Cue tips plus why we may miscue

This video covers billiard cue tips and their performance as well as why many players often miscue.
In addition, you will see three shots made with different tip hardnesses.
An additional bonus tutorial explaining a common miscuing issue is also included within this video.
Also see related video linked below:
Pool cue harmonics/answering cue quality question/cue #1? or cue #2?
• Answering cue quality ...
The Let-Up stroke/Cause & Effect Explained
• The Let-Up stroke/caus...
How to stroke straight/watch till the end
• How to stroke straight...

[@fixitrod4969]

Dr Dave has some excellent videos on tips. Draw was part of his testing. He prefers a hard tip. The chalk does the work and a harder tip lasts longer. I'm not experienced enough for an opinion. Great video Ron. I love real-world stuff like this!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Rodney, glad you like this content. I have seen Dr Dave’s videos on tips. He does such a great job in how he shows the strike on the cue ball, great stuff!

[@chrisvand2678]

I find a medium tip the best for my stroke and feel. They spin/draw the cueball as good as a soft tip, hold their shape (dime radius) much better and almost never mushroom. I use a Willards tip shaper once a month only to rough it up a little bit tho. Hope this helps and thanks for your work, Ron.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Chris for that info. You’re spot on about the non mushrooming aspect of a harder tip. Back when I shot with the softer tips, that was something I would see. Thanks again 😉😊❤️🎱

[@ronaldmontgomery8446]

I'm 75 years old, and I also have been around the world with all of the different layered tips. I once was a good pool player and I thought the decline was dew to my age and maybe some of it is. I went back to the best tip ever La Pro it is consistent and my game has improved.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Ronald for you input. I’m glad you have found a tip that suits your game and that you’re back on track. Thanks again Sir 👍🏻❤️🎱

[@ryangregory9532]

Great tips and drills. Just found your channel the other day. And have been binge watching. Lol.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@ryangregory9532 thank you very much Ryan and welcome to the channel. Just so you know, I answer EVERY question and comment so please feel free to reach out at any time as it is my goal to help you and every Player when I can. Thank again 👋😊 ❤️🎱

[@jonyG1991]

Medium tip for me as I find elk tips which I like harden over time that's when I need to get it changed more miscues start to occur as hard tips don't grip the cue ball like their softer compatriots

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@jonyG1991 thank you Jon for weighing in. Here’s something interesting I’m finding. Since my Predator cue’s Kamui Med/hard tip needs to be replaced due to delamination, I’ve now been shooting with my Champion Gator with a super hard leather breaking tip. I’m really liking the harder leather vs the Kamui’s. Also, I haven’t miscued as often with the hard leather compared to the med/hard Kamui. I find that very interesting 🤔

[@t.j.7561]

Hey Ron, it's TJTimmy. I like Kamui Black Soft. Thank you for all your hard work. Your channel is very helpful.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you TJ for your input bud 👍🏻 😊❤️🎱

[@brianboyer6801]

I started using hard tips back in 1997 after watching Bob Byrne's Standard Video's of Pool & Billiards, and I'm 54 now. I draw best with a hard tip. I'm not sure if it is a timing thing, but I can not draw with a soft tip now in the present day. I believe cue 1 to be medium, cue 2 hard, and cue 3 soft. Cues 1 & 2 sound very close to me. Nice video.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Brian, I’m with you as well on the hard vs soft tip and drawing the cue ball. As per tip order: Shot 1, super soft Kamui Black Shot 2, medium Kamui Black Shot 3, hard leather breaking tip. Thanks again 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@brianboyer6801]

@@ronthepoolstudent thank you for the order, I was way off there :)

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@brianboyer6801 I tried to grip all three shots as lightly as possible as grip pressure will effect the harmonics as well. It’s amazing the difference in sound throughout a run.

[@robvaillancourt4]

Excellent tips and video. Thank you.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Rob, I appreciate the kind words and I’m glad you found this to be helpful 👍🏻😊 ❤️🎱

[@markevenson987]

Ron, when I started my recent incarnation in pool, I chose tips based on advertisements. I now rely on a cue maker who has changed several tips for me. I have also found that different tips sound, feel and shoot differently on different sticks. My shooting stick has a med/hard tip and my break cue has a hard tip but not phenolic. I judge a tip as much by performance as I do the “feel”. I prefer a “solid” feel and sound when striking the QB.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Mark, sounds like you and I like the same thing. A solid crisp strike with a firm feel is my choice too.

