Top Tips?

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ricky9ball

Member
Can anyone tell me what all the fuss is about with these very expensive cue tips? I did read some place that Efren Reyes used Elk Master most of the time? And some of the chalk is pricey, is it worth that much. Just asking, no criticism at all?
 
ricky9ball said:
Can anyone tell me what all the fuss is about with these very expensive cue tips? I did read some place that Efren Reyes used Elk Master most of the time? And some of the chalk is pricey, is it worth that much. Just asking, no criticism at all?
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I see you're new so i'll go easy on you. These topics have been covered TO DEATH here on AZ. If you just do a 'SEARCH' you will find more than you ever thought possible about tips/chalk. The search function will find what you need almost every time.
 
ricky9ball said:
Can anyone tell me what all the fuss is about with these very expensive cue tips? I did read some place that Efren Reyes used Elk Master most of the time? And some of the chalk is pricey, is it worth that much. Just asking, no criticism at all?
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just find what works for you .....
 
Cheap tips elk master, LePro are made from single pressed leather. It's a natural product and can be incredibly inconsistent. I use to change several tips to find the right one. But the right one is usually Golden.

Expensive tips are usually laminated leather using various glues or epoxies. Possibly different types of leather. They can be the most consistent from tip to tip. The Kamui's I've been using are consistent from tip to tip.

As far as chalk. The pool hall I've been going to gives out overused masters chalk. So to get good chalk I have to buy my own. I don't see any playing enhancement with expensive chalk. These chalks are much cleaner and don't leave marks on the balls or tables and you get a few extra shots before need to reapply.

All of this just depends on how deep your pockets are.
 
ricky9ball said:
Can anyone tell me what all the fuss is about with these very expensive cue tips? I did read some place that Efren Reyes used Elk Master most of the time? And some of the chalk is pricey, is it worth that much. Just asking, no criticism at all?
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I remember someone selling Mori tips, back in 80's and was getting $20-25 each, layered pigskin. Other than eyesight, your tip is thee second most important matter to Always have in order. Being aware of your tips changes/needs is important.
 
Triangles, Le pros and also WB tips play just fine. It's just matter of finding a nice one. But Thay are around.
If your hunting triangles. Stay away from the lighter color ones. The darker ones, play the best in my experience. The elks are bit too soft for me.
 
Layered tips can offer much greater consistency. Your tip is arguably the most important aspect of your cue since it is what contacts the cue ball. Go cheap here, and it could be detrimental. As others have stated, the cheaper tips can be fine, but quality can also be very inconsistent.
Chalks are another matter, most chalks are just fine from a performance standpoint, as long as you use them consistently. I do like the new Taom chalk for how clean it is. The main difference for me is cleanliness. I like a chalk that is somewhat abrasive as well, it saves you having to scuff your tip.
I get a kick out of people that cry about spending a little extra for tips or chalk, like it offends them somehow. :ROFLMAO:
 
Sheldon said:
Layered tips can offer much greater consistency. Your tip is arguably the most important aspect of your cue since it is what contacts the cue ball. Go cheap here, and it could be detrimental. As others have stated, the cheaper tips can be fine, but quality can also be very inconsistent.
Chalks are another matter, most chalks are just fine from a performance standpoint, as long as you use them consistently. I do like the new Taom chalk for how clean it is. The main difference for me is cleanliness. I like a chalk that is somewhat abrasive as well, it saves you having to scuff your tip.
I get a kick out of people that cry about spending a little extra for tips or chalk, like it offends them somehow. :ROFLMAO:
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Sheldon,
In your experience being a cuemaker /player, which laminated tip has been the most consistent for you over the years?
The moori mediums are only ones I've gotten on with lately, that were laminated
 
Cue Alchemist said:
Sheldon,
In your experience being a cuemaker /player, which laminated tip has been the most consistent for you over the years?
The moori mediums are only ones I've gotten on with lately, that were laminated
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With so many out there, it's hard to say since I have not tried or installed all that many different types. I can say that I've personally used Kamui for years, and recently am liking the HOW tips.
Kamui is VERY consistent quality, they almost never separate and the layers never get spongy. I've been using HOW tips for about a year, and they are of similar quality. It seems like they don't harden up quite as much or quickly as the Kamuis do, but I haven't really done any real testing to see if that's true.
 
My personal experience is that the layered tips harden up way too fast. Like, within a few weeks. Drives me batty. I'm thinking of going back to LePros and I know this topic has been beaten into oblivion but since a box of 50 is so inconsistent how do people judge a good one from a bad one? Suggestions? I like a softer tip but Elk Masters aren't very tall these days which is something I dislike. I am a picky SOB. Does anyone know of any single-piece tips other than Le-Pro, Elk Master, Triangles etc., that play relatively soft?
 
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The Le pros, in my experience always play harder. Elk master are very soft. That will harden up, but that takes a very long time. If you find a nice one, don't mess with it. it can last years. And the consistency stays the same. I'm not a fan, thay just take too long, to knock in, before you actually see, what you've got.i know you can get, the pro versions now. Don't know what there like.
My favourite is the triangles, I said before. the darker thay look, the better thay play. And thats a medium hard. You can get some soft ones. But stay away from the ones that look very light in color.
Thay are just too inconsistent. Thay are ones, I've in countered the most. I've always had better luck with the darker ones.
 
measureman said:
My opinion is that expensive tips and chalk are a waste of money.
There are layered tips that cost around $7.00 and solid tips for around $1.50 that will work just fine.
And the free masters chalk at most pool rooms also works just fine.
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This is up for debate. Does anyone do analysis on the chemicals? Talc powder is not in use because of hazardous issues.

Price points can vary, there are clear cases where quality matters. Like water quality, there is a threshold. Pool chalk is not regulated.

Working just fine, versus being free trade, carcinogen free, no toxic compounds and no child slave labor, and no political prisoner labor are two completely different interpretations.
 
These are the best.
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Rainbow tips.jpg
 
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