Any pool player out there will know the importance of a good cue tip. After all, a well-made cue tip can get one going in the winning direction. So, how does one go about choosing the best cue tips from the myriad of choices out there?
Frankly speaking, it’s okay for a product to have a dark side. This is to say that we can overlook some minor flaws. However, the shortlisted cue tip must not seem like a work in progress product with many flaws in it.
Here, we have for you some of the best cue tips that exhibit good features and quality. They do have some minor gripes too. However, the flaws are not major enough to take away the value that the product brings to the table.
No. | Categories | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CUESOUL Pool Cue Tips | Editor’s Choice | ||
2 | Kamui Clear Black Cue Tip | Most Popular | ||
3 | Predator Victory Soft Cue Tip | Best Premium | ||
4 | Tiger Everest Laminated Pool Cue Tip | For Beginners | ||
5 | KAMUI Clear Black Laminated Pool Cue Tip | For Professionals | ||
6 | Billiard Evolution Screw-On Pool Cue Tips | Screw-On Tip | ||
7 | Tweeten Elk Master Soft Leather Pool Cue Tips | Soft Cue Tip | ||
8 | HONBAY 13mm Pool Cue Stick Tips | Medium Cue Tip | ||
9 | Tiger Laminated Pool Break Cue Tip | Hard Cue Tip | ||
10 | Bulletproof Pool Break Cue Tip | Break Cue Tip | ||
11 | Elk Master 13mm Pool Cue Tips | For Better Spin | ||
12 | Collapsar Multiple Layer Pigskin Pool Cue Tips | For English Pool |
- 12 Best Cue Tips For Pool Reviewed
- 1. CUESOUL Pool Cue Tips – Editor’s Choice
- 2. Kamui Clear Black Cue Tip – Most Popular
- 3. Predator Victory Soft Cue Tip – Best Premium
- 4. Tiger Everest Laminated Pool Cue Tip – Best for Beginners
- 5. KAMUI Clear Black Laminated Pool Cue Tip – Best for Professionals
- 6. Billiard Evolution Screw-On Pool Cue Tips – Best Screw-On Tips
- 7. Tweeten Elk Master Soft Leather Pool Cue Tips – Best Soft Cue Tips
- 8. HONBAY 13mm Pool Cue Stick Tips – Best Medium Cue Tips
- 9. Tiger Laminated Pool Break Cue Tip – Best Hard Cue Tips
- 10. Bulletproof Pool Break Cue Tip – Best Break/Jump Cue Tip
- 11. Elk Master 13mm Pool Cue Tips – Best Tip for Spin
- 12. Collapsar Multiple Layer Pigskin Pool Cue Tips – Best English Pool Cue Tips
- Things to Consider When Buying Pool Cue Tips
- Final Thoughts
12 Best Cue Tips For Pool Reviewed
1. CUESOUL Pool Cue Tips – Editor’s Choice
The CUESOUL Cue tip is exceptionally well-made for its asking price. Given the quality, one won’t be able to tell the difference between this and other high-priced cue tips out there—a piece of information confirmed by experienced players. Basically, the sensation you get from hitting the ball with this cue tip is almost identical to other expensive cue tips.
Product Highlights
This mixed kit includes multiple tips ranging from hard to super soft, allowing you to use different tips, depending on the situation. As marketed, the grip and feel of this cue tip are on par with other high-end cue tips out there. Like other expensive cue tips, the CUESOUL Cue tip is easy to shape, and it holds the chalk really well.
The best part is that this cue tip stands up well to a lot of use. Yes, it wears down slowly. So, you won’t have to worry about re-purchasing a cue tip anytime soon. Keep in mind that the brand behind this cue tip also enjoys a good reputation in the market, meaning that you can be assured of the quality.
PROS
- It’s remarkably easy to install this cue tip. You can conveniently pop it over the previous cue tip.
- The price of the CUESOUL Cue tips won’t break your bank. Other brand names sell similar cue tips for twice the cost.
- Most importantly, players are extremely satisfied with the cue tip’s playability.
CONS
- It’s not meant for big tournament players. Professionals will have to shop for an expensive cue tip.
