Unless you’re an experienced snooker player, you might not have considered the importance of snooker cue tips and the impact it can have on your performance. In snooker, cue tips are very important and if you’re willing to spend money on the best snooker cues, then you should be willing to complement this with the best snooker cue tips.
The cue tips are located on the end of the snooker cues and are what make contact with the cue ball when you make a shot. Your cue tip option is going to determine how well you connect with the cue ball and the cue ball control that you have.
Here at Snooker Journal, we’ve created the best snooker cue tips buyers guide so you can improve your snooker game for consistent cue performance. We will look through the different types of cue tips and the best tips on the market.
Top 5 Snooker Cue Tips – Best Cue Tip Options
| # | Snooker Cue Tip | Buy Here |
| 1 | Udewo 20 Pieces Cue Tips | Best Seller |
| 2 | Elk Master Tips | Reputable Brand |
| 3 | CUESOUL English Pool Cue Tip Pigskin Cue Tips | Great Option For Beginners |
| 4 | KAMUI Snooker Original Laminated Billiard Cue Tip | Great For Pros |
| 5 | KAMUI Black Laminated Pool Billiard CUE TIP | Premium Snooker Tips |
Udewo 20 Pieces Cue Tips, 10mm Pool Tips Snooker Tips Blue Diamond Snooker Cue Tips Leather Pool Cue Tips Billiard Tips Snooker Cue Replacement Tips Pool Stick Tips for Pool Cues and Snooker
Udewo cue tips are one of our top recommendations based on customer feedback. Although they might not be a brand that the professional players use, they are highly recommended for players that want to play for fun or for beginners.
These cue tips are hard leather tips, they are premium and durable. Not only that but they are extremely cost effective.
Like most recommended pool cue and snooker cue tips, they have a diameter of 10mm. In this particular package, you get 20 tips in total and they are very easily replaceable.
The cue tips are very easy to apply and to remove old ones, should you get scuffs on them. You can sandpaper the old tips and stick on the new one with super glue.
Elk Master Tips
Elkmaster are a well respected snooker cue tips brand. You can purchase 10 in a pack and they are 10mm in diameter. These are very good quality and useful for players looking for accurate contact but with a tight budget.
The reviews and ratings of these are excellent. At such a fair price they really are a no brainer.
You will have to stick these tips on yourself, they don’t screw in. They come in a clear packet and you can use Gorilla glue to secure the cue tip on. This option is great for added cue ball control.
CUESOUL English Pool Cue Tip Pigskin Cue Tips
CUESOUL are a brand that we are all too familiar with. You can see many of their cues on our lists for beginners, for best snooker cues under £100 and just the general best snooker cues.
These tips are great for the advanced player, intermediate players and also beginners.
They are made from Japan Pigskin and have a total of 6 layers. All of the layers are of course pigskin and come with a moisture proof tanning process which makes the tip appearance black and strong against humidity.
These are great for the typical pool player too. Colour doesn’t really make too much difference, it is more down to personal preference. But we believe that these tips had to make it into our best cue tips list.
KAMUI Snooker Original Laminated Billiard Cue Tip
This is a more expensive cue tip option. The Kamui cue tip is used by most snooker players because of its excellent repeatable performance.
Many professional players admire the accuracy of the Kamui tip in comparison to other tips. These tips have been known to allow players to move the cue ball over a longer distance with accurate shooting.
They have excellent reviews. This one in particular is an 11mm.
They are made in Japan and you can choose upon ordering, whether you would like a hard tip or a medium tip. These tips are used by pro players such as John Higgins and Stephen Maguire.
KAMUI Black Laminated Pool Billiard CUE TIP
Back again with another expensive cue tips option, but for good reason.
The Kamui black laminated cue tip makes for precise ball control. For all cue sports, this is a great option. This snooker cue tip has high elasticity, which works well when needing more spin and less force.
Choose wisely, as you can select soft cue tips, medium tips, hard tips, or super soft tip for this particular option.
If you want to play like a pro then this is probably your best bet. There are so many options with this brand and they are all quality.
