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 Istanbul is a professional carom cue developed for Gülsen Degener, the renowned Turkish 3-cushion champion.
Introduced in 2021, the Istanbul combines professional Longoni construction with an original decorative design inspired by flowing floral forms. The model brings together Longoni's established Italian cue-making tradition, modern playing technology, and a distinctive visual identity created specifically for Degener.
The butt is built from Longoni URAL black hornbeam, providing the deep, almost black foundation for the cue's elaborate decorative pattern. A floral theme of synthetic mother-of-pearl inlays extends along the length of the butt, combining white, pearl, gray, and rich green elements against the dark URAL background.
Rather than concentrating decoration in only one section, the Istanbul carries its flowing pattern throughout the butt, giving the cue a continuous and immediately recognizable appearance.
Internally, the Istanbul uses Longoni Solid Core technology, providing a continuous wood structure through the butt for a natural, unified playing sensation. It is equipped with the Longoni VP2 Grade 5 Titanium joint and an installed 3-Lobite system, allowing the cue to accept a compatible Longoni extension when additional reach is required.
The Istanbul can be paired with several Longoni shaft configurations, including S20 and S30 laminated wooden shafts and the Luna Nera graphite shaft.
Each Istanbul features a hand-signed individual number, adding individuality to this professional player model.
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.
On the Istanbul, URAL provides the dark structural and visual foundation against which the floral synthetic mother-of-pearl decoration is displayed.
Floral Synthetic Mother-of-Pearl Design
One of the defining characteristics of the Istanbul is its extensive floral-themed synthetic mother-of-pearl inlay work. Floral Synthetic Mother-of-Pearl Design
The decorative pattern flows along the length of the butt rather than appearing as isolated accents. Long white pearl-like sections are combined with green and gray curved elements, creating an organic composition inspired by leaves, petals, and flowing natural forms.
The contrast between the almost black URAL construction and the luminous synthetic mother-of-pearl elements gives the Istanbul a sophisticated appearance with considerable visual depth.
The green decorative accents continue into the lower and upper ring areas, visually connecting the different sections of the butt and reinforcing the model's distinctive identity.
The result is a cue that combines performance and design, with decoration integrated throughout the construction rather than treated as a separate surface detail.
Longoni Solid Core Technology
The Istanbul features Longoni's Solid Core construction, a technology used on selected Longoni models where a continuous wood structure is preferred.
The defining characteristic of Solid Core is the presence of a single continuous wood core extending internally from the joint toward the bumper, creating a highly unified butt construction. Compared with Longoni's HEXA-CORE system, Solid Core is designed to provide a softer playing sensation, while preserving the stability and natural response associated with traditional wood construction.
For the Istanbul, the solid URAL construction and continuous core contribute to a natural, harmonious hit and consistent feedback throughout the cue.
VP2 Titanium Joint
The Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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.
Integrated 3-Lobite System
The Istanbul comes with the Longoni 3-Lobite system installed, meaning the cue is prepared for use with the Longoni 3-Lobite extension system.
The integrated connection allows a compatible Longoni extension to be attached quickly and securely whenever additional reach is required.
Please note: the extension itself is not included unless specifically stated in the listing.
Developed for Gülsen Degener
The Istanbul was developed specifically for Gülsen Degener, combining Longoni's Italian cue-making experience with a highly distinctive design created for the Turkish three-cushion champion.
Its combination of solid URAL construction, extensive floral synthetic mother-of-pearl inlays, Solid Core technology, VP2 Grade 5 Titanium joint, and installed 3-Lobite system gives the Istanbul a character that balances professional performance with elaborate Italian design.
First produced in 2021, the Istanbul remains part of the Longoni collection and is not a limited edition.
Each cue is individually identified by a hand-signed number.
Longoni S20 Stratos Laminated Shafts
This Istanbul configuration includes two Longoni S20 Stratos laminated shafts, each featuring the E71 Eiffel profile and measuring 70.5 cm in length.
