- Softness and hardness: determine the feel and rotation effect of hitting the ball
The softness and hardness of the leather head are indicated by the “hardness value” (commonly ranging from 50-90), and different hardness corresponds to different play requirements:
Soft leather head (hardness 50-60): Strong deformation ability, long contact time with the cue ball, suitable for players who pursue strong rotation (such as plugging, low pitch). But it has poor wear resistance and requires frequent maintenance, making it more suitable for advanced and higher-level players.
Medium hard skin head (hardness 65-75): balanced rotation and accuracy, moderate deformation, better wear resistance than soft skin head, is the first choice for beginners and leisure entertainment, suitable for most billiards projects such as 8 ball and 9 ball.
Hard leather head (hardness 80-90): minimal deformation, stable contact area, suitable for long table linear balls, precise positioning, strong wear resistance, but weak rotation effect, more suitable for high-precision projects such as snooker.
- Material: Affects durability and delicate hand feel
At present, the mainstream leather heads are divided into two categories: “multi-layer pressed” and “single-layer natural leather”:
Multi layer pressed leather head: Made of 3-5 layers of leather stacked and pressed together, the structure is stable, not easily deformed or cracked, and the durability is 2-3 times that of single-layer leather heads. The price is affordable (mostly between 20-50 yuan), suitable for most players’ daily use.
Single layer natural leather head: Made of high-quality cowhide or deer skin, it has a delicate touch, more direct ball feedback, and more accurate rotation transmission. However, it is relatively expensive (mostly between 80-200 yuan) and prone to indentation due to excessive hitting power, requiring professional maintenance. It is suitable for professional players or players who pursue the ultimate feel.
- Brand and adaptation scenarios
Novices can choose cost-effective brands (such as Mystery and Jianying) with medium hard multi-layer leather heads, which are suitable for the common 8-ball clubs of beginners; Snooker players are advised to choose a hard single-layer leather head (such as Deer or Bins); If you often play American style 9-ball games and need frequent stuffing, a soft multi-layer skin head (such as MOORI, TAD) is a better solution.