For over 80 years, Longoni has represented Italian excellence in billiards. Founded in Mariano Comense, near Milan, Longoni is a family-owned company known worldwide for precision, craftsmanship, design, and reliability. Longoni cues are still produced entirely in Italy under the supervision of the Longoni family and are trusted by many top international players.
The Longoni Evoluzione is a premium Signature carom cue developed for Marco Zanetti, one of the leading figures in international 3-cushion billiards.
First introduced in 2016, the Evoluzione brought the long-awaited Marco Zanetti Signature project to life. Inspired by previous Longoni collections, the model combines traditional Italian cue-making craftsmanship with an unusually rich selection of exotic woods, modern Longoni technologies, and a distinctive geometric design.
Longoni describes Evoluzione as a classic model for trendy players—a cue that combines timeless natural materials with a contemporary architectural appearance.
The butt incorporates an extensive selection of woods including NOX/URAL at the handgrip, Bokote, Bois de Rose, Lacewood, Macassar Ebony, Curly Maple, Zebrano, Olive, and Maple in the core. The contrasting woods are arranged into long rectangular and linear elements that run throughout the butt, creating the distinctive Evoluzione visual identity.
The lighter natural sections contrast strongly with the dark handgrip and darker decorative elements, while multiple exotic wood tones create depth without overwhelming the clean proportions of the cue.
The Evoluzione is equipped with the Longoni VP2 Grade 5 Titanium joint, advanced HEXA-CORE technology, distinctive Longoni ONDA Wavy CNC Rings, and the 3-Lobite Complete extension system.
Each Evoluzione carries a hand-signed individual number, giving every cue its own individual character.
Longoni URAL Black Hornbeam
URAL is Longoni's proprietary material based on European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). Introduced into Longoni products in 2019, URAL begins as a naturally light-colored, hard European wood and undergoes Longoni's specialized deep-staining process.
Using alternating pressurization and depressurization, an ebony-like black stain penetrates deeply into the wood. This process enhances the natural grain rather than hiding it, creating an almost completely black appearance with visible depth and character.
European hornbeam is valued for its medium-to-high density, stability, durability, and long service life, characteristics particularly well suited to billiard cue construction. It is also a widely available European species and is not considered at risk of extinction, making it a more sustainable choice of cue wood.
Longoni selects the best hornbeam logs for the production of URAL, combining the mechanical characteristics of hornbeam with the distinctive deep-black appearance that has become a recognizable feature of modern Longoni cues.
Longoni HEXA-CORE Technology
The Evoluzione features Longoni's advanced HEXA-CORE technology, the latest evolution in the construction of Longoni cue butts.
HEXA-CORE combines two established Longoni construction concepts: the quiet characteristics of the X-CORE metal system and the harmonious response of the XYLOCORE system. This technology is used primarily in Longoni pool and carom cues.
At the center of the HEXA-CORE system is a precision component that joins the two sections of the butt. Each component is individually manufactured from Ergal aluminum using CNC machining and incorporates specially designed grooves that help calibrate elasticity.
The component is secured both mechanically and chemically, creating a highly precise and stable internal connection.
Compared with more traditional construction methods, HEXA-CORE allows for more accurate installation and is designed to provide improved structural stability, controlled elasticity, precise internal alignment, reduced unwanted vibration, long-term durability, and consistent playing characteristics over time.
This construction helps the Evoluzione maintain the refined feedback and dependable response expected from a professional Longoni carom cue.
VP2 Titanium Joint
The Evoluzione is equipped with Longoni's VP2 Titanium joint, the advanced evolution of Longoni's metal-joint technology.
Longoni introduced the VP2 joint in 2004 as a universal precision joint for its cues across multiple billiard disciplines, including pool, five-pins, carom, and Russian pyramid. The VP2 evolved from Longoni's earlier Viper steel joint and was developed to provide a connection that is fast to operate, highly precise, durable, and versatile.
Each VP2 joint pin is carefully aligned after fabrication of the butt to ensure precise positioning with the shaft insert. The threads are electro-polished for exceptionally smooth screw action, and each joint pin is individually laser engraved to support production traceability and quality control.
The Evoluzione uses the ultra-light Grade 5 titanium version of the VP2 joint. Titanium helps reduce unnecessary joint weight while maintaining excellent strength and rigidity, supporting the balance and responsiveness required in high-level carom play.
The key characteristics of the VP2 Titanium joint include fast and easy locking and unlocking, an ultra-firm connection for efficient energy transfer, precise butt-to-shaft alignment, smooth screw action, resistance to humidity and wear, and a more forward-balanced feel compared with Longoni wooden-joint cues.
Longoni VP2 shafts may use brass or Ergal inserts, with the combination of joint and insert materials selected to help optimize cue balance and playing characteristics.
The VP2 system also provides broad compatibility across Longoni shaft technologies, allowing the Evoluzione to be paired with S2, S20, and S30 laminated wooden shafts or the Luna Nera graphite shaft, depending on the player's preferred feel and performance characteristics.
3-Lobite Extension System
The Evoluzione is supplied with the Longoni 3-Lobite extension system and includes a 20 cm Longoni 3-Lobite extension.
The integrated connection allows the extension to be attached quickly and securely whenever additional reach is required, without permanently changing the standard playing configuration of the cue.
Unlike models that are only 3-Lobite capable, this Evoluzione configuration includes the extension itself.
Developed with Marco Zanetti
The Evoluzione was developed as a Marco Zanetti Signature cue, combining Longoni's cue-building experience with a model created specifically around one of international three-cushion billiards' most recognizable professional players.
Its combination of numerous exotic woods, VP2 Grade 5 Titanium joint, HEXA-CORE technology, ONDA CNC rings, 3-Lobite Complete system, and hand-signed identification reflects the Evoluzione's position as a premium professional Longoni model.
First produced in 2016, the Evoluzione established the design concept that would later continue through additional Evoluzione editions.
Longoni Luna Nera FE71 Graphite Shaft
This Evoluzione configuration includes one Longoni Luna Nera FE71 VP2 graphite shaft, developed specifically for 3-cushion carom billiards.
Luna Nera is Longoni's unidirectional carbon-fiber shaft technology, created from the company's experience with composite materials. Its primary characteristics are extremely low deflection, high reactivity, dimensional stability, high power, and precise cueball response.
The shaft uses multiple layers of graphite with variable orientation. By carefully controlling the number, position, and orientation of these layers, Longoni creates a structure designed to provide strength, controlled elasticity, and a consistent playing response.
The internal construction also incorporates a polyurethane filling engineered to improve volumetric and weight uniformity, absorb vibration, reduce unwanted sound, and contribute to calibrated shaft balance.
Mechanical components are manufactured using high-precision CNC machining to maintain accurate tolerances throughout the construction.
FE71 Fiber Eiffel Profile
The Luna Nera shaft features Longoni's FE71 Fiber Eiffel profile, developed specifically for 3-cushion play.
The profile combines a conical section closer to the joint with an Eiffel-profile section toward the front of the shaft, providing a controlled transition in stiffness and flex.
The shaft measures 70.5 cm / 705 mm / 27.75 inches in length and has a 22 mm joint diameter.
Combined with the Evoluzione's 72 cm butt, the assembled cue measures 142.5 cm in total length.
Low-Deflection Carbon Construction
The Luna Nera FE71 is designed for players seeking an extremely low-deflection shaft with a smooth and precise response.
Its layered unidirectional graphite structure is engineered for:
- Extremely low deflection and high shooting accuracy
- High reactivity and efficient energy transfer
- Controlled elasticity
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Calibrated balance
- Consistent weight distribution
- Improved vibration absorption
- Smooth and precise cueball response
The shaft weighs approximately 115–130 g, providing a performance-oriented carbon configuration while maintaining the balance required for high-level carom play.
W Ferrule and Fuji Regular Medium Tip
The FE71 is equipped with Longoni's white W Ferrule and an 11.8 mm Fuji Regular Medium cue tip.
This front-end configuration is designed to complement the Luna Nera shaft's low-deflection characteristics while providing the grip, control, feedback, and responsiveness required for demanding 3-cushion shots.
PSX Black Ring
The shaft features a PSX Black ring, creating a clean and refined transition between the graphite shaft and the Evoluzione butt while complementing the cue's elegant decorative details and modern Signature design.
Designed for 3-Cushion Carom
This Evoluzione configuration is specifically designed for 3-cushion carom billiards.
The combination of the Hexa Core URAL butt, VP2 Grade 5 Titanium joint, Luna Nera FE71 graphite shaft, 11.8 mm Fuji Regular Medium tip, W Ferrule, and low-deflection carbon construction creates a professional setup designed for power, spin, accuracy, stability, and consistent cueball response.
The butt measures 72 cm, excluding the rubber bumper, while the Luna Nera FE71 shaft measures 70.5 cm, resulting in a total assembled cue length of 142.5 cm.
With the Evoluzione's minimum butt weight of approximately 390 g and a Luna Nera FE71 shaft weight of approximately 115–130 g, the complete cue starts at 510–540 g, depending on the individual shaft and butt configuration.
The butt weight can also be easily adjusted using weight bolts from the Longoni Weight Bolt Kit, allowing the player to fine-tune the overall cue weight and feel to personal preference.
Correct Luna Nera Maintenance
Because of the specialized materials and technologies used in the Luna Nera shaft, the shaft must not be modified in any detail, including its diameter. Modifications may damage the shaft and will void the warranty.
For proper maintenance and preservation of the carbon-fiber surface, Longoni recommends using only the dedicated Longoni Nuvola cleaning product. A Longoni Nuvola Cleaning Wipe is included with this configuration.
Never use polishing compounds or abrasive materials on the carbon fiber. Abrasive treatment can damage the shaft surface and may release carbon dust, which can be harmful if inhaled.
Product Features:
- Developed with Marco Zanetti – Signature carom cue created in collaboration with international champion Marco Zanetti
- Original Evoluzione model – First introduced in 2016 and established the design concept later continued through additional Evoluzione editions
- Luna Nera FE71 graphite shaft – Unidirectional carbon-fiber shaft developed for 3-cushion billiards with extremely low deflection, high reactivity, dimensional stability, and precise cueball response
- Layered graphite construction – Multiple carbon layers with variable orientation provide high strength, controlled elasticity, efficient energy transfer, and consistent playing characteristics
- FE71 Fiber Eiffel profile – 70.5 cm shaft combines a conical rear section with an Eiffel-profile front section for controlled stiffness, responsiveness, and precision in 3-cushion play
- Polyurethane internal filling – Specialized filling helps improve volumetric and weight uniformity, vibration absorption, sound control, and calibrated balance
- 11.8 mm Fuji Regular Medium tip – Performance-oriented medium tip provides a balanced combination of cueball grip, control, feedback, and responsiveness
- White W Ferrule – Longoni W Ferrule complements the Luna Nera low-deflection front-end construction and provides a clean visual contrast against the graphite shaft
- PSX Black ring – Dark joint ring creates a refined transition between shaft and butt while complementing the Evoluzione's contemporary styling
- Extensive exotic wood combination – Constructed with NOX/URAL, Bokote, Bois de Rose, Lacewood, Macassar Ebony, Curly Maple, Zebrano, Olive, and Maple
- NOX / URAL handgrip – Dark natural-wood grip provides strong contrast against the lighter decorative sections while maintaining a smooth no-wrap playing surface
- Geometric natural-wood design – Precisely arranged rectangular and linear wood elements create the architectural styling characteristic of the Evoluzione family
- Maple core – Traditional natural maple forms the internal wood core of the butt