[@ronmenninga6502]

After watching Dr. Dave's video on power draw with break shaft and on the advice of my league captain (who also installs tips) I have started using a single piece water buffalo hard tip. I get great action on the cue ball and the only time I take a shaper to it is if and when (not often) it gets away from the dime profile I use. Love it.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you for your input Ron and yes, I’ve also found less shaping is needed on these harder tips 👍🏻

[@devinstated09]

I have gone back and forth between a water buffalo and a samsara break tip for shooting for years now. Really enjoy the feel that a hard tip provides on a maple shaft.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Right on Devin, there’s quite a difference that’s for sure. I shot softs for about a year before eventually shooting with the hard tips, I much prefer the and action I get with the harder tip. The crispness in feel is better too. Thanks for your comment 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@criticaltinker]

moving the right hand back make sense. i will try this. thank you.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

You’re welcome Vincent, feel free to ask any questions you may have 👍🏻

[@NSSB75]

After testing almost every brand and every hardness, I finally found my way to go. Zan hybrid max. A soft tip with a harder core. You have the benefits of both worlds. Playing straight pool where you play often short, the soft touch gives you more response. And firmer played balls are as crispy as it is with hard tips. Greetz from germany - Thomas

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Thomas, you’re the first to mention the game played and the tip best used. I had not thought about that but I definitely see your point. Also, ❤️ Wildflecken 😊

[@NSSB75]

Kamui Athlete and Taom Fusion are similar tips. Soft outside and hard inside. And all of them hold their shape very well!@@ronthepoolstudent

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@NSSB75 thank you Thomas, good to know 👍🏻

[@georgecox140]

I went from kamikaze soft to a medium, and I like the results so far. All the soft tips I've used seem to flatten quick.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you George for that info 👍🏻

[@ronsirard]

Yeah Ron I did the same thing with my back hand and it eliminated all miscuing for me when doing back spin and has made me very good with back spin.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Nice Ron, sometime it’s just a simple tweak 👍🏻

[@fernandoalejandro8017]

Nice video it really helps , thanks

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you for your comment Fernando and glad you found this to be helpful 👍🏻😊

[@EhBitTV]

I love hard tips, the feel is much better. I switched because I get lazy when I play with a soft tip, and let up on my stroke, the harder tip keeps me tighter

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you EBTV, I appreciated your input 👍🏻❤️🎱

[@dead2me810]

Kinda gay

[@EhBitTV]

@@dead2me810 literally 90% of pool conversations sound kinda gay with the terms we have to use lol

[@chemmii]

have used 3 different tips over the 62 years I have been play, I started play when I was 15. The ones that were on the house cues back then were water buffalo, not sure if were the softest or hardet, but that is what Blackie, the owner put on them...Later in the seventies, I switched to la pro, but found them inconsistent as to hardness. In the late 80's I went to Using Elk Master soft blue tips, and that's what I'm still using right now.!! That was before I saw Effren talking about what tips he used, which were the same, yes they disfigure, yes you have to frequently reshape them, but to me that's not a problem..!! There cheap enough that it's no big deal to replace them and soft and easy enough to do it yourself..! It also proves that in Effren's case, becoming the GOAT, does not depend on a special cue or a special tip....but in both technique and constant practice which every great player does, especially when competing.!! My competition days are long over, at 77 I wouldn't dream of playing for any big money, my back is gone my eyesight to, I just play because I love the game and all of it's never ending variants.!! I love the competition, but I'm not out to prove anything anymore, if I win great, if I loose, great, I learn something every time I play and also learn my opponents strengths and weaknesses to...lol, May my Grandson, who will inherit my cues and accessories, do as well or better than I did, and keep passing down the love of the game to those I will never personally know.!!!😇✌👍❤

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Chemmii for sharing your evolution with tips. Also, you sure must have a lot of great stories being at the game as long as you have. Lots of memories I bet for sure. Thanks again 👍🏻😊❤️🎱 Btw, do your Grandkids play?

