Dime or nickel shaper
- Thread starter mantis99
- Start date
Use a dime to start with to get a good sharp uniform shape.. then calm it down a bit with some ruff sand paper.... I'd say I run about a 8 cent tip
Depends on your style of game, how good you feel about your stroke, and lastly weather or not you believe my opinion.
I have always believed in (and used) the dime shape as opposed to the nickel shape. Based on my own personal experience, the dime shape, or smaller radius with an additional rounding of the edge of the tip results in considerably less deflection, and increases the ability to add spin to the cue ball.
The down side: The smaller radius also makes it VERY difficult to stroke the cue ball without unintentional spin. In my own experience, this makes shots like a long straight stop shot difficult because it's shots like those that are most vulnerable to unintentional spin unless you're in pretty good stroke.
To sum it up, in my own opinion, there really isn't much of a need for the additional spin you may get out of the smaller radius. It's not about trying to get more spin. It's more about making it easier to get the same spin without having to stroke the cue ball so far off center. But once again, remember that if you're not sure of your stroke, you risk putting unintentional spin on the cue ball, which can result in a considerable decrease in your accuracy with straight in and/or thick cuts.
Good luck,
dave
I have always believed in (and used) the dime shape as opposed to the nickel shape. Based on my own personal experience, the dime shape, or smaller radius with an additional rounding of the edge of the tip results in considerably less deflection, and increases the ability to add spin to the cue ball.
The down side: The smaller radius also makes it VERY difficult to stroke the cue ball without unintentional spin. In my own experience, this makes shots like a long straight stop shot difficult because it's shots like those that are most vulnerable to unintentional spin unless you're in pretty good stroke.
To sum it up, in my own opinion, there really isn't much of a need for the additional spin you may get out of the smaller radius. It's not about trying to get more spin. It's more about making it easier to get the same spin without having to stroke the cue ball so far off center. But once again, remember that if you're not sure of your stroke, you risk putting unintentional spin on the cue ball, which can result in a considerable decrease in your accuracy with straight in and/or thick cuts.
Good luck,
dave
Nickel. No need for anything else.
I'm going to be in the minority here but, I prefer the radius of a quarter with a sharply rounded crown. Of course the shaft that I use is less than 12.5 mm.
I use a dime shape on my playing cue.
I use this because I tried different shapes and liked the dime shape best.
Also I use a Predator shaft and Predator recommends a dime shape for less cue ball deflection (squirt). See following link...
See "SHAPE YOUR TIP" 3/4 way down page...
http://www.predatorcues.com/predator_cues_tech_tips.html
Get dime shape sandpaper tip shaping tool here...
http://www.excel.net/~mniver/
I use this because I tried different shapes and liked the dime shape best.
Also I use a Predator shaft and Predator recommends a dime shape for less cue ball deflection (squirt). See following link...
See "SHAPE YOUR TIP" 3/4 way down page...
http://www.predatorcues.com/predator_cues_tech_tips.html
Get dime shape sandpaper tip shaping tool here...
http://www.excel.net/~mniver/
Fact is, it really doesn't matter if you use a nickel or dime. The vast-majority of your tip-shaping is going to occur while chalking. You need your tip shaped when you get it changed. After that, you should never have to shape your tip again.
Most studies I have read say the dime reduces defection and increases spin (all spin, draw, follow and side). However, you can void out the effects of less defection by using too much side. I have used both but prefer the dime shape because it allows me to stay alittle closer to the center when useing side. Also makes a difference with your shaft size, 13mm,12.25, etc. Thinner the shaft=more spin= less tip touching cueball=more miscues when useing extreme high,low or side english. All that said I know alot of good players useing both shapes. My advice is to try both on the same shaft and useing the same make and hardness of tip. Then pick the one with the most benifits for your game. In my case when I went from a nickel to the dime shape I later changed to a medium hard tip. I had always used hard with nickelshape. You are talking about the only thing on your cue the touches the cueball. Very important choice!
I prefer a radius that's just a little flatter than quarter
Dickle
I'd go with dickle because I have both sized Willard shapers, but go first with the dime, then the nickel to slightly scuff the flattest part of the tip. When it's perfectly round at dime size I noticed it usually doesn't stay too long anyway, but about in between, which is the dickle size, it usually will keep that shape and hits just as good. That's where I'm at, the dickle size.
I'd go with dickle because I have both sized Willard shapers, but go first with the dime, then the nickel to slightly scuff the flattest part of the tip. When it's perfectly round at dime size I noticed it usually doesn't stay too long anyway, but about in between, which is the dickle size, it usually will keep that shape and hits just as good. That's where I'm at, the dickle size.
