Well, I sometimes wonder how people don't pay attention to the date of the post they bring up. Like mine you respond to is about 6 months old.
But I always wonder about people making assumptions based on pure guessing. You will certainly agree your advice of trying a couple at a great price addressed to me is pretty ridiculous once you know I buy from Tom in bulk quantities.
The reason I'm looking for some second hand data here is that I noticed a user who ordered lots of Soft tips, so he might be a good source. Here in Russia softs (of any brand) are the least popular tips as generally they don't hold shape well once they face a 10 oz ball hit. That said, particularly UltraSkin Soft is what sells very little here. Before Tom came up with a PRO he mentioned the most selling type for him was Medium. And yes, even pool players here prefer Med to Soft. Bottomline: I don't have enough customers to provide feedback on US Soft.
Next, I have all UltraSkin types installed on various cues for customers to try. But since the cues are different the impression of the hit could be deceiving. I have been using US Medium on my cue, and after I installed a VS for one of the pro players and he was giving praise about the feel and playability I decided to give it a try. You see, I went down from Medium straight to Very Soft. Surprisingly, on my cue VS feels just the same as Med! At the same time VS installed on a pyramid cue really feels like a soft tip like you expect it to be. Bottomline: even if I try UltraSkin Soft on several cues I won't be able to compare it to some of the famous prototypes in the industry (especially provided I have not tried those).
Vahmurka-
No, I didn't notice the date of the post.
My only point was that tip characteristics are subjective. I usually buy at least 2 of anything that sounds promising, install them on a cue and try them out for myself. This costs me some money but I get data I can rely on. I know no better way to get good data than doing my own testing.
I'm sorry if you were offended by my remarks and I apologize. I can tell by your posts that you are working hard for your players and not just "selling" something.
If I like a tip, I buy more and offer customers my evaluation of them to help them choose one to suit their taste.
I had no idea Pyramid balls were so heavy! 10 ounces! I can see why harder tips are popular.
I have found that people who play on bar tables using the heavy cue ball like harder tips and so that's what I usually recommend, if I am asked.
And you're right: different cues often feel better with different tips.
Edit: Tom and I were typing at the same time. I agree with all he has said.
Best regards, Robin Snyder