Consider the material before you choose a cue tips. You can choose from soft, medium, and hard materials. It can also impact how the cue feel. For example, a firm shot might feel better. It also affects the tip flex and the sideways squirt. When the tip is soft, the endmass and shaft flex are minimized.
Hard
Professional and higher-level players prefer a harder cue tip. It is easier to maintain than a soft tip, and it lasts longer. It doesn't absorb the energy of the cue ball as well as a hard tip.
Soft
A soft cue tip is a great option for players who want a cueball that is more flexible. These tips are typically made of leather and come in a range of hardness levels. You can choose from single-piece materials 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 allows for maximum porosity & humidity resistance. They are also resistant to chalk, so they can improve tip-grip. These tips last for many years and come in packs of ten.
Phenolic
Your break shot power can be increased by as much as 17% with the phenolic tip of your pool cue. This material offers a smoother contact surface that is also more responsive under pressure. These properties make phenolic tip a great option for players seeking increased power.
Leather
The most common tip type is the leather cue. Unlike synthetic ones, which are made of plastic or cork, leather tips offer a high level of control and durability. Leather tips are preferable, but synthetic ones might be better for home usage.
Splice
There are several ways to splice a pool cue's tip if you're considering buying one. Some prefer to hand splice the tips. This method can be more time-consuming and expensive. You can purchase a cue with a hand splice if you want to play top-quality.
Size
The shaft should be the same size as your tip. 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 gives the player the ability to give spin to the ball. A rounded tip will be rounder in shape than a dime. A rounded tip is usually thicker that a nickel.