2. Kamui Clear Black Cue Tip – Most Popular
This is a hot-selling cue tip from a credible brand. As claimed by the company, it performs really well, and it doesn’t take a lot to maintain this cue tip because of how good it is. The product’s lifespan is also commendable. It can serve you very well for over a year, of course, upon proper maintenance.
Product Highlights
The Kamui Clear Black Cue Tip shines in all three major areas of use: looks, performance, and durability. As advertised, this multiple-layer leather cue tip installs easily, and it offers great ball control on any given day. Furthermore, this cue tip doesn’t lose its shape easily like other soft cue tips out there.
The fact that it’s made from top-notch leather and it also holds the chalk better than its counterparts. Kamui will offer you a choice between hard, medium, soft, and super soft cue tips at the time of purchase. Depending on your playing style, you can pick a model that can improve your game.
PROS
- Product installation hardly takes 10-15 minutes. The best part is that this cue tip requires minimal sanding.
- Made from Japanese Pig leather, this cue tip model is as durable as it can possibly be.
- The Kamui Clear Black Cue Tip has received an alarming amount of glowing reviews.
CONS
- There is nothing wrong with this cue tip except the price. It’s not overly expensive. But then, it’s not too cheap either.
3. Predator Victory Soft Cue Tip – Best Premium
The Predator Victory Soft Cue Tip comes enticingly close to being a perfect cue tip, which explains why it carries a high price tag. Featuring an 8-layer, superior quality leather construction, it’s designed to deliver high performance at all times. The control, feel, and hit that this cue tip gives off is truly second to none. It’s also able to hold more chalk than other comparable products.
Product Highlights
This cue tip carries a very bright color, making it easy to spot/shape it well, even in low-light conditions. Installing this tip is a cake-walk too. One will be able to install this cue tip in less in 10-12 minutes. Once put to use, you will immediately notice the extra spin that this cue tip offers in all your strokes.
Further, this cue tip is the easiest to maintain. It hardly never mushrooms or flattens out like other inferior cue tips sold these days. Moreover, this cue tip doesn’t require a lot of reshaping, which, of course, prolongs its lifespan. You won’t feel the need to swap this cue tip as often as other cue tips.
PROS
- This 14mm Predator Victory Soft Cue Tip can be shaped and sized to fit into any Predator shaft.
- The fact that it holds the chalk very well, a player won’t have to worry about miscuing.
- Given the quality of the cue tip, it can be considered by both casual and experienced pool table players.
CONS
- It is one of the most expensive cue tips in this discussion.
4. Tiger Everest Laminated Pool Cue Tip – Best for Beginners
This cue tip is a favorite choice among beginners because of how skillfully it’s constructed. It’s shaped like a hard tip. But then, it hits like a medium. At the same time, the control is similar to that of a soft tip, which should explain why it’s one of the most desirable cue tips out there.
Product Highlights
As advertised, this cue tip provides nice contact with the cue ball, allowing a player to take a more precise draw shot. It really does wonders to one’s accuracy—boatloads of past cue tip shoppers have confirmed this thing. It also holds the chalk very well.
Besides, this cue tip features a special red layer, which will tell you when the tip has turned obsolete enough for a replacement. Made from the best quality pigskin, this cue tip is also durable enough to last long. Believe it or not, it has ten layers of pigskin in it, and each layer is individually tested for its durability/quality.
PROS
- The Tiger Everest Cue Tip allows one to control the English on all their shots effortlessly.
- It has outstanding quality and durability to it. It’s truly able to deliver consistent performance for long.
- Although a bit pricey, the value for money definitely exists. This cue tip is totally worth the asking price.
CONS
- The only issue with this cue tip is that it has only one hardness level. In other words, you don’t get a range of hardness to play with.
5. KAMUI Clear Black Laminated Pool Cue Tip – Best for Professionals
This pool cue tip has superior quality written all over it. Given the fabulous quality, you will notice a big difference in your playability while using this cue tip. Seriously, it provides more control over the cue ball. Basically, it offers more action on the cue ball with minimal effort. Therefore, it can be considered by anyone who takes his/her game seriously.
Product Highlights
The KAMUI Clear Pool Billiard CUE TIP forms a nice bond with the pool cue to provide smooth and solid hits without miss-cueing. The base of the tip features a shield that does a wonderful job of preventing the cue tip from getting contaminated by the glue in use.
