Consider the material of your cue tip when selecting one. The material can be hard, medium, or soft. It can also influence how the cue feels. Firm shots may feel better. It also affects the squirt and sideways tip flex. The shaft flex is reduced and the endmass becomes less soft.
Hard
A hard tip is preferred by professional and higher-level gamers. It requires less maintenance and keeps its shape longer than a soft one. It does not absorb energy from the cue balls as well as soft tips.
Soft
A soft cue tip is a great option for players who want a cueball that is more flexible. These tips are typically made from leather and available in a variety different hardness levels. You can choose from single-piece materials or laminated leather. Bakelite and phenolic are also common materials.
Medium
Kamui Cue Tip range is made of premium pigskin. It features a ten layer construction. This allows for maximum porosity and humidity resistance. They also have excellent chalk retention to improve tip-grip and prevent miscuing. These tips last for many years and come in packs of ten.
Phenolic
The phenolic tip on your pool cue can add up to 17% extra power to your break shot. This material provides a more smooth contact surface and is 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 are more durable than synthetic ones made of cork or plastic. Although leather tips are preferred, synthetic tips may be more suitable 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
One rule of thumb is to make your cue tip the same diameter as the shaft. This will help you hit the ball evenly and produce less vibration. You will feel more comfortable with your shots if you use a smaller tip.
Materials
Consider the spin and angle of the ball when selecting materials for your cue tip. A slightly rounded tip is better for imparting spin to the cue ball. A rounded tip is usually rounder than a dime's curvature. A rounded tip is usually thicker that a nickel.