Ferrule importance...

[sonnic]

Obviously the tip is the most critical part of the cue because it makes contact with the cue ball. the ferrule is next then the shaft then the but of the cue. What is the difference in a short ferrule than a longer one. or what material it would be made of. Why is ivory better? or is it just more expensive. I can see why you need a good tip i can see why you would need a good shaft but what is the deal with the ferrule? what does it do? what is it for?

I realize this is kinda a dumb question but i see ivory ferrules selling for 50+ dollars and then others you can buy for 35 cents. What is the difference??? Opinions anyone?

[audiopro]

Maybe ferrules just make the cue look pretty?

Eh, maybe not.. Figure there has to be something more it does..

[skor]

when pool was invented, there were no tips or ferrules, just wood all the way, what happend was that the wood chiped and cracked, the first tips came to solve the chiping of the wood and so did the ferrule.
The ferrule enforces the wood.
I realy don't know which is better, some are stronger then others. Alot of the cue makers state that they came up wih the best one, who knows.
I'm happy with the "secret" ferrule that comes on the predator shaft, it been serving me great for the last 6 years.
Although an ivory ferrule and joint makes a cool sound when you hit the ball, like this pure, clear whistle.

[DZ314]

I prefer ivorine ferrules for normal shooting cues. The one on the Predator BK I will be finding out about soon when I buy one! ;)

[wobster]

I have always been told that Aegis is the best. I have that put on all my non-predator cues.

Also, one thing to be aware of is an open (straight through) ferrule versus a closed (capped) ferrule. A closed (capped) ferrule gives you a little more solid of a hit, and it seems to play better that way.