Hardwood cues are made from denser timbers than standard ash, which gives them a firmer hit and more weight for the same dimensions — the cue does more of the work on power shots.

Australian jarrah and sheoak sit at the heart of this range, and both are genuinely distinctive. They are considerably harder than English ash, with deep natural colour and figure that varies from cue to cue. The extra density also shifts the balance rearward, which many players find gives a more solid, planted feel through the stroke. It is worth picking one up to feel the difference against a lighter timber at the same stated weight.

For a player who wants a cue with presence and a strong hit, hardwood is the timber to look at.