Why Can the Ferrule Make a Difference?

When applying side spin, it's not simply the overall stiffness of the shaft that determines how much the cue ball deflects.

The characteristics and weight at the front end of the cue are particularly important.

This includes the:

• Tip
• Ferrule
• Shaft immediately behind the ferrule
• Overall front-end construction

The Century Pro Ti-F is designed specifically to reduce cue-end mass, with the manufacturer identifying this as the reason it can help minimise cue-ball deflection. [centurycues.com]

Our Experience With Titanium Ferrules

This is where I think practical experience is extremely important.

We've fitted and tested thousands of cues before and after fitting titanium ferrules.

From my own experience, I've consistently found a noticeable reduction in deflection after fitting a Century Pro Ti-F ferrule.

I've also found that many cues feel more responsive afterwards, particularly when applying side and playing more advanced cue-ball shots.

Some of those cues already played extremely well beforehand.

The objective isn't necessarily to fix a poor-playing cue. It's often about changing and refining its playing characteristics.

Does a Titanium Ferrule Generate More Spin?

I would slightly change our previous wording here.

Rather than saying titanium"generates extra spin", I think it's more accurate to describe what the player experiences.

From my own testing, I often find the cue ball feels more responsive when applying spin after a titanium ferrule has been fitted.

That doesn't necessarily mean the ferrule itself is magically creating additional spin.

What we're changing is the front-end characteristics of the cue, and consequently how the cue feels and reacts through an off-centre strike.

Durability Is Another Advantage

Deflection isn't the only reason to consider titanium.

The Century Pro Ti-F is designed to retain its dimensional integrity through repeated retipping. The manufacturer contrasts this with softer traditional brass ferrules, where material can gradually be removed during retipping and polishing. [centurycues.com]

This is particularly useful on a cue you intend to keep for many years.

Repeated sanding and polishing of a traditional ferrule can gradually reduce its diameter if care isn't taken.

Maintaining the ferrule diameter also helps maintain the original dimensions at the front of the cue.

Is Titanium Better Than Brass?

For many players, I think titanium offers some genuine advantages.

But I wouldn't go as far as saying that every cue needs a titanium ferrule.

Plenty of excellent cues have been made and played with traditional brass ferrules, and many players are completely happy with the feel and characteristics of their existing cue.

If you've used a brass-ferruled cue successfully for many years, changing to titanium will alter something you're already accustomed to.

That's worth considering.

Different doesn't automatically mean better for every individual player.

Should I Change My Existing Cue?

If you're happy with your cue but feel it produces more deflection than you'd ideally like, a titanium ferrule is certainly an option worth considering.

Before making the change, I particularly recommend performing the deflection test we've described in our previous guide.

That gives you a useful before and after comparison.

Test the cue with its existing ferrule, have the titanium ferrule professionally fitted, then repeat the test under similar conditions.

That will allow you to judge the difference for yourself rather than simply relying on somebody telling you the cue has improved.

Professional Fitting

A ferrule replacement involves work to an important part of your cue, so I recommend having it carried out professionally.

The manufacturer of the Century Pro Ti-F also recommends that retrofitting is performed by Century or a registered installer. [centurycues.com]

Titanium ferrules can be professionally fitted at Green Baize.

See our Alterations & Repairs section for further information.