When selecting a cue tip, consider its material. The material can be hard, medium, or soft. The material can also affect how the cue feels. A firm shot may feel more comfortable. It also impacts the squirt or sideways tip flexibility. If the tip becomes soft, shaft flex and the endmass will be minimized.
Hard
Professional and higher-level players prefer a harder cue tip. It's easier to maintain than soft tips and lasts for longer. It does not absorb as much energy as a soft tip.
Soft
A soft cue tip may be useful for players who prefer a flexible cueball. Typically, these tips are made from leather and are available in a variety of different hardness levels. The material that they are made of can vary from laminated leather to single-piece materials. Bakelite and phenolic are also common materials.
Medium
Kamui Cue Tip range is made of premium pigskin. It features a ten layer construction. This ensures maximum humidity and porosity resistance. They have excellent chalk retention which allows for improved tip-grip, and prevents miscuing. These tips can last years and are available in packs of ten.
Phenolic
Your break shot could be up to 17% more powerful if you have a phenolic tips on your pool cue. This material provides a smoother contact surface and is also more responsive to pressure. These properties make phenolic tip a great option for players seeking increased power.
Leather
A leather cuetip is one of most widely used types of tips. Leather tips offer more control than synthetic ones which are made from cork or plastic. While leather tips are generally preferred, synthetic ones may be better for home use.
Splice
If you are thinking of buying a new pool cue there are many ways to splice its tip. Some prefer to hand-splice their tips. This process is more labor-intensive and more expensive. If you are looking to play with the best cues, you can get one with a hand-splice.
Size
It is a good rule of thumb to ensure that your shaft is the same length as the tip of the cue. This will allow you to hit the ball more evenly and create less vibration when you hit it. A smaller tip also produces less squirt, which can help you feel the ball better.
Materials
When choosing materials for a cue tip, it is important to consider the angle and the spin of the ball. A slightly rounded tip can give the ball spin. A rounded point is usually more round than the curvature a dime. A rounded tip can also be thicker than a penny.