What Are Some Common Cue Shaft Tip Diameters? • Billiards Direct (2024)

FAQs

What is the most common pool cue tip size? ›

Generally speaking most pool players prefer and 8mm to 8.5mm tip for a 1 & 7/8 pool cue ball, and most snooker players prefer a 9.5mm to 10mm tip for a full size 2 1/16 snooker cue ball. American pool uses an even bigger cue ball so the tip sizes are normally between 12.5 mm and 13.5mm.

Available shaft sizes vary by manufacturer, but you can typically find ones with tips between 11.5 and 13mm. Billiard cue tips are usually available in sizes from 12mm to 14mm. In general, a smaller diameter cue tip provides players with a tighter hitting surface and allows for more spin on the ball.

11.75 mm Diameter Shaft Tip:

Some people may have a more well-developed stroke already, which means a 13mm tip may be the best choice for them. Some people may prefer the ability to impart a great deal of English on the ball, which would mean a smaller tip diameter for them.

Medium tips are usually the way to go for most pool players because they offer a combination of cue ball control and consistency.

You shape the tip with a tip scuffer, a file, a piece of sandpaper, and other similar abrasive tools. Most players like their tips rounded with the radius of either a nickel or a dime; a coin can be held next to the tip for reference.

Professionals generally prefer smaller tips, as they provide greater precision for the intricate shots that snooker demands. However, amateur players may opt for a slightly larger tip to enhance control and consistency. In pool, cue tip sizes are usually larger, ranging from 11.5mm to 14mm.

Riley Ronnie O'Sullivan 2 Piece North American Ash Snooker & Pool Cue - 145cm - 9.5mm tip with Soft Cue Case.

If you are looking for the best pool cue tip for english or draw, the Predator Victory billiard tip is the right cue tip for your pool stick.

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.

If you are mostly playing an eight-ball pool game, the stick you would generally use is about 1.39 to 1.44 metres or 55-57 inches. Some manufacturers provide up to 58 inches. Professional players opt for between 56 and 57-inch cues because they believe these are the perfect sizes for the cue ball.

What is the diameter of a standard cue? ›

The tip end of the cue varies in diameter but is typically in the 9 to 14 millimeter range with 12 to 13 mm for pool cues. Snooker cue tips vary from 8 to 11 mm with 9 to 10 mm being the most popular size.

Professionals in Europe, Australia, and the USA watch out for cue tip size, hardness, durability, and consistency in delivering powerful shots. These tips across regions start from 11.9mm, 12mm to 13mm, with varying benefits and advantages. American pro pool cue tips range from 12.5mm-135mm.

A smaller tip will give you more control over spin, but may also cause more miscues. A larger tip will give you less spin control, but a more powerful, consistent shot. With American cues, the standard size is usually around 12 or 13mm. With British cues, the standard size is around 8 or 9mm.

Tips shaped to a dime have a smaller contact point with the cueball, so in theory they can create more spin, but the smaller “sweet spot” can be slightly less forgiving. I prefer a nickel shape, personally, because I find that a nickel is more forgiving and versatile.

As a rule of thumb to find your ideal cue size; stand up straight and measure the distance from the floor to your shoulder and you won't go far wrong! Tip size: Most 8-Ball Pool players opt for a tip size of 8.5-9.5mm.