[@Chucklingsaneman]

I have tried many types of tips, elk masters, kamui and currently century tips and especially with century tips which I currently use I’ve used all 5 hardness tips they offer and personally prefer the softest tip, the mushrooming effect is an issue and it requires much more careful maintenance and more changes. But I find I can generate more spin with the same effort and strike. But i do find that using a harder tip is more consistent but personally I enjoy playing with a softer tip more

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Chuck for your input. As I’ve talked tips with several local players and have gotten feedback here on my channel, I find it so fascinating the differences in tip choice. One thing is clear however, soft edges out all others. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@lastdonuts]

Yep, still working on the stroke, hard soft doesn't matter when I'm putting unintended english on the ball. I'm currently on a medium, I thought the house cues were all hard but this feels harder. Still adjusting to the sound after 6 months

[@ronthepoolstudent]

The stroke can effect sound as you may know AO. Test this out by gripping with a firm grip, then shoot with a light grip, it’s is noticeable .

[@shotmakerjack]

I started with a medium on a wood shaft. Went to a soft when I went to carbon fiber shaft so it would feel similar to wood. Now, I have improved stroke enough to use a med Kamui on carbon fiber shaft. Timing of stroke is the key to draw stroke and full table draws. IMHO

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Jack for your input. Interestingly, I know of a very good player that uses a phenolic tip on his Revo shaft. It’s crazy the sound it makes as he runs off the balls. Also, the stroke most definitely has everything to do with drawing the cue ball 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks again 👋

[@theresjustnotellingfpv4822]

Great video, what camera are you using? I like the asthetic quality.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you No Telling. I use a GoPro Hero 9 Black See link below: Camera setup kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4eohItnZ6ebeaM

[@OpusRex]

Hi Ron - I’ve followed you since you’ve committed to your goal. It's been a great ride, and we really appreciate you. I have for a few years had a personal preference in Samsera cue tips. Before I added a dedicated break cue, I searched for a tip that was both durable (break hardness) and was also very playable. I settled on the Samsera brand as it was slightly harder (88 rating) than some others - I highly recommend that tip. I have another question - I noticed that you wear eyeglasses sometimes around the table. I’ve switched to wearing photo-centric (light-filtering) glasses, which really helps with clarity. However, I've not found a brand with a lens large enough not to interfere with my view on the object ball. Can you provide some insight into the reason why you use glasses?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Kevin for following my journey and for providing the tip information. I have a cue that needs a new tip so I will take your advice and order one as I’ve not shot with that brand. As for my glasses, they are yellow tint non prescription safety glasses. (from Lowe’s) Before retirement, I wore these glasses for my work as they brightened up things I was working on at job sites. I then figured why not try them at the Pool table. Occasionally, I will still wear them but I must admit, I’m now shooting the same with or without them, which is due to me refining my stroke. They do brighten up the table a lot however.

[@ronzezulka6646]

Hey Ron,,,i shoot a 21oz McDermott with a soft tip. I shoot mostly on bar boxes (i also have an Olhausen table). Ive found a soft tip gives me better cue ball control on a bar table. But always willing to try something new.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Interesting Ron and thanks again for your input. I think the key is to use the equipment long enough to grow accustomed to it. For instance, I’ve now shot so long with my current setup, that I’m now finding dead stoke consistency on a daily basis.

[@ronzezulka6646]

Interesting on changing hand location. I found myself doing it naturally.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Finding the mechanics through self awareness…many can’t do that. Great job Ron 👍🏻💪🏻👍🏻

[@JohnSmith-nu4he]

Just starting to rebuild a straight repeatable stroke so I have not ventured into many tips. The medium I’m using I seem to like. My draw is getting better. Several rounds of mighty x a day. I’ll have to try a soft one day just to see.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you John, this is exactly what I did. I had been using a medium Tiger at the time so I switched it out to a super soft Kamui specifically for the Mighty X draw shot discipline. Here’s where it gets interesting. I experienced no difference so eventually, I switched back to a medium Kamui once again. I then switched to a med/hard Kamui shortly there after. In time and as my stroke improved, my draw stroke for that same Mighty X shot, became far better than ever with the med/hard Kamui tip. It was then that I knew, it was more about the stroke and not the tip, Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@ratnaanggraini5066]

Thanks for sharing Mr. Ron ! 🙌🏻 So would you recommend the kamui black M than the kamui black S? Or do you have any other M tip recommendation? I used to play with the S tip tbh, but yeah struggled a lot cause it’s easily mushrooming. I heard that M tip still bouncy and the feel is still good as the S tip

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you for your question Ratna. My personal preference is the med/hard Kamui Brown these days which plays like a hard tip. I like the harder tip per my stroke. I would suggest you change to the medium Kamui Black first, as that tip is a bit softer than the Brown imo. From there, you’ll know if the harder tip suits your stroke. Hope that makes sense and thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ratnaanggraini5066]

