Tips

Cue tips are the only part of a cue that touches the ball, and the only one replaced regularly — every 3–6 months with daily play. A good tip changes how a cue behaves more than a new shaft does, at a fraction of the price.

Hardness decides everything. A soft tip grips more spin and forgives mistakes but mushrooms faster. A hard tip holds its shape and transfers more energy, which is why break cues use them. Medium is the default for playing. The common makes are Kamui, Tiger, Predator Victory, Elk Master and Le Pro. Diameter has to match the ferrule: 12–13 mm in pool, 9–10.5 mm in snooker. A tip change also needs ferrules and glues and tools, or you can hand the cue over to a professional in cue service. Straightening and cleaning the wood is covered in care.