I call BS when I hear talk about the cue or tip being to blame. I can pick out a cue from a selection that'll suit the feel/hit that I'm looking for and enough of how I like a tip to respond. I've got a crap 2 pc ash cue that plays good and it's nothing like the cues these guys are using.
I have a tube of Tweetens that has to be at least 30 yrs old. I thought I'd give it a try and it's still glue. I've changed 5 tips sofar and none have popped off and one is on my break cue. I use Elk Masters now on my 3 cues and they work pretty good and no mushrooming or touching up the sides