




Choosing the right cue stick tip can greatly improve your game in billiards or pool. The tip is the only part of your cue that makes contact with the cue ball, so its material, hardness, and size affect every shot you take. A well-chosen tip gives you better control, accuracy, and spin, whether you’re playing casually or joining competitive matches at local billiard halls.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick the best cue tip for your pool cue based on factors like tip type, hardness, and installation style. You’ll also learn the differences between playing tips, break tips, and jump tips, and find answers to common questions from Filipino players.
Quick List - Top Cue Stick Tips

David is a law graduate (LL.B) who has a sharp eye for details and a strong passion for helping others make smarter decisions. Since he joined mybest in 2020, he’s been working on buying guides that make it easier to find the best products—whether they’re everyday essentials or unique finds. Apart from his work at mybest, David has also written for Grotto Network, a digital platform from the University of Notre Dame, and has experience as a special educational needs assistant. These roles have helped him hone his ability to connect with people and make complex topics more relatable and easy to understand. His love for nature and moments of reflection keep him grounded, and this thoughtful perspective shines through in every article he writes for mybest.
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
In choosing the right cue stick tip, there are several things to note. Check our buying guide for the details to look out for in picking the right cue stick tip for your winning hit.
The material of your cue tip affects how it grips the cue ball and how much control you have. Each type offers a different balance of power, spin, and durability.
Leather tips are the most widely used type among both beginners and experienced players because they strike a good balance between control and comfort. The soft texture allows the tip to grip the cue ball effectively, helping you add spin and maintain accuracy in delicate shots.
They also provide a natural, responsive feel that helps you judge how much force to use. If you often play in local billiard halls or participate in friendly matches, leather tips offer dependable performance for different cue actions and shot styles. They wear gradually over time, which means you can easily monitor their condition and reshape them when needed.
Laminated tips are made from several layers of treated leather that are tightly pressed together. This layered construction keeps their shape longer and prevents the outer edges from flaring or “mushrooming” after repeated hits.
Because of their stability, laminated tips maintain consistent contact with the cue ball even after long sessions. They also tend to hold chalk better and require less frequent shaping. These tips are a great choice for players who value precision and want a tip that performs the same way from one game to the next.
Phenolic and other synthetic tips are much harder than leather types and are usually chosen for break or jump cues. Their dense, solid build transfers more energy to the cue ball, allowing you to make strong, clean breaks with less effort.
These tips are less likely to compress or deform under impact, which helps maintain consistent power during heavy shots. However, because of their firmness, they are not ideal for shots that require fine spin control. If your playing style relies on explosive openings or trick shots that lift the ball, phenolic or synthetic tips are a practical option.
Cue tips are often categorized by their purpose, and understanding these types helps you choose one that complements your playing style. Each type offers a different balance of control, spin, and power.
If you use more than one cue, make sure to choose a tip that matches the specific role of each one. Checking product listings carefully will help you get the right mix of control, spin, and strength for every type of shot.
Cue tips come in different hardness levels: soft, medium, and hard. Each type changes how the cue ball reacts and how much control you have during play.
Beginners often find soft or medium tips easier to control since they grip the cue ball better. Experienced players usually prefer hard tips for their stable response and long-lasting performance.
Cue tips come in different diameters, usually between 11 and 14 millimeters. Smaller tips around 11 to 12 millimeters give you greater precision and allow for better spin control, which is ideal for players who focus on accuracy. Larger tips from 13 to 14 millimeters offer a wider surface area, making them more forgiving and better suited for powerful or straight shots.
Before purchasing, check the size of your cue’s ferrule to ensure the tip fits correctly. A well-matched tip maintains balance, improves contact with the cue ball, and helps reduce the chances of mis-hits during play.
Cue tips can either be glued on or screwed on. The right installation type depends on how comfortable you are with changing tips and how often you replace them.
Screw-on tips attach directly to the cue’s ferrule, making them easy to replace without tools or glue. They are commonly found in beginner cue sets or budget-friendly listings. If you play casually or want something simple, screw-on tips are a convenient choice.
