Solid vs layered tips

I also was a single layer Triangle guy forever. Then the quality and consistency from tip to tip started varying wildly, so I started pressing them to overcome that. Recently even that solution didn’t solve the issue to my satisfaction, so I started looking for a new choice.

After a lot of research and talking to other players I know and respect, I switched recently to a layered Zan Hard. Atlas Billiard Supply is an authorized distributor so I could trust it wasn’t a fake, they’re $23 a pop. So far a month and a half in, I couldn’t be happier, 0 mushrooming, great playability, no glazing. Also per a trusted friend who has been using them for years, he says the consistency from tip to tip is always excellent. So far, so good.
Zan is one of the better ones I've tried. I used the grip hard version and couldn't be happier. But when I went to buy another one they were out of stock everywhere except some guy on Amazon selling them for $75. At that point I went to milk duds and other single layered tips and don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.
 
If you have not tried Nunya tips yet, give them a whirl.
I haven't tried those yet but I almost tried I pay a pro player to endorse my tip so I make alot of money tip, the sticker was too long and wouldn't fit on my case so I didn't get one, what good is it to use the same tip as SVB if everyone at the pool hall doesn't know I'm using the same tip as he is.......
 
every tip glazes
every tip mushrooms, some more than others
some less
no tip holds the same shape it has when installed over any significant amount of time
Bulletproof Recoil tips don't, at least the Hard tips don't, they are a BCA approved synthetic tip, hold shape and chalk great, all you need is a Tip Pik type tool every once in a while, nice option if you've never tried one, I don't want to count how many tips I tried before sticking with these.
 
If you want a consistent, solid tip, these are the way to go. There is something about triangles, when you get one, you like. They play amazing well, i agree too, tips today are way overpriced. Nothing wrong, with staying with what you know works!!

The marketing in the pool world has been certainly evolving. Pretty sure you can buy a $50 tip.
Preditor is the king of marketing.
You can easily get a custom designed cue of your choice from a cuemaker in a collaboration together for less than some production cues offered at any number of billiard web sites. Of course you won't get the instant gratification of having it arrive at your doorstep in a week or so and I'm sure Predator realizes that.

That being said, I'm happy people are spending money on the game. I think interest in pool is growing and that's a good thing. They haven't yet realized that it's a stupid game played by stupid people. Hahahaha
 
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I've used the sniper tip and all you do is put chalk on them.

There are no shaping or scuffing issues.........

Right now I am using a Zan Soft.

I like the softer tip on the ignite CF shaft.......

As long as you chalk every shot, layered tips are fine.........
 
I prefer to use layered tips. I've found that layered tips have been consistent from tip to tip. Solid tips not so much.

I am using Kamui tips and i have never had a glazing issue. People just don't know how to take care of tips
 
I prefer to use layered tips. I've found that layered tips have been consistent from tip to tip. Solid tips not so much.

I am using Kamui tips and i have never had a glazing issue. People just don't know how to take care of tips
Tend to agree on the glazing deal. I've tried all kinds of layered tips and have never had this issue. I use a Gator-style scuffer and all is good.
 
Tips to pool players are like balls to golfers, no one cares what you play with. What is more important is keeping up with the group of players you play and hang with plus how fun you are, haha...
 
I bought a cue with a Sniper tip for my league adventures in 2024. I took one look at that tip and thought to myself, "I can't wait to cut that off and install Triangle tips until I find one I like..." Just like I did in 2007, before I quit playing... After 16-20 hours a week of league/practice/tournament play that Sniper lasted for almost a year. Minimal maintenance, zero mushroom, and great performance for a medium/soft tip.

I would need to install 2-3 solid leather tips minimum, downtime, cost, etc for a year of play...So it would it would cost me $46-$69 vs $40...if I was lucky enough to pay your local prices. 😉
 
I’ve got a tiger sniper. Been on my cue for over 2 years and I had never had to do anything with it. Guys I play with have gone through 2 or 3 tips in that time. Mine still has loads left and I probably play more often than the other guys. What does this mean?
Are the others grinding their tips down somehow or am I very gentle with it. I chalk after every shot but don’t grind it!
Tip tools are a repair person's best friend. Most people don't realize just how abrasive (most) chalk is, and that if they chalk properly and regularly, shaping and scuffing your tip is not going to be necessary. I have a friend who chalks somewhat excessively, and can take a tip down to the ferrule in around 6 months without ever touching a tip tool. I've also seen hard ferrules ground to an hourglass shape with chalk. Most people I see using tip tools are greatly and unnecessarily reducing the life of their tips.
A tool is warranted if you're using a non abrasive chalk like Kamui.
 
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