Which pool cue tip is better?

Question

I've been using the rounded pool cue tips for most of my life, but recently I got one that is a lot flatter. Is there one that is better or is it just personal preference.

I think I like the flatter ones more because it seems like I can hit the cue ball on the side more than I can with a round top, hence more spin. Is this just in my head or is that a feature of the flatter tip?

Answer 1

Cue tip has many characteristics.  There is Hard tip and Soft tip.  Hard tip like Triangle hold chalk lesser but the shape stays longer while Soft tip hold chalk much greater but the shape degrade much easier.   Two types of cue tip exist. One piece and layered tip. One piece tip like Triangle degrade faster while Layered tip like Moori and Everest hold the shape longer.

Anyway about the shape:  flatter tip was use in Breaker cues only while rounder tip is required for Play cues.   According to data flatter tip can avoid accidental spin that's why it is use on Breaker cues which require you to hit the target with accuracy while using  spin.  

I recommend Predator Breaker 2.  The shaft is built with newest Technology, like 10 pieces construction on shatf,  shorter ferrule,  hard tip with carbon layer plate, all this require for your breaking effectiveness.  So now its your own decision now.

Answer 2

As has been said, the ideal shape for a tip is a nickel or dime radius. BUT, I know a couple of different cuemakers who will advise you to leave a small area in the center of the tip flat. This is because when you are using any kind of spin, the center of the tip has little contact with the cue ball so it has no affect, but when you are making center ball hits, you will be less likely to accidentally apply english and in tern be more accurate. The increased 'center' of the tip will also help you send the cue ball in the direction your aiming more often.

Answer 3

u just need to sharpen the tip, but id hold off on that. get a stick the same weight (borrow or something) and play with both tips. see wut u do better with. i seem to do alot better with a tip thats worn out and flat.

Answer 4

Sounds like you got a tip that needs shaping Aint no flat tip try bout a nickle dome .Hope Straight is still with us he explains a lot better than I do

Answer 5

Good answers here.  For the standard 13mm tip a nickel curvature is ideal for maximum tip-to-ball contact with the standard 2 1/4" cue ball.  For a smaller tip, a dime curvature is preferred.  Having a tip that is too flat will make any shot that isn't a center ball hit much less effective.  I don't know why it seems that you're getting more spin.  Other things could factor into it.  Maybe you've improved your stroke or played with newly polished balls on new cloth.  I can assure you that a flat tip isn't your new secret weapon.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.