The maintenance of this cue tip is also minimum because it hardly ever mushrooms. The durability is excellent as well. This cue tip is truly built for the long haul. It will hold up to its form and shape longer than other equivalent cue tips out there, even after repeated use.
PROS
- The material choices are plentiful. You can choose hard, soft, medium, or super-soft density based on your preference.
- It installs beautifully at all times. Better still, the cue tip holds up well with a minimal amount of glue.
- Given the quality and performance, you can use this pool cue tip in tournaments as well.
CONS
- For a cue tip, it’s definitely not cheap. But then, it’s way better than the cheaper cue tips out there.
6. Billiard Evolution Screw-On Pool Cue Tips – Best Screw-On Tips
This is a set of ten relatively inexpensive screw-on tips for pool cues that stay tight and, of course, work really well. They are pretty soft on purpose. Subsequently, they offer a nice feel and excellent cue ball control in terms of spin. The overall quality isn’t actually the best for a product of its nature. That said, these screw-on tips are billed accordingly.
Product Highlights
As marketed, it’s easy to screw the tips on and off whenever needed. They are also well-shaped. So, all you need to do is apply chalk and shoot the cue ball. It’s as simple as we made it sound. The best part is that you won’t encounter the mushrooming issue on harder hits.
Given the low cost, they are not as tough as other high-priced screw-on tips. But then, they do a decent job. Even if they don’t last too long, you will get much more than your money’s worth of use from this product. You will also be impressed by the fast shipping time on this item.
PROS
- These screw-on tips are easy to install. You won’t need glue for product installation.
- This doesn’t cost a lot. The product’s asking price will easily suit the wallet of most pool players.
- Despite the low asking price, none of the included screw-on-tips are off-center or unusable.
CONS
- They are not as durable as other expensive screw-on tips for pool cues. So, expect excessive wear and tear on them.
7. Tweeten Elk Master Soft Leather Pool Cue Tips – Best Soft Cue Tips
The Tweeten Elk Master Pool Cue Tips are the softest cue tips that you can buy in today’s age and time. These cue tips impart more spin on the cue ball when you hit the center. Plus, they hold more chalk, leading to lesser miscue in the process. Not to mention that they have the perfect size for regular pool cue sticks.
Product Highlights
These cue tips are sold in bright blue color. So, they go well with just about any pool cue stick out there. Of course, these soft pool cue tips also fit well, and they provide nice resistance. These cue tips are easy to install too. The installation work hardly takes 5-10 minutes.
Not to undermine the fact that these cue stick tips require less grooming because of the excellent leather construction. Depending on your personal needs, you can also choose between 12, 13, or 14 mm cue tips. As you might already know, the included diameters are perfect for most of the commonly used pool cue sticks out there.
PROS
- The fact that it’s a well-made soft cue tip, it allow one to apply more English to the cue ball with the least amount of effort.
- The stock is adequate to last for a long time. The box includes a generous amount of pool cue tips (50).
- These cue tips don’t require as much attention as much as other comparable cue tips.
CONS
- This top-rated soft pool cue tip is expensive enough to intimidate a casual pool player’s wallet.
- It loses its shape quicker than medium or hard cue tips.
8. HONBAY 13mm Pool Cue Stick Tips – Best Medium Cue Tips
For medium hardness, it can’t get any better than the HONBAY Pool Billiard Cue Stick Tips. Despite the inexpensive pricing, the quality of this cue tip is better than decent. You will be happy with how it plays, lasts, and holds the chalk. Believe it or not, it has the same ability to grip onto the chalk, like other expensive cue stick tips out there.
Product Highlights
This cue stick is made from thick leather skin, which allows it to shape better. The leather layering also contributes to the cue tip’s durability. These benefits aside, you will also find it easy to install it on a cue stick.
Sold in dark brown color, each purchase order includes a pack of ten tips. Overall, it’s a reasonably well-made cue stick for general purpose use. As advertised, this medium hardness cue tip offers a nice middle ground between a hard and soft cue tip.
For those who don’t know, medium hardness cue tips provide plenty of ball spin. At the same time, they do not wear out as quickly as a soft tip. So, you are getting the ball control of a soft cue tip and the durability of a hard cue tip.
