A World Champion's Cue: The Jean Reverchon Story
Jean Reverchon is a name that commands respect in the world of artistic billiards. A 3-time World Champion and 4-time Canal+ Trophy winner, Reverchon set the highest world competition score of 374 on the 68-figure program in 1992, a record that cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats.
The Black Pearl II is the third signature cue Longoni has developed for Reverchon, a collaboration that reflects a deep, long-term professional partnership. Artistic billiards demands extraordinary precision and technique, and Reverchon's exacting standards have directly shaped the engineering philosophy behind every iteration of this cue.
Signature pro cues like the Black Pearl II are not mass-produced sticks pulled off an assembly line. Each is the result of a world champion working hand-in-hand with Italy's most storied cue maker to produce something purpose-built for serious play.
URAL Wood: The Science Behind the Black Pearl's Signature Look
The Black Pearl II's butt is crafted from URAL wood, which is European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). This dense, durable hardwood is not at risk of extinction, making it a responsible material choice that aligns with growing eco-conscious priorities among buyers.
What makes the URAL treatment special is the deep staining process Longoni introduced in fall 2019. Rather than applying pigment to the surface, the process uses alternating cycles of pressurization and depressurization to force color deep into the wood fibers themselves. The result is an ebony-like black appearance that still reveals the natural grain of the hornbeam: visually striking and structurally authentic.
Compare this to surface-stained or painted cues, which tend to chip, fade, or wear over time. URAL treatment is structural, not cosmetic. The finish is part of the wood, not sitting on top of it.
This sustainable material choice reflects Longoni's broader commitment to responsible sourcing, a genuine differentiator in a market crowded with mass-produced alternatives. Beyond aesthetics, hornbeam's density and hardness make it well-suited for a high-performance carom butt where every gram of weight distribution matters.
Hexa-Core Butt Construction: What's Inside the Black Pearl II
Beneath the URAL wood exterior, the Black Pearl II uses Longoni's proprietary Hexa-Core butt construction technology. Hexa-Core combines two internal systems: X-CORE, a metal reinforcement structure, and XYLOCORE, a wood-based composite layer. Together, they form an engineered performance system that goes well beyond what a standard solid-wood butt can offer.
X-CORE runs a metal core through the butt to eliminate unwanted flex and improve energy transfer from your stroke to the cue ball. Every ounce of force you put into the shot travels forward efficiently, without being absorbed or scattered by the butt itself.
XYLOCORE adds a wood composite layer that moderates vibration and preserves the natural feel players expect from a premium cue. This matters especially in carom and 3-cushion play, where players rely on precise tactile feedback to read deflection and spin. Excessive vibration distorts that feedback, making it harder to judge contact quality and ball behavior.
Standard solid-wood butts offer no engineered vibration management. The combination of URAL wood on the outside and Hexa-Core on the inside makes the Black Pearl II butt a layered performance system, not just a decorative piece. It is built to play as well as it looks.
Shaft Options Explained: S20, S30, and Luna Nera
The shaft is the most important buying decision when configuring a Black Pearl II. The butt is fixed, but the shaft defines how the cue plays, how it feels in your hands, and how it responds to humidity and travel.
S20 Stratos Laminated
The S20 is built from 20 slices of Quebec hard rock maple, marketed as the world's first shaft with this structure. The lamination process aligns wood grain in multiple directions, minimizing warping and improving shot-to-shot consistency compared to a traditional solid maple shaft. For players who value the classic feel of wood with enhanced structural stability, the S20 is a strong choice.
S30 Stratos Laminated
The S30 shares the laminated maple philosophy with a different slice configuration, offering a slightly different flex and feel profile with softer feedback for players who prefer a more forgiving stroke. If you want laminated maple with a touch less stiffness, the S30 is worth considering.
Luna Nera (Unidirectional Carbon Fiber/Graphite)
The Luna Nera shaft is pure unidirectional graphite, engineered for extreme low deflection and high shooting accuracy. Layered graphite with variable fiber orientation gives it maximum strength while remaining non-deformable and resistant to humidity. This makes it ideal for players in warm or humid climates, or those who travel frequently and need a shaft that performs identically regardless of conditions.
