The Cue Behind the 2025 European Champion
In April 2025, Martin Horn stepped onto the table in Ankara, Turkey, and did something no German player had done in 14 final appearances: he won the European 3-Cushion Championship. The final was decisive. Horn defeated Belgium's Roland Forthomme 50-30 in just 31 innings, a performance that reflected both his precision and his composure under pressure.
The cue in his hands was the Longoni Innovation MH, his fourth signature model developed in collaboration with the Italian manufacturer. The lineage traces back to the original Innovation design, with each iteration refined to match Horn's evolving game. That game speaks for itself: 13+ German National Championship titles (the first earned in 1994), World Cup victories in Antalya (2009) and La Baule (2018), and a reputation as one of the finest technical and position players in the sport.
The 2025 championship win is real-world validation for the Innovation MH at the highest level of 3-cushion billiards. This article breaks down exactly what makes the cue exceptional, who it is built for, and how to choose the right configuration.
Italian Craftsmanship Since 1945: Longoni's Heritage
Longoni has manufactured cues entirely in Italy since 1945. Their facility sits in Mariano Comense, in the province of Como, a region with deep roots in fine woodworking and artisan production. That kind of continuity is increasingly rare in the cue sports industry, where offshore manufacturing has become the norm. Longoni's commitment to domestic Italian production is a genuine differentiator, not a marketing tagline.
Within the carom world, Longoni is widely regarded as the leading brand, particularly for 3-cushion billiards. The company's cues are heavily represented among European top-100 world-ranked players. That presence is earned through decades of refinement, not sponsorship alone.
For the Innovation MH specifically, this heritage matters. Eighty years of manufacturing knowledge is embedded in each proprietary technology found in this cue. The global billiard cues market, valued at roughly $297 million in 2025 and projected to reach $391 million by 2032, is shifting toward performance-driven products, with nearly 45% of premium buyers now prioritizing advanced materials. The Innovation MH sits squarely in that trend, backed by a manufacturing pedigree few competitors can match.
Inside the Innovation MH: Three Proprietary Technologies Explained
The Innovation MH is built around three core technologies: Hexacore butt construction, URAL black wood, and ONDA CNC rings. These are not isolated features. They work as a unified system that determines how the cue feels, responds, and performs. Understanding why each technology exists will help you evaluate whether this cue matches your playing style.
Hexacore Butt Construction: The Latest Evolution in Balance
Hexacore represents Longoni's latest advancement in butt construction. It combines two established systems: the X-CORE metal framework and the XYLOCORE wood framework. At its center is an ergal aluminum connector, CNC-machined with precision grooves. These grooves serve a dual purpose: they calibrate the butt's elasticity and lock the connector in place both mechanically (through physical fit) and chemically (through bonding agents). In practical terms, this means the butt delivers consistent flex characteristics that won't change over time.
Near the joint, a foam-filled channel improves balance distribution and absorbs vibration. For the player, this translates to more consistent stroke feedback and reduced hand fatigue during extended sessions or tournament play.
The IMAGO rings deserve specific mention. Made from an epoxy and cotton fiber composite, they have a wood-like appearance but are structural components, not decoration. This material composition gives them dimensional stability that pure wood rings cannot offer.
Visually, the butt features a dark base with purple and white original Juma inlays, giving the Innovation MH a distinctive look consistent with Horn's personal style preferences across his signature line.
URAL Black Wood: Sustainable, Dense, and Deeply Stained
URAL wood is European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). It is not exotic, not endangered, and not at risk of extinction. For players who care about the sourcing of their equipment, this is a meaningful distinction compared to cues built with unverified exotic hardwoods.
The deep black appearance comes from Longoni's proprietary staining process, introduced in fall 2019. The wood undergoes alternating cycles of pressurization and depressurization. During pressure phases, pigment is forced deep into the grain structure. During vacuum phases, air is extracted to allow further pigment penetration. The result is a uniform black color that extends well beyond the surface. This is not a surface dye that will wear or fade with handling.
Hornbeam's medium-to-high density makes it an ideal material for billiard cue construction. It is stable across temperature and humidity changes, responsive to impact, and durable enough for years of competitive use. As eco-conscious purchasing grows across sports equipment categories, URAL wood offers a genuine sustainability story without compromising performance.
The VP2 Joint: Anti-Counterfeit Engineering for a $2,000+ Cue
The VP2 joint, introduced by Longoni in 2004, is the exclusive joint system on the Innovation MH. Every VP2 joint pin carries a laser-engraved serial number. This serial tracks production quality and serves as a direct anti-counterfeit measure. When you are spending over $2,000 on a cue, knowing that your joint pin carries a unique, traceable identifier is not a small detail.
The VP2 is available in two materials: grade-5 titanium and stainless steel. The titanium variant is ultra-light, shifting weight distribution slightly toward the shaft end. The stainless steel version adds a touch more mass at the joint. Your preference depends on whether you favor a front-weighted or more neutral balance.
Paired with the VP2 is the JBR2 ferrule system. It uses high-density G10 support material and a proprietary deflection-reduction system. The practical benefit is straightforward: more accurate tip contact and reduced unwanted cue ball deflection, particularly on off-center hits.
