Need Advice Regarding Tip Size / Diameter

E

Eric M.

Member
I'd consider myself an advanced beginner. My first cue, that came with the table, was 12.4 mm. It was not very forgiving. I got a Schmelke butt with a 12.9 mm Rhino shaft and could finally make shots (like playing ping pong with a tennis racket). Now that I'm working on cue ball control, placement, draw, spin, etc., I'm wondering if a smaller tip would be better. I watched the Dr. Dave video regarding tip size and his conclusion was it didn't matter (much) but I've also read many here claim pool can't always be reduced to science and math (aka Dr. Dave). I realize a smaller tip will result in a learning curve that will send me backwards a bit, but am curious if it may be a better choice in the long run.

What size tip do some of you more experienced players use and does it result in better cue ball control? OR, is Dr. Dave right, just stick with what I'm using?

Thanks,
Eric M.
 
Stick with what you've got, if it feels comfortable to you, until it limits you in whatever shots you
may need to use (which will probably be never). JMHO Good luck, and keep practicing and having
fun!

td
 
grindz said:
Stick with what you've got, if it feels comfortable to you, until it limits you in whatever shots you
may need to use (which will probably be never). JMHO Good luck, and keep practicing and having
fun!

td
Click to expand...
Thanks Grindz. The set up I have does feel comfortable. Of course, I have very little to compare it to and it can get expensive trying new set ups. (I have learned I like CF over Maple). Out of curiosity, what size tip do you play with?
 
The only real advantage of a smaller tip is that you might see more accurately where it contacts the CB. Tip size doesn't affect actual tip/ball accuracy or "forgiveness", although it's easy to think so.

If two tips are shaped to about the same curvature, they play almost identically regardless of width.

pj <- shoulda waited for Gar to get a bet
chgo
 
Last edited:
Eric M. said:
Thanks Grindz. The set up I have does feel comfortable. Of course, I have very little to compare it to and it can get expensive trying new set ups. (I have learned I like CF over Maple). Out of curiosity, what size tip do you play with?
Click to expand...
I've played with multiple sizes over the years (decades) from sub 11 mm to over 13 mm. Everything has its' pro's
and cons. Certain games may advantage one size slightly over another.... but I doubt few under an advanced
intermediate would appreciate the difference. JMHO

td
 
Eric M. said:
.... What size tip do some of you more experienced players use and does it result in better cue ball control? ....
Click to expand...
I think that the diameter of the tip is far less important than the cue ball defection (or "squirt") characteristics of your cue stick. This is especially true if you are just learning how to use side spin.
 
Bob Jewett said:
I think that the diameter of the tip is far less important than the cue ball defection (or "squirt") characteristics of your cue stick. This is especially true if you are just learning how to use side spin.
Click to expand...
The characteristics of my cue stick is still something I'm learning. I don't think I'm good enough to realize (or feel) the advantages of a CF shaft.
Cue ball defection (or "squirt") is something I don't even understand yet. I've seen videos but at this point, it's a bit overwhelming. One thing at a time.
 
Eric M. said:
The characteristics of my cue stick is still something I'm learning. I don't think I'm good enough to realize (or feel) the advantages of a CF shaft.
Cue ball defection (or "squirt") is something I don't even understand yet. I've seen videos but at this point, it's a bit overwhelming. One thing at a time.
Click to expand...
Then I think you should just continue to play with what you have until you have a solid personal preference.
 
Bob Jewett said:
Then I think you should just continue to play with what you have until you have a solid personal preference.
Click to expand...
I agree with Bob, and would only add that you might try both curvatures--nickel vs. dime--and see if you feel different about them. I used to prefer nickel, but now shape to dime-radius. I *feel* like I get more contact on shots when using large tip-offset, but it's likely psychological.
 
It sounds like Dr. Dave may have been right. I'm probably going to stick with what I have. But still ...... I'm curious what size you all are using!

Thanks,

Eric M.
 
I've found smaller shafts to be less forgiving when it comes to accuracy

Most beginners should stay in the 12.75-13mm size
Advanced to Pros 12.25-12.5mm size

I can't understand why someone would want sub 12, but everyone has their prefrences.

Overall i would say choose what feels comfortable to you.
 
Eric M. said:
I'd consider myself an advanced beginner. My first cue, that came with the table, was 12.4 mm. It was not very forgiving. I got a Schmelke butt with a 12.9 mm Rhino shaft and could finally make shots (like playing ping pong with a tennis racket). Now that I'm working on cue ball control, placement, draw, spin, etc., I'm wondering if a smaller tip would be better. I watched the Dr. Dave video regarding tip size and his conclusion was it didn't matter (much) but I've also read many here claim pool can't always be reduced to science and math (aka Dr. Dave). I realize a smaller tip will result in a learning curve that will send me backwards a bit, but am curious if it may be a better choice in the long run.

What size tip do some of you more experienced players use and does it result in better cue ball control? OR, is Dr. Dave right, just stick with what I'm using?

Thanks,
Eric M.
Click to expand...
You are allowed to have and use different sizes.

Maybe 12.5 feels good one day, 11.8 another.

There's a lot of sizes out there- stock up!
 
I have shot with 11mm to 13mm shafts. I usually use from twelve and a quarter to twelve and three quarter. When out of stroke I play better with a thicker shaft. In stroke the shafts get smaller.

A lot depends on your playing style. I tend to shoot softly. A skinny shaft suits that style. Shooting hard the size of the shaft needs to be a little larger. For pool and typical playing styles you are in the right area now I believe, anywhere from twelve to thirteen.

Hu
 
Black-Balled said:
You are allowed to have and use different sizes.

Maybe 12.5 feels good one day, 11.8 another.

There's a lot of sizes out there- stock up!
Click to expand...
Screenshot_20230225-191051.jpg
 
Zerksies said:
I've found smaller shafts to be less forgiving when it comes to accuracy
Click to expand...
I don’t know why that would be…? Two shafts with different widths but the same tip shape (curvature) act like the same tip - unless you’re hitting right on the wider tip’s edge (which could be past the smaller tip’s edge).

pj
chgo
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top