Ferrules

A ferrule is the white ring between the shaft wood and the tip — the part that takes the whole hit and keeps the wood from splitting. It is replaced less often than a tip, but sooner or later it has to be: a cracked or loose ferrule announces itself as a dull knock on every shot.

Material changes the feel. Melamine and fibre ferrules are hard and transfer plenty of energy, ivorine and juma give a soft, classic hit, and carbon versions go on composite shafts. In snooker brass is the standard. When buying, match two things: diameter to the shaft, and the fitting type — press-fit, threaded or glued on a tenon. A change also needs tips and glues and tools. If you would rather not do it yourself, see cue service.