@@ronthepoolstudent Very well explained Mr. Ron, i would love to try the Kamui Black M ASAP 🙌🏻 One more question, What about How tip? Have you ever tried the How/How Titan before? I’ve heard that How tips are good too

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@ratnaanggraini5066 thank you Ratna and yes, I had shot with a How tip for a couple months shortly after I began playing 38 months ago. I shot with a medium as I recall and it was actually very good and it was much less expensive compared to the Kamui. There was no reason for switching other than I wanted to try a Kamui which of course I stuck with 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@duanegar55]

Hi Ron. My favorite tip has always been a kamui black hard tip. I just put on a black soft and I just cannot tell a difference. I change my tips about every three months. Curious to see how long this one lasts.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Duane. Well that’s curious. You can’t tell the difference? I wonder if you received a hard instead 🤔 Is that possible?

[@davidhenderson6459]

Med..best of both worlds

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks David for you input 👍🏻😊

[@lanternman13]

I prefer soft tips because of the sound. Soft tips are less noisy than harder tips. But I also practice with harder tips, because you can play with a looser muscle tonus based on the better energy transfer.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

LIGHT GRIP! The key to consistent play, is cue control with finesse in my opinion. I play with a 750 fargo and his ability to stroke with seemingly effortless finesse power, all begins with letting the cue do the work. The loose grip is what makes this happen, Thank you Lanternman 👍🏻

[@KK-sg5gl]

If you ever move to Revo or Cynergy, you’ll still like harder tips. BUT if you get a chance to try a Mezz Ignite, you’ll find that there’s WAY too much power. Even trying to tap the ball became an issue, and I constantly overran my position by 12-18 inches.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you KK for that input. I’ve shot with CF cues but not enough to have found this. It’s probably all about sticking with it long enough before a Player can adapt 🤔 What are your thoughts?

[@KK-sg5gl]

@@ronthepoolstudentthe REVO comes standard with a soft tip, and every time I tried one I would miss because the squirt was more than my Mezz WX700 wood shaft with a hard kamui black. Once I bought my own REVO and put a hard tip on it, I didn’t have to adjust at all. I like the Mezz ignite because it does have noticeably more power but like I said I had to put a medium tip on it or else it was too powerful. I’ve come to find that harder tips are better because it’s much easier to shoot long draw shots. With the soft tip, the cue ball doesn’t come off as hot and you have to use more power yourself. But like you said you have to get used to it if it’s different from your current set up. I’ve found that softer tips squirt more for my stroke. I was scientific about it and set up the same shots and tried to hit them the same speed. Cue ball speed, which meant I had to hit the ball harder with a soft tip, which may be the cause of the excess squirt? Not sure about that though because that was a few years ago now.

[@bell989]

I got a 10.5mm Cuetec carbon fiber shaft and was thinking of trying a different shaft because of the miscuing I have. I will take your advice and first check my elbow position and stroke, and try to be consistent in keeping a pause as part of the stroke. We shall see . . . . .

[@ronthepoolstudent]

It may be mechanical for sure Paul, please let me know what you find 👍🏻

[@bell989]

@@ronthepoolstudent Your advice helped. I would add that for the 10.5mm tip, unlike larger tips, miscues arise if tip is not shaped to dime size. See Dr Dave’s recent kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJerk4ijjsqShtk Your corrections are also those that correct bad strokes; the miscues and bad strokes more commonly occur in uncommon or awkward-positioning shots.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@bell989 thank you Paul, glad to of helped 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-lb8do4ew6k]

I like a kamui medium which is pretty hard compared to other brands mediums. I do not like phenolic or lexan break cue tips at all, even when scuffed they are too glassy to hold enough chalk to not miscue for the amount of action I put on my breaks. I use kamui 'sai' tips on my punch & break cues & kissed miscues goodbye.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Have you ever chalked a Taom composite break tip B?

[@xeyedsurfer]

Thought I was beyond the tip drop, but overstretched for a shot that didn't allow for the 90 degree elbow (was lazy and didn't grab the extension) .

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Lol, we are all guilty of that one. You should pick up a bridge-mate Dennis.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

One handed billiard stroke exercise kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZe0p4qpd896es0

[@xeyedsurfer]

Thanks for the info Ron.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@xeyedsurfer this bridge-mate thing is amazing, you’ll never use a standard bridge cue again. Fully approved for competition use too.

