Why are some shafts (e.g., some LD shafts) laminated, consisting of layers or radial segments glued together?

Laminated shafts can have better strength and consistency with lower-quality cuts of wood. They can also have better dimensional stability, being less prone to warp over time. Also, shafts of the same brand and model will tend to be more consistent because there is less chance for wood grain variance, as compared to a solid piece of wood.

Some people claim a flat-laminate shaft will have a distinct “spine” direction which can affect CB deflection, but this is not the case per Diagram 3 in “Squirt – Part VII: cue test machine results” (BD, February, 2008).

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