PROS
- It’s no hassle to stick these tips to any compatible pool cue out there.
- The HONBAY pool cue tip is one of the most economical products in its price spectrum.
CONS
- The quality of this pool billiard cue stick tip is not good enough for professional/commercial use.
9. Tiger Laminated Pool Break Cue Tip – Best Hard Cue Tips
The Tiger Laminated Break CUE TIP is certainly capable of improving your break. As advertised, it features a super hard tip to withstand the stress of break shots. Although it cannot hold as much chalk as a soft tip, the cue tip can definitely last a lot longer.
Product Highlights
The fact that it’s a hard tip, it’s not only durable, but it also holds its shape better with passing time. Not to discount the fact that it speeds up the cue ball movements on the table. Of course, it also provides a firm grip for break shots.
The cue stick tip has 11 layers of cowhide and pigskin to give it exceptional durability. Better still, it’s laminated with the VACULAM™ process, which makes it one of the best-laminated cue tips available in the market today. The bottom part is engineered for power, and the top part provides maximum cue ball control.
PROS
- This cue tip holds its shape and abrasiveness better over time in comparison to other break cue tips out there.
- It offers superior playability and control without mushrooming too often.
- It is proudly made in the USA, using the best materials.
CONS
- Like other hard cue tips, this one doesn’t hold the chalk very well.
10. Bulletproof Pool Break Cue Tip – Best Break/Jump Cue Tip
The Bulletproof Break Tips is a superior product in its category. Seriously, you will get fantastic breaks with it. Given the product’s quality and functions, you can expect excellent action as well. Not to mention that it jumps quite conveniently too. This break tip lives up to its advertised benefits in almost all areas of use.
Product Highlights
It holds the chalk, and the tip is good enough to provide sufficient spin to the cue ball. In fact, you will also notice a noticeable difference in the speed and power of the cue ball. This isn’t to say that you won’t be able to control the cue ball. You will still be able to control the ball.
As a breaker, this thing is truly as good as it can be. You will be able to use less power on every stroke and still spread the ball. That said, it’s better to get this tip professionally installed to get the best use out of it. Complicated installation aside, there are no major issues with this break tip.
PROS
- The Bulletproof Break Tips provide the best breaks ever, and the tip’s action is also the best in its price segment.
- It offers excellent spins for a hard break tip, and the chalk holding capability is praiseworthy.
- This break tip is so well-made that it’s used by professional players- Max Henning, Diana Khalikova, and many more.
CONS
- It’s a little difficult to shape this cue tip. So, it’s better to leave the installation job to the experts.
11. Elk Master 13mm Pool Cue Tips – Best Tip for Spin
These are super soft tips that provide an excellent spin on the cue ball. The tips are chalk embedded on purpose to prevent miscuing. They also keep mushrooming under control. Basically, the cue tips shoot pretty straight, of course, with a good feel. Not to mention that they grip well too.
Product Highlights
Constructed from specially treated leather, you get five cue tips with each order. This Elk Master Cue Tip is made in the USA. For a USA-made cue tip, the price is too cheap, to say the very least. However, it’s constructed from a single leather strip. So, it requires more care.
That said, you won’t notice any dip in performance as long as you take good care of the cue tip. It actually offers excellent control over the cue ball, which is clearly lacking in other cue tips sold under $10. This thing is also very easy to put on the cue stick. For the price and function, this soft cue tip has no match in its segment.
PROS
- Most of the industry experts point towards this product when asked for the most affordable cue tips for best spins.
- As described earlier, the tip is pre-coated with chalk to impart good spin on the cue ball.
- This tip proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a well-made cue tip.
CONS
- The Elk Master 13mm Pool Billiard Cue Tips comes in only one density, which is super soft.
12. Collapsar Multiple Layer Pigskin Pool Cue Tips – Best English Pool Cue Tips
This is a nice value-packed 14mm cue tip for an English pool. Available in three different densities (hard, medium, soft), it’s sold in a set of six. Customers can also order mixed sets, which will include two cue tips of each density type, enabling one to experiment with different cue types to see what works best for them.