The Luna Nera carries a 24-month warranty against manufacturing defects from Longoni, a confidence signal that competitors rarely match. Demand for carbon fiber options in the 3-cushion carom market has grown steadily through 2025 and 2026, making this shaft increasingly relevant for performance-focused players.
Eiffel 69 vs. Eiffel 71 Profiles
All shaft types are available in two taper profiles. The Eiffel 69 (FE69) has a slightly shorter taper, suiting players with a closer bridge hand or a preference for more tip control. The Eiffel 71 (FE71) features a longer taper for players who prefer a stiffer feel through the stroke. Both profiles are available across the S20, S30, and Luna Nera shaft types.
VP2 Joint and 3Lobite Extension: Engineering Details That Matter
The VP2 joint, introduced by Longoni in 2004, is an ultra-firm locking mechanism designed for full energy transfer between butt and shaft with zero play or wobble. Its electropolished threads ensure smooth engagement every time you assemble the cue, and laser-engraved numbering on every joint pin provides traceability and quality control at the individual component level.
The VP2 is available in grade-5 titanium or stainless steel, both offering corrosion resistance and long-term durability. The real practical value, however, lies in the VP2's universal joint system: the Black Pearl II butt is compatible with the full Longoni shaft ecosystem. You can experiment with different shaft types or taper profiles without buying a new cue. Your butt investment is future-proof.
The Black Pearl II also integrates Longoni's 3Lobite extension system directly into the butt, allowing players to adjust cue length as needed. This is a practical feature for competitive carom players who require precise reach without carrying a separate extension accessory.
These engineering details are rarely highlighted by competitors, but they represent real, game-affecting advantages for serious 3-cushion players who demand consistency and versatility from their equipment.
Cue Specifications at a Glance
- Cue Weight: 500–540g
- Shaft Length: 70.5 cm
- Shaft Weight: 120g
- Tip Diameter: 12 mm
- Total Cue Length: 142.5 cm
- Category: Longoni Custom Pro (top tier of the production lineup)
- Joint: VP2 (titanium or stainless steel)
- Extension: 3Lobite integrated system
The aesthetic details match the performance pedigree. The Black Pearl II features real abalone inlays, Juma Magma and Juma Ivory rings in Longoni's signature Onda (wavy CNC) style, and IMAGO rings made from epoxy and cotton fiber. Every visual element is machined with intention.
All Longoni cues, including the Black Pearl II, are produced entirely at the Mariano Comense factory in the province of Como, Italy. Longoni has been manufacturing cues since 1945, representing over 75 years of continuous production history. High-end Longoni carom cues typically retail from $500 to several thousand dollars, placing the Black Pearl II firmly within the premium segment.
Billiard City carries multiple Black Pearl II configurations, including the S20, S30, Luna Nera FE69, and Luna Nera FE71. As an authorized Longoni dealer, we ensure every cue is genuine and backed by full factory warranties.
Is the Longoni Black Pearl II Right for You?
The Black Pearl II is built for serious carom and 3-cushion players, competitive league participants, and collectors drawn to pro-endorsed signature cues with real performance credentials. If you play at a level where your equipment needs to keep up with your skill, this cue belongs on your short list.
The core decision comes down to shaft preference. Choose the S20 or S30 if you value natural wood feel, tactile feedback, and traditional maple performance. Choose the Luna Nera if you prioritize low deflection, humidity resistance, and the consistency of carbon fiber. Thanks to the VP2 joint's shaft interchangeability, you are not locked into one choice forever.
The global billiard cues market is growing at a 4.0% CAGR through 2031, driven by demand for high-tech, premium-material cues in exactly this category. Players are increasingly willing to invest in equipment that matches their commitment to the game.
At Billiard City, we are proud to be an authorized Longoni dealer, shipping directly from our Boca Raton, FL warehouse with free shipping on US orders over $99. Our customers have rated us 4.7 stars, and we take that trust seriously with personalized service on every order. If you have questions about which Black Pearl II configuration suits your game, reach out to us. We are here to help you find the right fit.