[@stevejones3180]

Shouldn’t your elbow be at 90 degrees when the cue strikes the object ball on every shot anyway? Love your videos and commitment to the game and to your followers mate. 👍🎱🎱

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Yes Steve, it should. Players that exceed 90° when they arrive at the cue ball, they better drop their elbow to maintain a level cue or risk a miscue. Thank you 👍🏻

[@stevemiller1159]

#1 soft, #2 and #3 it's hard to tell much difference, #2 might be the hard tip. I prefer predator medium, I had tried a no name soft tip in the past, but those seem to mushroom after a short time, even when you're not a hard shot shooter.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Steve. 1 super soft Kamui 2 med/hard Kamui 3 hard leather breaking tip Also; right on about tips mushrooming. I haven’t had it happen, but I’ve seen it on other tips. Thanks again 👍🏻😊❤️🎱

[@Crazywaffle5150]

I get better draw with a hard tip. I think it's a combination of the stroke of the player and the tip.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Amen to having a better stroke CW. With a fundamentally sound stroke, the draw shots becomes much more consistently easier 👍🏻

[@tomburns890]

Good video. I was a top player early 90’s & then quit but used to play old La Pro tips & now they have so many more I tried the Kamui brown M & gonna try the Kamui Black soft next. I noticed a lot of the top pros these days play softer tips in general compared to back in the 80’s & 90’s & wondering if it has mostly to do with the newer shafts made now compared to the old school cues. Too soft is mushie & not as accurate & really spins the balls with less miss cues. Hard is more accurate but less spin & more accurate & feels hard. One thing you forgot to mention is the same tip will play a little different on different cues. A medium might feel a little hard on one cue & a little dog on another cue. Check a few of my videos. Cheers

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you very much Tom and thank for your input/information. Btw, I was not aware different cues would make the tip seem different, could you elaborate more please? I find this interesting. Thanks!

[@tomburns890]

Different cues and difference cues hit harder & softer than others so if put a harder tip on a harder hitting cue it will feel really hard. Btw I agree with the other guy about soft tips he gets sloppy and for me to soft I find myself throwing massive English on shots cause it looks cool and fun but with lots less accuracy or sloppy. Fitting a tip to a cure is based on player preference, body physics style stroke etc kinda like fitting a driver to a golfer loft lie & angle, sound, look, feel, weight, stiffness, flex, swing weight etc. cheers

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tomburns890 thank you for that more detailed reasoning Tom, much appreciated 👍🏻 Love golf btw ⛳️. 🏌️

[@nvpoolshooter]

Hard, medium, or soft tip makes no difference in ones ability to impart spin on the cue ball or miscue or not. That's an urban legend. Dr. Dave debunked that myth in one of his videos a year or two ago. Your choice of tip is a personal thing, and whatever tip gives you the most confidence in your shot making, that's the best tip for you. I made a video, since deleted where I'm shooting draw shots with a soft tip, hard tip and break cue with a rock hard phenolic tip. It's all about the stroke. Period. End of story. On my Meucci Pro shaft, I currently have a Kamui clear soft tip. Feels fine and I have no issues with it. On my Meucci Carbon Fiber Pro shaft, I went from a Tiger soft tip to a Kamakazi hard tip. I prefer a hard tip on a carbon shaft. I like the hit and feel better than a soft tip. And remember folks, Earl Strickland, arguably the greatest 9-ball player ever used a 2 dollar Elk Master hard tip. The same tip I used for decades before designer tips became all the rage. There's my 2 cents worth on the subject. Maybe 4 cents because of the long rant. 😅

[@ronthepoolstudent]

There is one thing I have noticed about some soft tips, they will mushroom which requires some maintenance. Also, pricing on tips is another story. Thank you for your input and information Brian.

[@nvpoolshooter]

@ronthepoolstudent Interesting the mushrooming of a tip. I know it happens to some players. I've never had a tip of any kind mushroom. I guess it's the way I strike the cue ball.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@nvpoolshooter that’s called banging at the ball.

[@nineballjunky]

I think the only tips that I can't play with are the Super Soft tips. Although I've seen videos from reputable sources stating that deflection isn't affected by tip hardness, I know the super soft tips increase deflection for me. Other than that, I can play with anything; however I don't prefer "mushy" tips either.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

My thoughts 100% 👍🏻 Thanks for your input NBJ.