Product Highlights
As far as the performance goes, it’s not superior to other expensive models. But then, this cue tip is not far behind. That said, it’s the best cue tip option for the English pool. It doesn’t lose its shape, it rarely mushrooms, and it holds up well to frequent playing. Plus, it doesn’t lose the chalk easily.
For a multi-layer pigskin leather product, the price of this pool cue tip is also quite reasonable. This isn’t to say that it’s very cheap. However, it doesn’t bear a jaw-dropping price tag, which should further explain why it’s one of the preferred cue tips for an English pool.
PROS
- Compared to its counterparts, it’s easy to shape the Collapsar 14mm Black Pool Cue Tips
- This cue tip is better at transferring more English without any extra effort on your part.
- For the price paid, the control, playability, and product durability is truly exceptional.
CONS
- It’s a little difficult to glue them onto the cue stick. You might have to take help from professional installers.
Things to Consider When Buying Pool Cue Tips
It’s easy to get worked out over cue tips shopping because of the plentiful choices available these days. From $5 to $40, you will come across a whole range of cue tips in the market today. So, how do you choose the best cue tip from the mentally challenging options out there? This buying guide will show you the path.
1. Budget
First and foremost, zero down on the budget. Of course, you don’t need to have a big and looming budget. That said, it’s also important not to have a very low budget because well-made cue tips don’t sell for dirt-cheap rates.
The good ones usually sell in the price range of $10 to $30. With a lot of research, a few gems can be found for as low as $8. Don’t go for a cheap three-dollar cue tip. It will simply fail to do its intended job very well.
2. Density
Once the budget part is out of the way, decide whether you need a soft, medium, or hard cue tip. The soft tips absorb more energy upon impact. On the other hand, the hard tips absorb less energy upon impact.
A lot of professionals choose medium. Some of them go with a hard or soft tip. It really boils down to a player’s personal preference. So, don’t choose what anyone says. Rather, go with what suits you.
3. Shape
The next thing to decide is the shape of the cue tip. For those who don’t know, cue tips are usually sold in two shapes, nickel and dime radius. Depending on your experience level and preference, you can pick your preferred shape.
There’s nothing wrong with choosing dime radius or nickel-shaped cue tip. That said, beginners usually favor nickel-shape cue tips because of the ease of playing. Nickel-shape cue tips are more versatile and forgiving.
4. Size
Generally speaking, a larger cue tip equates to more power. On the other hand, a smaller cue tip equates to more finesse. That said, the preferred cue tip size would normally depend on the size of the cue ball.
Smaller cue tips are preferred when playing with smaller balls and vice-versa. There’s no major price difference between smaller and larger cue tips, which is to say that you can prioritize your need over price.
5. Material
Cue tips sold nowadays are made from solid leather or layered leather. The latter is more expensive because cue tips made from layered leather last long. Therefore, they are more suitable for experienced or professional players.
Beginners, intermediate, or even slightly experienced players can go with cue tips made from solid leather as they are quite affordable and pretty reliable as well. That said, they need more maintenance as they compress pretty fast.
6. Brand
Generally speaking, cue tips from generic brands don’t last long. On the other hand, cue tips from known brands last twice as much. So, don’t let the low upfront cost of the cue tip fool you.
Go for a branded product, even if the immediate cost is a bit high. The cue tip from a known brand will pay for itself by lasting longer than those you get from generic/no-name brands.
7. Reviews
Finally, pay attention to the past reviews. Reviews from past purchasers will give you a fair idea about the performance of the shortlisted product. Of course, you don’t have to read all the reviews.
A quick scan will also give you a general idea about the product’s performance. Ideally, you should consider a cue tip that has received four or higher ratings. Needless to say, the higher the ratings, the better it is.
Final Thoughts
No matter which cue tip you get, it will wear down with age. Of course, keeping it in good shape will prolong its life. But then, no cue tip will last a lifetime. Depending on how often it’s put to use, a typical cue tip can last for many months. A general thumb rule is to get the cue tip replaced every six months.
The ones we have shortlisted above are, obviously, the cream of the crop. You can’t really go wrong with these best cue tips. Therefore, you can shop for these products when your previous cue tips have worn out or have not lived up to your primary expectations.
Read the following article to learn more about chalking a cue tip: