2016 Richard Hsu cue

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2016 Richard Hsu cue

This 2016 Richard Hsu cue is an example of finish work performed here at Proficient Billiards

Richard Hsu is a master cue builder, digital creator, and the founder of RJH Custom Cues & Repairs. Operating out of a custom shop in Brooklyn, New York, Hsu has been hand-crafting elite pool cues and performing premium restorations since 1996.

He is most famous in the billiard community as the creator of the Hsunami low-deflection shafts.

The Hsunami & Kielwood Shafts

Richard Hsu revolutionized the custom shaft market by creating the Hsunami Kielwood shaft.

  • The Process: These shafts are made using torrified maple (wood that has undergone a specialized thermal treatment). This process closes the cellular structure of the wood, making it highly resistant to warping, temperature shifts, and moisture.
  • Performance: Celebrated as one of the ultimate wood-based low-deflection alternatives to carbon fiber, Hsunami shafts provide a distinctively firm feedback, unique resonance, and a beautiful golden-honey hue.
  • High Profile Users: His performance shafts are highly sought after, with notable public figures like Joe Rogan explicitly utilizing and endorsing his work.

Custom Cue Artistry

Because Hsu devotes an immense amount of time to custom shaft production, premium repairs, and intricate blank processing (which can take upwards of 30+ weeks), his fully custom pool cues are exceptionally rare and fiercely protected by collectors.

Hsu’s signature custom builds are renowned for:

  • Exotic & Rare Woods: He works with premium materials like Central American Cocobolo, Gaboon Ebony, Bird’s Eye Maple, Tulipwood, Snakewood, and Purpleheart.
  • Intricate Inlay Work: His masterpieces often showcase hyper-sharp points, complex veneers, and detailed geometric windows (such as his famous “razor blade” window layouts) accented with white diamonds, dots, or copper inlays.
  • Solid Hit & Forward Balance: Mechanically, his cues are highly praised on player forums like AzBilliards for providing a firm, rock-solid “forward balance” hit that isn’t overly stiff.