In pétanque, every detail matters. While the boules tend to get most of the attention, the pétanque jack — also known as the cochonnet or but — remains the central element of every end. In recent years, a significant change has been taking place on terrains across France: the gradual phasing out of the boxwood jack, replaced by a new benchmark, the hornbeam jack.
This development, confirmed by La Tournerie Monneret — a historic manufacturer and major player in jack production in France — raises many questions among players. Why is boxwood disappearing? Why is the hornbeam jack establishing itself as the new standard? And what is the real impact on the game? Here is a clear, factual analysis to help you understand this transition.
Why the production of boxwood jacks is coming to an end
For decades, the boxwood jack was the absolute reference on pétanque terrains. Dense, heavy and exceptionally resistant, it offered remarkable stability under the repeated impacts of boules. La Tournerie Monneret, an essential reference in jack manufacturing, worked with this demanding wood for many years.
Today, however, the situation is clear: usable boxwood has all but disappeared. Finding wood dense enough, homogeneous enough, and suitable for producing a regulation 30 mm jack at any scale has become impossible. This shortage is structural. It stems from the extremely slow growth of boxwood, the diseases affecting it, and increasingly strict environmental constraints.
The end of boxwood jacks in pétanque is therefore not simply a supply disruption. La Tournerie Monneret made a deliberate decision: to preserve quality rather than maintain a degraded production line. Manufacturing jacks liable to crack or lose their structural integrity was never an option. The company therefore chose to stop producing boxwood jacks entirely, in order to guarantee the safety, reliability and consistency of the equipment used by pétanque players.
The hornbeam jack: the new standard chosen by La Tournerie Monneret
Faced with the disappearance of boxwood, La Tournerie Monneret did not settle for a default replacement. The choice of the hornbeam jack was based on precise technical criteria. Hornbeam is a hard, homogeneous and stable wood. It offers excellent impact resistance and retains its mechanical properties over time. These qualities make it a perfectly suited wood for manufacturing pétanque jacks.
Contrary to what some might think, the transition to the hornbeam pétanque jack was not made in haste. La Tournerie Monneret anticipated this shift as early as 2020, launching a gradual production process and long-term wood stocking. Hornbeam requires a lengthy and rigorous drying period — an essential phase to prevent any warping and ensure consistent behaviour on the terrain. With several years of experience now behind them, quality is fully under control.
Boxwood jack vs hornbeam jack: a comparison
Before choosing between a boxwood jack and a hornbeam jack, it is important to understand what actually changes — and what stays the same. Because contrary to some misconceptions, the difference does not concern the regulations, only the nature of the wood.
From a regulatory standpoint, there is no difference:
- Diameter: 30 mm in both cases
- Approval: compliant with FFPJP and FIPJP rules
The main difference concerns weight:
- Boxwood jack: approximately 15 g
- Hornbeam jack: approximately 11 g
In other words, whether you use a hornbeam jack or a boxwood jack, you are fully within the rules — in competition and recreational play alike. There is no regulatory distinction between the two materials. The weight variation is simply explained by the natural density of the wood, and has no bearing on the product’s compliance.
How the hornbeam jack behaves on the terrain
In play, the hornbeam jack has slightly less inertia. It can therefore move a little more easily upon direct impact. This reaction is perfectly normal from a physics standpoint and in no way reflects a lack of durability. After a few ends, the vast majority of players naturally adjust their weight of play. The game remains readable, precise and consistent.
Is the hornbeam jack permitted in official competition?
Yes, without any ambiguity. The approved hornbeam jack meets all standards set by the French and International Pétanque Federation. It is authorised in all official competitions, tournaments and championships. La Tournerie Monneret exclusively produces compliant jacks that strictly meet all regulatory requirements.
What impact does the hornbeam jack have on the game?
For pointers
Precision remains unchanged. The hornbeam pétanque jack simply calls for a little more anticipation when dealing with firm contacts.
For shooters
Moving the jack sometimes requires slightly less force. This characteristic can become a tactical advantage, particularly on fast terrains.
For all-round players
The liveliness of the hornbeam jack adds dynamism to certain ends and places greater emphasis on reading the game.
How to adapt to the hornbeam jack
Adaptation is quick. Testing the hornbeam cochonnet during practice sessions allows players to get a feel for its behaviour in no time. There is no need to change your technique: your natural instincts will readjust after just a few ends.
Availability of hornbeam jacks today
Thanks to the forward planning of La Tournerie Monneret, the supply of hornbeam jacks remains stable for regular players and clubs. Production is deliberately kept controlled to ensure consistent wood quality. This approach prioritises excellence over volume.
The future of the pétanque jack
The end of the boxwood pétanque jack marks an important but coherent evolution. By choosing hornbeam, La Tournerie Monneret demonstrates pétanque’s ability to move forward without abandoning its foundations. Hornbeam jack is now establishing itself as a durable, reliable and responsible solution.
The disappearance of the boxwood jack is neither a constraint nor a step backwards. The hornbeam jack is a high-performing, approved and field-tested alternative. After a brief period of adjustment, the feel, precision and enjoyment of the game remain entirely intact. Pétanque continues to evolve — true to its spirit.