It starts with changing the tip.
Many people don’t realize that this simple change can be the difference between a good stroke and a bad one.
Then you can replace the ferrule, the weight, the wrap and even the joint if you really wanted to.
In other words, the basic reference is already going to be pretty good and, like any good relationship, it grows over time.
I hope this has helped you understand a little more about pool cues and make the right decision.
The main characteristics to look at when choosing a pool cue tip is density and hardness.
Tips vary in hardness from “super soft” to being as hard as the cue ball itself (phenolic).
The hardness of the pool cue tip that you choose will depend on your style of play and whether it is for a playing cue or a breaking pool cue.
Soft tips will absorb more impact causing the tip to stay on the cue ball for a split second longer than harder tips.
This will result in more cue ball spin, commonly referred to as “English”, when struck off the center of the cue ball.
Softer tips tend to get misshaped faster and will require more maintenance to keep a nice rounded shape and to fix any mushrooming when the tip bulges out over the side of the ferrule.
Because of the additional maintenance, softer tips end up needing to be replaced more frequently.
Here are some popular soft tip choices:
Hard tips do not absorb or stay on the cue ball as much at impact as a softer tip would.
Because of this, hard tips create less spin and are more liable to miscue when striking the cue ball farther off the center point.
They will play more consistently, last longer and require less maintenance.
Here are some popular hard tip choices:
Medium tips are usually the way to go for most pool players because they offer a combination of cue ball control and consistency.
Most medium tips will get you plenty of spin but do not get as misshaped or wear out as fast as the softer tips.
The vast majority of pool cue manufacturers will install some form of a medium hardness tip on the cue as the standard tip.
Here are some popular medium tip choices:
Phenolic Tips (or Carbon Fiber) are now standard issue on most breaking cues and they are REALLY hard tips.
Break shots are usually struck close to the center of the cue ball so Phenolic tips, which are just as hard as the balls themselves, can still put a smooth, solid hit on the cue ball without miss-cueing.
Phenolic tips are very popular because they transfer the most power and require almost no maintenance.
NOTE: Some Pool Halls, Leagues or Tournaments do not allow Non-Leather (phenolic) tips so make sure to check if you think it could be an issue.
Here are some popular Phenolic tip choices:
Testimonial 1:
“Bought this glove because I trust the Kamui brand and it fit my black and white theme for cue, case and accessories. I also liked the fact that it had an adjustable strap because I hate having to pull a glove off so it ends up inside out and having to fix it before putting it back on. Unfortunately, it fits so tight, even when the wrist strap is loose, that you end up having to either turn it inside out or pulling on the finger sleeves to get it off. A few times doing the latter led to the rip along the seam you see in the picture.
PROS:
Very comfortable fitting glove. I love the webbed portion and how it breathes.
Glove is very nice looking; befitting the Kamui brand.
CONS:
Tore easily if not removed very carefully. As in more carefully than you would normally remove a glove.
Finger sleeves are a little too long. I have fat hands and long fingers so it works for me but they are definitely longer than they need to be to insure they cover any contact point with a normal cue stroke.
OVERALL: Satisfied with the purchase and will probably replace with the same glove when the tear in this one gets worse. BUT, I now know that you have to be particularly careful when taking the glove off to avoid tearing the material.”Testimonial 2:
“I have very small hands. On my left hand, my ring size is a 4.5. The size XS fits well, but there is some bunching up of the material on my thumb (although I think this is normal). This glove keeps me from having to use chalk, and my strokes with it are very smooth. I ended up purchasing one for my husband as well. Especially since there are so few XS small gloves on the market, I would highly recommend this one! (The size XL also fits my husband appropriately. We used the measurements provided to decide on a glove size.)”
Testimonial 1:
“Comfortable and fits good – not too tight or loose. Have used it for 25+ hours so far. Seems well constructed and durable. I like the closed index and thumb fingers so the glove does not ride up and allow the cue to rub against skin. It plays warmer than other gloves I’ve used as the material does not breath well.”
Testimonial 2:
“This is a great tool for pool. It keeps your hand steadier. Purchased it for our son in law for Christmas and he loves it . He wears it every time he plays pool”
Testimonial 1:
“It’s difficult to find gloves for left handed players that you don’t reverse. Even harder to find decent quality. Overall, the glove is a good solution that seems to have well done seems and good fit. Only complaint is the velcro wrist strap is made for someone with fat wrists. I’m an average sized guy and it has overlap that’s excessive. Otherwise i’d give it five stars.”
Testimonial 2:
“I have tried many gloves and the Longoni Black Fire 2.0 billiard pool glove is the best out there. very durable, great feel. I play every night, its holds very nicely for months. Feel very confident with it on. I would give it SIX STARS!”
Here you will be able to develop as a great pool player no matter your level.
