Ninja when you need one...

[DeanH]

Where's a Ninja when you need one...

they're around you just don't see them!
the stealthy ones

[the lone wolf]

they're around you just don't see them!
the stealthy ones

It's night time...
I'm sure he's out there somewhere! :snooker:

[cambridge]

We have some alternatives on our website to ash and maple that being radial laminated maple.
In 2018 you'll see a few pro players using the radials on TV as there currently being made for two players in the top 40.
Check them out at www.cuecreator.com

[DeanH]

We have some alternatives on our website to ash and maple that being radial laminated maple.
In 2018 you'll see a few pro players using the radials on TV as there currently being made for two players in the top 40.
Check them out at www.cuecreator.com

still is ash and maple though, however you cut and paste it
do you use any other woods for shafts apart from these two?
cheers