age could be the reason... even when installing the older tips i find them smooth and easier to cut.
pressing them will be plan B when the old ones run out...
call me crazy but i find the old ones are a tad firmer and hold there shape much longer. If i talked to tiger i am sure they would tell me nothing has changed but the red line being added...
have 24 without the line and still looking for some more!
well from what i know about the cues built by carmeli is that he overlaps his veneers and does NOT miter them. also the bumper is not his style, butt cap is a bit long and joint ring phenolic collars are short for a carmeli cue, IMO.