The S20 represents an advanced evolution of Longoni's laminated wooden shaft concept. Its structure is formed from 20 slices of Quebec hard rock maple, arranged and bonded to create a highly uniform shaft with carefully controlled density and playing characteristics.
Longoni developed the Stratos laminated shaft concept to reduce the natural inconsistencies found in conventional one-piece wooden shafts. By cutting the wood into individual slices and selecting them according to weight, straightness, grain, and quality before assembly, Longoni creates a more uniform radial structure designed to provide predictable response and consistency around the circumference of the shaft.
The S20's 20-slice construction is designed to provide a natural and easy playing response with reduced deflection, while its internal structure helps distribute shaft weight evenly.
E71 Eiffel Profile
Both S20 shafts feature Longoni's E71 Eiffel profile, one of Longoni's established profiles for 3-cushion carom.
The profile combines a conical section near the joint with an Eiffel-profile section toward the front of the shaft, providing a combination of stability, responsiveness, and controlled flex.
Each shaft measures 70.5 cm, bringing the complete cue length to 142.5 cm when assembled with the 72 cm Istanbul butt.
JBR2 Ferrule, G10 Core and Low-Deflection Technology
The frontal section of the S20 incorporates Longoni's JBR2 ferrule system, supported internally by a high-density G10 core and a proprietary construction designed to reduce deflection while improving feedback and acoustics.
Each shaft is fitted with a 6.5 mm ferrule and a 12 mm Fuji Camogli Medium cue tip, creating a performance-oriented front end for the spin, precision, and cueball control required in 3-cushion billiards.
VIBES-FOAM Technology
Longoni laminated shafts incorporate VIBES-FOAM technology near the joint area.
A longitudinal cavity inside the shaft is filled with a specially selected foam material designed to compensate for density differences, absorb unwanted vibration, improve acoustics, and help optimize shaft balance.
This internal technology complements the laminated maple construction without changing the traditional feel and appearance of a wooden shaft.
Imago Joint Ring
The S20 shafts in this configuration feature Longoni's Imago ring, an exclusive wood-look fiber ring made from epoxy and cotton fiber.
The material combines the natural appearance of wood with increased resistance and dimensional stability, providing an elegant transition between the shaft and the cue butt while complementing the Istanbul's refined construction.
Designed for 3-Cushion Carom
This Istanbul configuration is specifically designed for 3-cushion carom billiards.
The combination of the solid URAL black hornbeam body, VP2 Grade 5 Titanium joint, two S20 laminated maple shafts, E71 Eiffel profile, 12 mm Fuji Camogli Medium tips, and low-deflection JBR2/G10 front-end construction creates a professional setup designed for controlled power, spin, precision, and consistent cueball response.
The butt measures 72 cm, while each S20 E71 shaft measures 70.5 cm, resulting in a total assembled cue length of 142.5 cm.
The complete cue weighs approximately 510–540 g, depending on the individual components and weight setup. 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.
Product Features:
- Developed for Gülsen Degener – Professional carom cue created specifically for the renowned Turkish three-cushion champion
- Two S20 Stratos shafts included – Complete configuration supplied with two Longoni S20 laminated maple shafts for consistent performance and a ready spare shaft
- 20-slice laminated maple construction – Each S20 shaft is built from 20 slices of Quebec hard rock maple selected and assembled to provide uniformity, balanced weight distribution, natural response, and reduced deflection
- E71 Eiffel profile – Both shafts feature Longoni's 70.5 cm E71 profile, combining a conical rear section with an Eiffel-profile front section for controlled flex, stability, and responsiveness in 3-cushion play
- JBR2 low-deflection technology – High-density G10-supported JBR2 front-end construction is designed to reduce deflection while improving acoustics and consistent cueball response
