When choosing a tip for your cue stick, take into account the material. The material can be hard, medium, or soft. It can also influence how the cue feels. Firm shots may feel better. It also has an effect on the squirt as well as the sideways tip flex. When the tip is soft, the endmass and shaft flex are minimized.
Hard
A hard tip is preferred by professional and higher-level gamers. It requires less maintenance than a hard tip and retains its shape for longer. It doesn't absorb the energy of the cue ball as well as a hard tip.
Soft
A soft cue tip may be useful for players who prefer a flexible cueball. These tips are generally made of leather, and are available in a variety hardness levels. They can be made from single-piece or laminated leather. Other popular materials include bakelite and phenolic.
Medium
Kamui Cue Tips are made from premium pigskin. They have a ten-layer construction. This construction allows for maximum porosity as well as humidity resistance. These tips also retain chalk well, which improves tip-grip and helps prevent miscuing. These tips are made to last for years and can be purchased in a pack of ten.
Phenolic
Your pool cue's phenolic tip can increase your break shot's power by up to 17%. This material offers a smoother contact surface that is also more responsive under pressure. These properties make phenolic Tips a great choice for players looking to improve their power.
Leather
A leather cue tip is one of the most popular types of tip available. Leather tips, unlike synthetic ones that are made from plastic or cork offer superior control and durability. Leather tips are preferable, but synthetic ones might be better for home usage.
Splice
If you're thinking about buying a new pool cue, there are a couple of different ways to splice the tip of it. Some prefer to hand splice tips. This method is more expensive and requires more skill. If you want to play with a top-notch cue, you can buy one with a hand splice.
Size
As a rule of thumb, ensure the tip of your cue measures the same as the shaft. This will allow you to hit the ball more evenly and create less vibration when you hit it. A smaller tip will also produce less squirt when you hit the ball, which will help you get a better feel for your shots.
Materials
Consider the spin and angle of the ball when selecting materials for your cue tip. A slightly rounded tip can give the ball spin. A rounded tip will be rounder in shape than a dime. A rounded tip is also typically thicker than a nickel.