Does Tip Hardness Affect Cue Ball Spin? | Pool Cues and Billiards Supplies at PoolDawg.com (2024)
Q:Hey Tom! If I hit the cue ball a little bit to the right of the center of the ball, would I get the same result with any tip no matter how hard or soft it may be? I am under the impression that the softer tip would be in contact with the cue ball longer than a hard tip and therefore create more spin. Am I correct in that assumption? My second question would be do you think a harder tip is more forgiving than a softer tip due to the softer tip being on the cue ball longer?
A: There are many myths about Pool cue tips and their performance. Sometimes it takes a bit of physics background for the truth to make sense. I'm not going to go into the physics here, so please accept that my answers are true in that they are backed up by solid science.
The simple answer to your question about whether or not hitting the cue ball a little off-center will produce the same result for all tips is yes, it will produce the same result. The slightly less simple answer to the question is that it produces "pretty much the same result."
If the tips are the same shape and diameter, you will get the same result. A more rounded tip can produce more spin for the same amount of offset. A thicker, stiffer shaft can produce more squirt. But, if the shafts are identical and the tips differ only in hardness, you'll get the same result with both harnesses.
This video shows tip compression for super soft through extra hard pool cue tips at approximately six thousand frames per second. Even with the aid of the SUPER slow-motion playback it is difficult to notice much difference in the amount of time the tip is in contact with the cue ball.
It's true that softer tips feature a longer contact time with the cue ball. Roughly, two thousandths of a second for soft tips at slow speeds, one thousandth of a second for hard tips, and half a thousandth for phenolic (break/jump) tips. You may feel or hear a difference in the hit, but you pretty much get the same amount of action for your one tip of offset in each case.
The harder tip transfers a bit more speed into the cue ball. If the cue ball is traveling faster, there is less time for spin to wear off prior to striking the object ball, so from that perspective, it could appear to have more spin. This is a tiny factor.
We can say that a softer tip is "more forgiving" than the harder tip because softer tips hold chalk better. Miscues are a little more likely with a hard tip, but unless you're hitting way off from the center of the cue ball this should not be an issue. A flatter tip shape could be seen as more forgiving in the sense that a flatter tip hits closer to the center of the cue ball for the same amount of shaft offset. Conversely, a rounder tip produces more action for the same offset. The rounder tip requires more precision from the player, and is therefore less forgiving.
Frank Says:"The most popular tip (by far) that we sell and install right now is the Kamui Clear Black Soft tip. The feedback from that tip hardness feels a bit more firm than a typical soft tip but still hits softer than a medium. It holds both its shape and chalk well!"
Tip hardness doesn't have much affect directly on spin but softer tips hold chalk better which helps to generate cue ball spin. We can say that a softer tip is "more forgiving" than the harder tip because softer tips hold chalk better.
A harder tip has a slightly better hit efficiency (energy transfer) than a softer tip. This will result in slightly more CB speed for a given stroke speed. This can provide a slight advantage for draw shots, where, where slightly more CB speed will retain slightly more backspin on the way to the OB.
Softer tips (Shore A 60-75) offer better grip on the ball, allowing for more backspin and better control on delicate shots. They're also easier to shape and don't get scuffed as much. However, they wear down faster and need more maintenance than harder tips. Medium tips (Shore A 70-80) balance grip and durability well.
Hard tips do not absorb or stay on the cue ball as much at impact as a softer tip would. Because of this, hard tips create less spin and are more liable to miscue when striking the cue ball farther off the center point. They will play more consistently, last longer and require less maintenance.
As the point of contact between the cue and the cue ball, the tip plays a crucial role in your shots' accuracy, spin, and control. Using a worn-down cue tip will negatively affect your game. Cue tips are commonly made from different types of leather - making them prone to dry rot.
Tip hardness doesn't have much affect directly on spin but softer tips hold chalk better which helps to generate cue ball spin. We can say that a softer tip is "more forgiving" than the harder tip because softer tips hold chalk better.
Smaller tips, around 9mm to 9.5mm, are favored by advanced players seeking greater accuracy and control for delicate shots. Larger tips, between 10mm and 10.5mm, are suitable for beginners and intermediates, providing more cue ball contact and spin.
Phenolic tips are among some of the most popular billiard cue tips for breaking as they can transfer the most power to the cue ball and require almost no maintenance.
Elk master 13mm pool billiard cue tips are popular among professionals because they enable them to achieve more spin on the cue ball thanks to their excellent grip on the chalk. Mistakes are therefore uncommon while employing these techniques.
Massé cues will use a leather tip because you still need grip to impart all that spin. A lot of massé cues will have a larger tip (14 mm). Some jump cues will, but most stay around 13 mm.
13mm comes standard on most pool cue shafts. 12.5mm are often started as 13mm tips, then reduced to a smaller size. 11.75 which is found on Predator's Z-Series shafts.
Predator pool cues have been the reference in professional competitions for 30 years. First with the 314 low-deflection shaft, and now with the innovative REVO® carbon fiber shafts.
Owning a premium pool cue is a wise investment for anyone who takes their pool game seriously. Not only does it improve your accuracy and consistency, but it can also provide a more enjoyable playing experience. If you're looking to take your game to the next level, consider investing in a high-quality pool cue.
With a heavier stick you can use your normal, firm stroke and let the weight of the cue do the work of creating more cue ball speed while you concentrate on being accurate. This makes a heavy break cue perfect for players who aren't able to achieve a fast stroke while maintaining accuracy.
A heavier cue will tend to create more CB speed for a given stroke effort. A heavier cue might also be easier for some to keep on line during the stroke, but this is a very individual thing. More weight can also help prevent stroke deceleration.
It directly affects the amount of spin, control, and accuracy a player can achieve during shots. A larger tip provides a broader contact area, which allows for more control and stability, while a smaller tip offers increased precision and spin.
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Frank Says: "The most popular tip (by far) that we sell and install right now is the Kamui Clear Black Soft tip. The feedback from that tip hardness feels a bit more firm than a typical soft tip but still hits softer than a medium. It holds both its shape and chalk well!" 