[@zanethind]

I used to shoot with a KO brothers medium tip but now I shoot with a HOW hard tip and honestly the transition of tips do feel nice. Also I still have to fix my elbow positioning because it's really out and not alligned with my head so a chicken wing elbow which I seem to can't fix

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Zane. I too shot with a HOW for awhile. Mine was a medium. They are super cheap yet are great tips. Also, I have a sure way to help you to not chicken wing.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I can put together a quick personal video for you if you’d like?

[@zanethind]

@@ronthepoolstudent you're welcome Ron and yeah HOW are great tips for the price. It's on my revo 12.4 shaft with a peri butt. Also thanks for the tip on how to prevent chicken wing

[@zanethind]

@@ronthepoolstudent yeah I would like that very much thanks

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Let me jump on the table now. Are you able to view it in 30-40 minutes or so?

[@nathanlarue7674]

I play med/hard tip,as long as you have a good stroke I don't think it matters,and I think chalk is over looked. I used to use some cheaper chalk till my girlfriend got me some predator chalk for Christmas,what a difference it was, it almost feels like my tip is sticking to the cue ball instead of sliding off.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Amen Nathan, the stroke is everything 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 As for chalk, that’s a hot topic 🤷🏻‍♂️😊 Thanks again…go Taom Pyro 😉

[@nathanlarue7674]

Will,do was going to try different kinds now that I've felt the difference.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@nathanlarue7674 btw, my two blocks of Taom Pyro are now a year and a half old. It’s crazy 🤷🏻‍♂️ Lots more life left too.

[@andrewlaprairie]

I am only in my 3rd year of my pool journey so I don't know if what I am saying has weight, but one thing I have forced myself to do is play with a hard tip even though I prefer the feel of a soft. This has forced me to play more center ball which is a fundamental I did not want to try to bypass as I'm starting to learn this game.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Andrew. It’s always good to understand cue ball travel based on center ball so you’re thinking is correct. Once you have begun to understand the angles of travel based on roll and stun, you can then begin to work on aim with english to learn throw. Let me say this; as long as your stroke is fundamentally sound, your hard tip will not be an issue. When I started learning the game for instance, I would put a lot of blame on my tip when I would miscue. As my stroke finally came around, in looking back, I then knew the majority of my miscuing issues, were a direct result of my weak stroke. Example: I can now run a nine ball rack with a phenolic tip as I’m now more accurate with my cuing. Advice: Work on your stroke to make sure it’s smooth and straight. Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@andrewlaprairie]

@ronthepoolstudent you got it coach!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@andrewlaprairie everything begins with a sound Pool stroke 👍🏻

[@andrewlaprairie]

@@ronthepoolstudent your absolutely correct. Thank you for the tip lesson in your video and great response. Won't let ya down!

[@mmafan1007]

I have hard tip on my 11.8 mm shaft and I feel good playing long straight shots but don’t feel confident playing thin cuts or rolling the ball. I’m an intermediate player so it could be that. Also, I don’t like the feedback. I don’t know if it makes sense but that’s how I feel.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

The feedback in terms of sound Mac?

[@mmafan1007]

@@ronthepoolstudent the feel, it feels like I’m hitting the ball with a glass. I use tiger everest laminated tip.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@mmafan1007 interesting 🤔 How many other tips have you shot with?

[@mmafan1007]

@@ronthepoolstudent I used to play a lot in school but then stopped and recently started playing again after joining APA league so probably not many. I have soft tips on my other two cues.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@mmafan1007 ahh, ok. If your tip is older, you can perforate it. You don’t want to over do this if it’s laminated leather however.

[@bell989]

#1=soft #2=medium #3=hard I find #3 is the most different from the others. It is the loudest or has the most presence. #1 has the least crispness.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Winner winner chicken dinner Paul 👍🏻 Thanks for your input 👋 Btw, tip three is a hard leather breaking tip.