Glue-on tips are used by most professional and advanced players. They offer a firmer connection between the tip and cue, resulting in better control and energy transfer. Installation takes a bit more effort but provides excellent long-term stability.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Material | Tip Type | Hardness | Available Sizes | Installation Type | |||||
1 | Kamui Pool Cue Tips | 11-14mm | ![]() | Precision Cue Stick Tips for Enhanced Control | Leather | Playing | Super Soft, Soft, Medium, Hard Medium, Hard | 11, 14 | Glue-On | |
2 | Obres White Ring Cue Tips | ![]() | Durable Threaded Cue Stick Tips for Easy Installation | Leather | Playing | Medium | 9, 12 | Screw-on | |
3 | ProCue Diamond Blue Billiard Cue Tip | ![]() | Uses Pigskin Leather to Enhance Precision Shots | Leather | Playing | Medium Soft, Medium | 14 | Glue-On | |
4 | Taom Pro Pool Cue Tip | ![]() | Comes in Multiple Densities to Fit Your Playing Style | Leather | Playing | Soft, Medium, Hard | 14 | Glue-On | |
5 | Nili 6 Black Layered Tip | ![]() | Has a Laminated Design for Better Chalk Adhesion | Leather | Playing | Medium Soft | 14 | Glue-On | |
6 | Polarmist Billiard Cue Tips | 13mm M Hardness | ![]() | Achieve Balanced Control Using a Medium-Hard Cue Tip | Leather | Playing | Medium | 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 | Glue-On | |
7 | Master Elk Billiard Cue Tip | 13 mm | ![]() | Features Mineral-Tanned Leather for Superior Longevity | Leather | Playing | Soft | 9, 10, 13 | Glue-On | |
8 | Fityle Billiard Pool Cue Tip | ![]() | Enjoy a Better Game With Easy Cue Stick Tip Maintenance | Leather | Playing | Medium | 12, 13.8 | Glue-On | |
9 | Lakexus 1mm Multi-Layer Billiard Cue Tip | ![]() | Boasts Excellent Elasticity for a Soft, Controlled Hit | Leather | Playing | Soft, Medium, Hard | 11 | Glue-On | |
10 | Taurus Sports Life Polystyrene Billiards Cue Tips With Screws | ![]() | Provides Screws for Quick and Secure Cue Installation | Polystyrene | Playing | Hard | 13 | Screw-On | |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the tips for their toughness and consistent control over shots, noting that they hold chalk well for better grip on the cue ball. Many highlight the variety of hardness options, allowing personalized play, though some mention that careful installation is important for best results. Overall, it is valued for enhancing shot precision and durability during play.
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Super Soft, Soft, Medium, Hard Medium, Hard |
| Available Sizes | 11, 14 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Medium |
| Available Sizes | 9, 12 |
| Installation Type | Screw-on |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Medium Soft, Medium |
| Available Sizes | 14 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Soft, Medium, Hard |
| Available Sizes | 14 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Medium Soft |
| Available Sizes | 14 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Medium |
| Available Sizes | 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Soft |
| Available Sizes | 9, 10, 13 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Medium |
| Available Sizes | 12, 13.8 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Leather |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Soft, Medium, Hard |
| Available Sizes | 11 |
| Installation Type | Glue-On |
| Material | Polystyrene |
|---|---|
| Tip Type | Playing |
| Hardness | Hard |
| Available Sizes | 13 |
| Installation Type | Screw-On |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
A cue tip is due for replacement when it looks flat, shiny, or mushroomed. If chalk no longer sticks well or your shots start slipping, it’s time to install a new tip.
Yes, you can. Many players experiment with different tip sizes to find what feels most natural. However, make sure the new size still fits your cue’s ferrule properly. You may need a cue technician to adjust it if the size difference is large.
Keeping your cue tip in good shape helps maintain control and prolong its lifespan. Regular care ensures consistent performance every time you play.
Looking to explore more gear that can improve your game or performance? Check out these guides for tips on choosing and caring for sports accessories.
No. 1: Kamui|Pool Cue Tips | 11-14mm
No. 2: Obres|White Ring Cue Tips
No. 3: ProCue|Diamond Blue Billiard Cue Tip
No. 4: Taom|Pro Pool Cue Tip
No. 5: Nili 6|Black Layered Tip
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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