Just getting back into the game and wanted to know what your preference is for a break/play tip suggestion is. Just got my first cue in 15 years and am curious if there is a great combo tip or if I shou get another shaft/tip combo. Just picked up a cue and 1X2 case in this forum, trying to hold out on a dedicated break cue for the moment.
I've tried a few kinds of layered tips. They were good. I then tried milk duds, which are a tip soaked in milk overnight then pressed in a tip press. To me, milk duds are unbeatable. You can get them in any hardness you want, I prefer hard or medium hard. They have a great hit, hold chalk well, and don't mushroom. I absolutely love the hit on them and the ease and infrequency of maintenance.
I make them myself with a picone tip press. The press costs $35, but I make them for friends that I do tip work for so the cost isn't too bad on the press. My milk duds use an Elkmaster tip, which is 50 cents, and about half a shot glass of milk. These tips, which cost maybe 75 cents to make yourself will perform as well and last as long or longer than a $25 layered tip. I'm not a cheapskate, but why pay more for a tip if it plays no better than a 75 cent tip? You don't need a tip press, but it helps with consistency. You can make them in a bench vise or a c-clamp. Instructions can be found online if you enjoy DIY.
@pooldawg8 is a member who sells them here on AZ. Outsville sells what they call techno duds. There are good layered tips that can be had for much less than $25, but for me nothing beats a dud.
EDIT: Forgot to add, I break and play with my tip. The hard tip I use has no issue with losing shape from breaking. Medium hard also hold their shape. Mediums and softer will slightly flatten if you break hard with them, but not much, and no mushrooming from any of them.
