One place where it might be interesting is on the one-pocket break shot. I try to achieve a high rate of spin (max outside) and very little speed to get the ball into the pack, off the rail, and back to that second diamond sitting on the rail....
That’s how Diamond initially took Brunswick’s share in the early 90’s. They were about half the price, because customers were buying factory direct. That was actually printed on all of the flyers at the time and was a big selling point.
Fast forward to today, and I think most of the newcomers of Predator, Rasson, Brunswick GC7, are about the same or slightly higher than Diamond.
Tip are made of organic material, pig, cow or waterbuffalo. If you think that H, M or S labeling means a much you are smoking Crack.
I have aalways had a durometer and I check every tip when the come in my shop then write the durometer number gh on the back with a pencil.
I find many softs in the hard catagory and many hards in the soft group. Most are closer to med. So much that I only order S and H because there is a ton of Ms in the S and H. If you dont have a duometer you have no clue what hardness tip is going on.
I owned a 11000 sq ft Billiards Cafe & Bar and had 600 league players. During that 10 year period I did over 6000 tips. That being said I have a pretty good feel for the different brands and how they cut with a very sharp razor.
So my answer to the OPs question is:
In my Opinion, the ultra Skin cuts more consistant as it ribbons better than Kamui Clears. So I like installing them better by preference.
The fact remains any tip's feel from a hardness point of view can only be quantified by Shore D test on a durometer. Period! Giving an subjective opinion without verifying with an instrument is just wolfing or plain BS. Buy a durometer and see for yourself.
The general pool public thinks they will play better if they pay more money. It's a feel good thing from a branding perspective.
The most consistant tip hands down is the Triangle. It is the med tip that is still the king of the hill as it is Chrome Tanned Only a few tips per box are out of the med range.
diamond was smart and jumped in with both feet when they saw the gap.
brunswick didnt care and the others that had tried were incompetent.
years back a few tried to be the top one and each failed the test. we had gandy which needed work and they did nothing.
olhausen was there but the pros complained about the balls spitting out and the company said tough luck we aren't changing anything and they lost out.
for a new company to take the reins it has to put out a table as good as diamond and sell them for cheaper and give tournaments a benefit of using their tables. right now brunswick has the money and expertise to do it if they want to win the fight.
others like rasson or gabriel are there if they would be willing to fight for share. and invest the money to do so.
it isnt hard to make a pool table of top quality. but not so easy to market it.
i would never buy a diamond as as far as i know you have to pay in full before they come to your house. then you have no leeway or say if things are not right.
I had the same problem. And I’ll bet my install was worse than Musky’s. I contacted Diamond. Said they’ll send a team and give a break on the price. I declined. Did use someone they call upon to help them out. I have to redo his work also. They authorize anyone that will set up for them. Table set ups are art work. There are not a lot of artists around. I was going to swap the Professional for a GCV7…. Backed off. No competent installers near me.