- VIBES-FOAM technology – Special internal foam near the joint area compensates for density, absorbs unwanted vibration, improves acoustics, and helps optimize shaft balance
- 12 mm Fuji Camogli Medium tips – Both shafts are equipped with Fuji Camogli Medium tips for a balanced combination of cueball grip, control, feedback, and responsiveness
- 6.5 mm ferrules – Compact ferrule construction complements the low-deflection S20 front end and 12 mm tip configuration
- Imago wood-look rings – Epoxy and cotton fiber rings provide a refined natural-wood appearance with enhanced resistance, performance, and dimensional stability
- Floral synthetic mother-of-pearl inlays – Flowing pearl, green, and gray decorative elements extend throughout the butt to create the Istanbul's distinctive floral theme
- Full-length decorative composition – Inlay pattern continues along the cue instead of being limited to individual decorative sections
- Longoni URAL black hornbeam – Proprietary treated European hornbeam with a deep ebony-like appearance while retaining visible natural grain
- Longoni Solid Core technology – Continuous internal wood structure from the joint toward the bumper provides unified construction and a softer playing sensation compared with HEXA-CORE
- VP2 Grade 5 titanium joint – Lightweight precision metal joint designed for firm locking, exact alignment, smooth operation, wear resistance, and efficient energy transfer
- 3-Lobite installed – Butt is prepared for compatible Longoni 3-Lobite extensions; extension is not included with this configuration
- Professional carom construction – Designed specifically for 3-cushion billiards with a minimum butt weight of approximately 380 g
- Adjustable butt weight – Minimum butt weight can be increased or fine-tuned using compatible bolts from the Longoni Weight Bolt Kit
- Hand-signed individual number – Each Istanbul features its own hand-signed number
- No-wrap construction – Smooth wood handgrip maintains direct contact with the butt and preserves the uninterrupted design
- Made in Italy – Manufactured entirely in Italy using selected materials, precision production, and established Longoni cue-making craftsmanship
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Longoni
- Model: Istanbul
- Professional Player: Gülsen Degener
- Discipline: Carom / 3-Cushion
- Product Type: Complete Professional Carom 3-Cushion Cue
- Status: In Collection
- Limited Edition: No
- Year of First Production: 2021
- Primary Wood: Longoni URAL
- Wood Species: European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
- URAL Treatment: Proprietary Deep Black Staining Process
- Core Construction: Longoni Solid Core
- Solid Core Design: Continuous wood structure through the butt
- Playing Characteristic: Softer playing sensation compared with HEXA-CORE
- Decorative Theme: Floral
- Decorative Material: Synthetic Mother of Pearl
- Decorative Colors: Pearl White, Green, Gray
- Wrap: No Wrap
- Total Cue Length: 142.5 cm
- Total Cue Weight: 510–540 g
- Butt Length: 720 mm / 72 cm
- Butt Minimum Weight: Approximately 380 g
- Weight Adjustment: Compatible with 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
- Joint Characteristics: Fast Locking, Firm Connection, Precision Alignment, Humidity Resistant, Wear Resistant
- Balance Characteristic: More Forward-Balanced Compared with Longoni Wooden-Joint Cues
- Embedded Technology: VP2 Titanium, Solid Core, 3-Lobite Installed
- 3-Lobite System: Installed and prepared for compatible Longoni extensions
- Extension Included: No
- Number of Shafts Included: 2
- Shaft Model: Longoni S20 Stratos
- Shaft Material: Quebec Hard Rock Maple
- Shaft Construction: 20-Slice Laminated
- Shaft Discipline: 3-Cushion Carom
- Shaft Profile: E71 Eiffel
- Shaft Length: 70.5 cm
- Shaft Joint Diameter: 22 mm
- Shaft Ring: Longoni Imago
- Shaft Front-End Technology: JBR2 Ferrule System with High-Density G10 Support
- Shaft Internal Technology: VIBES-FOAM Density Compensation
- Cue Tip: Fuji Camogli Medium
- Cue Tip Diameter: 12 mm
- Ferrule Length: 6.5 mm
- Joint Protectors: Included
- Serial Number: Hand-Signed Individual Number
- Certificate: Official Longoni Certificate of Authenticity Included
- Pro Player Model: Yes – Gülsen Degener
- Country of Manufacture: Italy
Included Accessories:
- Longoni NEO neoprene bag
- Joint protectors
- Tip protector
- Longoni cues brochure
- Longoni accessories brochure
- Longoni certificate