[@bell989]

@@ronthepoolstudent Ron, you told a poster how he may have gotten a softer tip than the hard tip he thought was installed. An English cue vendor suggested testing prior to retipping to make sure the tip is the hardness you think it is. He suggested scratching the tip near your ear. He explained how soft tips sounded different from harder tips. It is at 25 seconds into kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-sdqGjo6d0j8U

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@bell989 thank you very much Paul, this is great info to know. I’m about to purchase a super soft, a medium and hard Kamui to test this out. Once again, thank you. 😊👍🏻

[@mmafan1007]

I was practicing draw shots today and was hitting very low on cue ball and didn’t miscue once.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

That’s awesome Mac, nice cue control 👍🏻

[@mmafan1007]

I’ve actually come to like medium to hard cue tips more since I last wrote this comment.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@mmafan1007 I think once our stroke improves Mac the harder tips are better but that’s JMO.

[@mmafan1007]

@@ronthepoolstudent I’m definitely not a fan of soft hit. I’ve worked a lot on the stroke in past month and now my preference has definitely changed.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@mmafan1007 I was the same, I like the firmer feel and I believe I’m more accurate in my position play with the harder tips.

[@gr8ful68]

I just switched from a 12.25mm kamui black super soft tip to an 11.75mm kamui clear soft tip, and all of a sudden, I'm over drawing the cue ball... I wish I could try a variety of different tips (hardness), but I don't have a pro shop near me, and my tip installations are not the best (amateurish) I'm considering sending a couple of my shafts into viking for new tips... I might just have to get the guts up to try a medium-hard tip. Thanks, coach!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Try a medium tip first Gary. Once you feel like you’ve found your tip, stick with it. It will take time to grow into your equipment. Btw, the thinner shafts generate more spin imo.

[@chicagochano]

1. Soft 2. Hard 3. Medium Final answer.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you, you’re close Chano. 1 super soft 2 med/hard 3 hard leather breaking tip

[@restoreasurface2809]

I think you went soft, med, hard?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

1 Super soft Kamui 2 med/hard Kamui (plays as hard) 3 hard leather breaking tip. Thank you Dane 👍🏻

[@ronthepoolstudent]

You are correct 👍🏻

[@bradleymorgan2409]

1) soft 2) med

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Super Soft/med/hard Bradley

[@jamescathcart4762]

Buffalo, Hard baby! is my flavor.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks you for your input James. Tip hardness is not an issue when one has a sound billiard stroke 👍🏻

[@wawawsingko]

cue #2 is medium?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Cue #2 has a med/hard Kamui Black WR, thank you for your question 👍🏻

[@wawawsingko]

@@ronthepoolstudent what is the best cue tip for a beginner? soft medium hard?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@wawawsingko most of the lesser skilled players I know, they use softs. The stronger players with smooth strokes, they tend to use harder tips

[@wawawsingko]

@@ronthepoolstudent i see thanks for the advice hehe... just started playing and im just using cue in the billard pub

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@wawawsingko anytime Wawaw. Btw, word of advise. Try to pick up your own cue as it’s best to shoot with a specific cue to get a good understanding of its characteristics through lots of play. I wish you luck and please feel free to reach out with any future questions 👍🏻

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

ELKMASTER BABY!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

👍🏻💪🏻👍🏻

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

TIP: U can make any tip harder by wetting the sides with spit and burnishing it with a piece of leather.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Ronnie, great to know 👍🏻👍🏻

[@PoolNoodle33]

I thought it was 1 soft, 2 medium hard, 3 hard.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

You got it right Matty 👍🏻😊

[@PoolNoodle33]

Also, great advice about the grip and the tip dipping. Right on man.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@PoolNoodle33 glad it helped 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@procrastinator6902]

1-M/H 2-SS 3-H Those are my guesses before seeing the results!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you PT for you input. The tips are as follows: 1 super soft Kamui 2 med/hard Kamui 3 hard leather breaking tip Thank you again 👍🏻

[@samjames2388]

Kami m or elk

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Kamui Sam.

[@samjames2388]

No i use kami and elk master kami on my 11.5mm cue and elk on my 9.5mm

[@samjames2388]

I get more whiteball controll with the 9.5mm cue and m to hard tip but i have to be more acurate with cueing same spin possable with both cues and kami is m tip on the 11.5mm

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@samjames2388 ahhh, gotcha 👍🏻

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@samjames2388 9.5 mm, I can’t imagine.

[@JimmyTruett]

I say use what works best for you Ron and I don't agree with your logic when it comes to soft verses a medium or hard tip....

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Jimmy. Btw, the med/hard tip is my tip of choice these days as it’s a crisper impact and I have better cue action for finesse position play situations. I much prefer the harder tip vs the soft. Thanks again for the advice 👍🏻 ❤️🎱