- Longoni HEXA-CORE technology – Advanced butt construction combining characteristics of X-CORE and XYLOCORE, using a CNC-machined Ergal aluminum component with calibrated grooves and mechanical and chemical fixing for precision, stability, controlled elasticity, and long service life
- VP2 Grade 5 titanium joint – Ultra-light precision metal joint designed for firm locking, precise shaft alignment, smooth screw action, high wear resistance, and efficient energy transfer
- 20 cm 3-Lobite extension included – Supplied with a Longoni 3-Lobite extension for additional reach when required
- Hand-signed individual number – Each Evoluzione carries its own hand-signed identification number
- Official Longoni certificate included – Signature cue supplied with the official certificate of authenticity
- Professional carom construction – Designed specifically for 3-cushion billiards with a minimum butt weight of approximately 390 g
- Adjustable butt weight – Butt weight can be increased or fine-tuned using compatible bolts from the Longoni Weight Bolt Kit
- No-wrap construction – Smooth wood handgrip maintains direct cue feel and preserves the uninterrupted natural-wood design
- Made in Italy – Manufactured by Longoni using carefully selected materials, precision machining, and established Italian cue-making craftsmanship
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Longoni
- Model: Evoluzione
- Professional Player: Marco Zanetti
- Discipline: Carom / 3-Cushion
- Product Type: Complete Professional Carom Cue
- Status: In Collection
- Year of First Production: 2016
- Primary Woods: NOX/URAL, Bokote, Bois de Rose, Lacewood, Macassar Ebony, Curly Maple, Zebrano, Olive, Maple
- Handgrip Material: NOX / URAL
- Core Material: Maple
- Decorative Construction: Multi-Wood Geometric Inlay Design
- Design Style: Classic Evoluzione Architectural Pattern
- Wrap: No Wrap
- Total Cue Length: 142.5 cm
- Total Cue Weight: 510–540 g
- Butt Minimum Weight: Approximately 390 g
- Weight Adjustment: Compatible with the Longoni Weight Bolt Kit
- Weight Customization: Butt weight can be increased and fine-tuned to player preference
- Butt Joint Collar Diameter: 22 mm
- Lower Collar Diameter: 32.5 mm
- Joint System: Longoni VP2
- Joint Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Joint Type: Precision Metal Joint
- Embedded Technology: HEXA-CORE, VP2 Titanium, 3-Lobite Complete
- HEXA-CORE Component: CNC-Machined Ergal Aluminum
- HEXA-CORE Construction: Mechanically and Chemically Fixed with Calibrated Grooves for Elasticity
- HEXA-CORE Benefits: Structural Stability, Controlled Elasticity, Precise Installation, Long-Term Durability
- 3-Lobite System: Complete
- Extension Included: Yes
- Extension Length: 20 cm
- Number of Shafts Included: 1
- Shaft Model: Longoni Luna Nera FE71 VP2
- Shaft Material: Unidirectional Carbon / Graphite
- Shaft Discipline: 3-Cushion Carom
- Shaft Profile: Fiber Eiffel 71 / FE71
- Shaft Length: 70.5 cm / 705 mm / 27.75 in
- Shaft Weight: Approximately 115–130 g
- Shaft Joint Diameter: 22 mm
- Shaft Ring: PSX Black
- Ferrule: Longoni W Ferrule
- Ferrule Color: White
- Cue Tip: Fuji Regular Medium
- Cue Tip Diameter: 11.8 mm
- Shaft Construction: Layered Unidirectional Graphite with Variable Orientation
- Internal Filling: Polyurethane
- Performance Characteristics: Extremely Low Deflection, High Reactivity, Controlled Elasticity, High Stability
- Joint Protectors: Included
- Longoni Nuvola Cleaning Wipe: Included
- Maintenance: Use only Longoni Nuvola or the dedicated recommended cleaning product; do not use abrasive or polishing products
- Modification Warning: Shaft must not be modified, sanded, or reduced in diameter; modifications void the warranty
- Serial Number: Hand-Signed Individual Number
- Certificate: Official Longoni Certificate of Authenticity Included
- Pro Player Model: Yes – Marco Zanetti
- Country of Manufacture: Italy
Included Accessories:
- Longoni NEO neoprene bag
- Joint protectors
- Tip protector
- 3-Lobite 20 cm Extension
- Longoni cues brochure
- Longoni accessories brochure
- Longoni certificate
