Actually, I don't really know the differences. The tip is much smaller and the shaft is narrower and the taper seems different. I am just learning snooker, but it seems to be easier for me to pot balls if I shoot very lightly (not that I pot many balls!) and this cue seems to be "made" for that. The journey of learning snooker is interesting. I find it a very difficult game, but I am really liking the game. Some day I will make double digits!