tips4you

With the number of pool cue tips available and the variety of sizes and densities, selecting a tip can be an overwhelming task. Cue tips are typically judged by tip density and materials. Tips can range from a density as low as 60 as with the Elk Master tips all the way to hard tips with density measurements of 90+. Which tip you choose depends on your goals as a pool player.

Tip Density

As you know, different tips have different densities or levels of hardness ranging from soft to extra hard. At its most basic level, the softer the pool cue tip, the more likely it is to mushroom or flatten out with each hit of the cue ball. What this means is that a soft tip will require more maintenance than a harder tip.

Many players that prefer a soft tip believe there is a relation between tip softness and English. The feeling is the softer the tip, the more English and control you gain over the ball. In addition, softer tips are typically easier to scuff and have better chalk retention.

The other camp has players who prefer a harder tip. Generally speaking, a harder pool cue tip will last longer and retain its shape better than a soft tip. With a hard tip, you'll be replacing your tip much less frequently than a soft tip. In addition, many players who enjoy hard tips feel that they can achieve more control and consistency with a hard tip.

Testing Tip Density

The most common way to do a basic density test is to simply push your thumbnail into the tip. The deeper your nail goes into the tip, the softer or less dense the tip is. A hard tip will not leave any impression at all, while a soft tip will leave a significant impression.

So Many To Choose From...

So now that you know a little about tips, which one should you buy? By far, the most popular tip on the market is the Le Pro Tip. Also known as Le Professional Tips, these tips are extremely affordable, are used by most production cues and as a medium-hard tip, will last a long time. Le Pro tips are found on most major brands and are excellent tips. On the soft side, the most popular and affordable tip is the Elk Master.

If you're ready to step up to a high end cue tip, consider Tiger tips or Moori tips. These tips are considerably more expensive, but are made with some of the highest quality hides on the market today. Moori tips, for example, are constructed with eleven layers of high quality pigskin and Tiger Sniper tips are made with a very sturdy boar hide.

Ultimately, every pool player will have a different opinion as to what is the best pool cue tip. The only way to choose the right tip for you is to find a tip that compliments your playing style.

For more information on how to play pool and where to find pool cues and more information about the game of pool visit us at www.pooldawg.com.

Mike Feiman
PoolDawg.com