For buyers purchasing online, the Longoni certificate of authenticity and Certilogo authentication system provide additional verification. You can confirm your cue's legitimacy through Certilogo's platform. Purchasing through an authorized dealer like Billiard City means you receive genuine products backed by full factory warranties.
Choosing Your Shaft: S20, S30, or Luna Nera?
The butt of the Innovation MH is fixed. Your shaft choice is the single most important decision when configuring this cue. Each option delivers a fundamentally different feel, response, and playing characteristic. Here is what you need to know.
Stratos S20: The Pure Maple Player
The S20 is constructed from 20 slices of Quebec hard rock maple. More slices mean greater dimensional stability and significantly reduced risk of warping compared to a single-piece shaft. The wood can expand and contract without pulling the shaft out of true.
For the player, the S20 delivers a traditional, organic feel. The hit is softer, with natural flex that many experienced carom players associate with classic cue behavior. Each Stratos shaft carries a unique serial number for authenticity tracking, consistent with Longoni's anti-counterfeit approach.
The S20 is available in the Eiffel 71 profile, which refers to the taper and diameter specifications that affect grip feel and stroke dynamics. If you are transitioning from a traditional cue and want Longoni's technology with a familiar wood feel, the S20 is your shaft.
Stratos S30: The Hybrid Performer
The S30 combines 10 slices of Quebec maple with 10 slices of European hornbeam, a deliberate hybrid. The maple contributes warmth and natural flex, while the hornbeam adds density and stiffness.
Compared to the S20, the S30 produces a slightly firmer hit with more feedback on contact. Players who want greater precision on long-distance shots, where stiffness helps maintain accuracy through the stroke, will appreciate the difference. The added mass from the hornbeam component is subtle but noticeable.
The S30 is available in Eiffel 71 or Fiber Eiffel 69/71 profiles, giving you additional control over taper preference. This shaft bridges traditional and modern construction, making it well-suited for intermediate-to-advanced players who want a wood shaft with enhanced performance characteristics.
Luna Nera: The Carbon Fiber Revolution
The Luna Nera is pure graphite and unidirectional carbon fiber. It is non-deformable and completely resistant to humidity. Wooden shafts, even laminated ones, can shift with climate changes. The Luna Nera will not.
This shaft is covered by a 24-month warranty against manufacturing defects, the longest and most specific warranty of the three options. It delivers a stiffer, lower-deflection hit with maximum consistency from shot to shot, regardless of playing environment.
The Luna Nera is available in Fiber Eiffel 69 or 71 profiles. The thinner 69 profile suits players who prefer a lighter grip feel and a slightly different balance point. For competitive and league players who travel frequently or play in varied climates, the Luna Nera removes an entire category of variables from your game.
The market trend supports this direction. Nearly 45% of premium cue buyers now prefer advanced materials, and organized league participation has increased by 12%, driving demand for performance-first equipment. If consistency is your priority over traditional wood feel, the Luna Nera is the clear choice.
What's Included: Accessories and the 3Lobite Extension
The Innovation MH ships with a complete accessory package: soft bag, joint protectors, 3Lobite extension (20 cm Xtendo), tip protector, Longoni patch, and a certificate of authenticity.
The 3Lobite extension deserves specific attention. In 3-cushion billiards, certain shot angles require extended reach. The included 20 cm Xtendo adds meaningful versatility without requiring a separate purchase. For a cue at this price point, having a quality extension included is a notable value addition.
The certificate of authenticity is functional, not decorative. It is part of Longoni's Certilogo authentication system, allowing you to verify your cue's legitimacy online. At the $2,000+ level, that verification capability matters.
Pricing, Configurations, and Where to Buy
The Innovation MH is available at Billiard City in four configurations:
- Luna Nera FE71 (1 shaft): $1,999
- Luna Nera FE69 (1 shaft): $1,999
- 2 S30 shafts: $2,143
- 2 S20 shafts: $2,143
The configuration logic is straightforward. Single-shaft Luna Nera options provide one optimized setup at a lower entry price. Dual-shaft wood configurations let you carry two shafts with identical or complementary profiles, useful for practice versus competition or as a backup during tournaments.
Billiard City is an authorized Longoni dealer. Every Innovation MH purchased through us comes with genuine products and full factory warranties, critical reassurance when spending $2,000+ online. All four configurations are available on billiard.city, where you can compare specifications side by side.
Orders ship from our warehouse in Boca Raton, Florida. US orders over $99 qualify for free shipping. Wholesale and dealer buyers can inquire about our trade program for volume pricing on Longoni products.
Is the Longoni Innovation MH Right for You?
The ideal Innovation MH buyer is a serious 3-cushion player, a competitive league participant, or a dedicated enthusiast who wants a championship-validated, technologically advanced carom cue with the flexibility to choose their preferred shaft technology.
Your three key decision points are clear: shaft choice (S20 for traditional feel, S30 for hybrid performance, Luna Nera for carbon fiber consistency), configuration (single or dual shaft), and the confidence that comes from purchasing through an authorized dealer with authenticity guarantees.
With Martin Horn's 2025 European Championship victory, the Innovation MH enters its most relevant moment. Shaped by 80 years of Italian craftsmanship and proven at the sport's highest level, it is a cue that carries both history and current competitive credentials.
Explore the full Innovation MH range on billiard.city. If you need help choosing the right configuration for your game, our customer service team is here to provide personalized advice.