Which cue tip

This is why hard cue tips are preferred for breaks and jumps. Hard cue tips are usually made from phenolic material, but other manufacturers produce them with a special polymer.

This makes them least likely to break or become deformed upon impact. Because these cue tips do not absorb the impact, you have to make sure that each shot is centered. Otherwise, hard cue tips will leave you with a game filled with miscues.

Thus, hard cue tips are best for experienced and professional players. In general, hard cue tips made of phenolic material or polymer are more durable than soft leather ones. Nevertheless, leather-made cue tips with superior lamination are less likely to be deformed and are therefore more durable. Another important factor to consider is whether the cue tip is layered or non-layered. Layered cue tips are those made of several pieces of leather that are stacked on top of each other to form the tip.

As a result of this layering, this type of cue tip is capable of holding the shape longer and is, therefore, more durable. In terms of playability, layered cue tips offer consistent control every time. On the other hand, non-layered cue tips are made of a solid and single piece of material. Because they are easier to manufacture, these cue tips are generally more affordable. A non-layered cue tip provides a solid hit and this helps improve your accuracy.

All things considered, the best pool cue tips are those that will help you improve your game. Since each pool cue tip is built differently, you also have to look into several factors such as its hardness, durability, which you have to assess vis-a-vis your playing style. This way, you will be able to find the one that will greatly improve your game.

Because we understand that different pool players have different needs, we have also picked five items with varying characteristics for you to choose from. We guarantee that each item on this list is carefully picked to match the different skillset of each player.

Home Accessories. Table of Contents. Check Price on Amazon. Pros: It offers excellent control Easy to install Cons: Pricier than others but worth every penny. Pros: It is designed for improved playability and control Durable Cons: Some inconsistencies with their quality control. Pros: The cue tip hardness is perfect for precise draws and jumps.

Powerful Cons: Because it is a hard tip, you need a professional or the proper tools to install it. Best All-around: Cuesoul Cue Tips.

Pros: Its super soft construction offers excellent cue ball control Cons: Not great for breaking. Tip Hardness Experienced pool players will agree that the first factor you have to consider before buying a cue tip is its softness. Soft Soft cue tips are known for their unparalleled shock-absorption. Medium Those who prefer an all-around cue tip would be happy with tips with medium hardness. It takes a nice, smooth controlled pull to target and subsequently transfers energy from the shaft, into the cue ball.

So if the shaft is your rifle and those first six to ten inches are your trigger, what comes next, and what is even more important than both the shaft and the first six to ten inches? If you are a super pro and have played your way to an invitation-only spot in the American Poolplayers Association APA World Pool Championships, then you already know the answer to this one.

Likewise, if your name happens to be Minnesota Fats and you've chosen to earn your living a hundred dollars and one game at a time, sharking the local pool halls, then you have probably guessed the answer to that question.

For the rest of us, the good players right down to the beginner billiard novices, the answer to that question may have escaped you.

So here is the answer to the question. The most important part of your billiard stick is the tip. Consider this. The tip of your cue stick is the only thing that makes contact with the cue ball. The tip of your cue is like the bullet from a rifle. No matter how fancy your pool stick, if you can't make accurate and consistent contact with the cue ball, it won't matter.

House cues usually have soft tips and most custom 2 piece cues come with a hard leather tip. Many performance pool cues like Lucasi Hybrid or Predator have a layered tip.

Professional players tend to prefer the playability of a layered tip like a Moori or Kaumi. Layered tips grab the cue ball better than a hard leather tip but does not break down as easily as a soft tip. Layered tips are more consistent in feel. Essentially giving the player the best of both worlds. Layered tips grab the cue ball better than a hard leather tip but does not break down as easily as a soft tip Soft tips are easier to scuff and shape because the leather is less dense.

It is much easier for the chalk to stay on a soft leather cue tip. On the flip side, a soft leather cue tip will mushroom and flatten out more quickly than a hard leather tip. So you will need to shape and scuff your pool cue more frequently and change your cue tip more often. It is this "softness" in the leather which allows the fibers of the tip to hold chalk that also grab the cue ball better when playing pool. You will see more draw from the cue ball when playing with a soft tip versus a hard tip if all things were equal.

If you are just starting to play pool or learning the basics of position or english then i would recommend a soft tip for practice sessions. Hard leather tips have fibers that are more compact or dense so they do not flatten or mushroom as quickly as a soft leather tip.