Cue Tip Sizes
In snooker, cue tips come in various sizes, and the choice of tip size can significantly impact your playing style and performance. The most common cue tip sizes for snooker cues are measured in millimetres (mm) and generally range from 8mm to 10mm. Here’s a breakdown of the different cue tip sizes and their characteristics:
- 8mm Cue Tips: Smaller cue tips, such as 8mm, are typically used by players who prefer more precision and control over the cue ball. With a smaller contact area, these tips allow for more precise shots and are favoured by players who focus on intricate positional play. They require precise aiming and can be challenging for players who are not yet accustomed to using a smaller tip.
- 8.5mm Cue Tips: Slightly larger than 8mm tips, 8.5mm tips strike a balance between precision and spin. They offer a bit more cue ball control than the smallest tips, making them a popular choice among players who want to improve their finesse without sacrificing too much spin potential.
- 9mm Cue Tips: 9mm cue tips are the most common size for snooker cues. They strike a good balance between control and spin. Many snooker players, especially intermediate players, prefer 9mm tips for their versatility and ease of use. They provide enough surface area for effective spin and cue ball control.
- 9.5mm Cue Tips: Larger than the standard 9mm tips, 9.5mm tips offer more cue ball control and power while sacrificing a bit of precision. Players who like to put more force into their shots and generate additional spin often prefer these larger tips.
- 10mm Cue Tips: The largest of the common snooker cue tip sizes, 10mm tips are popular among players who enjoy playing with power and spin. These tips offer a larger contact area, making it easier to apply spin to the cue ball with less effort. However, they might sacrifice some finesse and delicate control.
Types of Snooker Cue Tips
Leather Tips
Leather tips are the most traditional and widely used type of cue tip. They are typically made from layers of treated and compressed leather. The number of layers can vary, with soft tips having more layers and harder tips having fewer layers. Leather tips provide excellent ball control and are favoured by many snooker players for their responsiveness and feel.
Layered Tips
Layered tips are made by bonding together multiple thin layers of high-quality leather or other materials. The layering process allows manufacturers to control hardness and consistency more precisely. Layered tips often provide more consistent play and have become popular among serious snooker players.
Phenolic Tips
Phenolic tips are made from a synthetic resin material. They are extremely hard and durable, providing exceptional power and minimal deformation on impact. Phenolic tips are often used for breaking cues because of their ability to transfer maximum energy to the cue ball. However, they can be challenging to control for finesse shots due to their hardness.
Composite Tips
Composite tips are a mix of materials, usually containing a combination of leather and other substances like phenolic or carbon fibre. These tips aim to combine the best attributes of different materials, offering enhanced control, spin, and durability.
Soft Tips
Soft tips have a softer surface, allowing for more grip on the cue ball. They are ideal for players who focus on spin shots and finesse. However, they may require more frequent reshaping and replacement due to wear.
Medium Tips
Medium tips strike a balance between control and power. They provide a good compromise for players who want a versatile tip suitable for various shot types.
Hard Tips
Hard tips are more durable and maintain their shape longer, making them ideal for players who break with their playing cue or prefer a more consistent feel shot after shot.
Extra-Hard Tips
These tips are among the hardest available and are mostly used for breaking or powerful shots, as they can generate significant force on the cue ball.
Gel Tips
Gel tips are a relatively new type of cue tip that combines leather with a gel-like material. They are designed to provide exceptional control and feedback while reducing miscues.
How Can You Shape A Snooker Cue Tip?
Shaping a snooker cue tip is an essential skill for players who want to maintain optimal cue performance. The cue tip’s shape directly influences the way it interacts with the cue ball, affecting the spin, control, and accuracy of your shots. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shape a snooker cue tip:
Tools Required:
- Cue tip shaper/scuffer
- Fine sandpaper (optional)
- Cue tip clamp (optional)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Remove the Old Tip (if necessary): If your cue tip is worn out or damaged, you’ll need to remove the old tip before proceeding. Use a sharp knife or a tip tool to carefully cut away the old tip. Be cautious not to damage the ferrule (the white part between the tip and shaft).
- Rough Shaping: Once the old tip is removed (or if you’re working on a new cue), start by using a cue tip shaper or scuffer to roughly shape the tip to your desired diameter. Most cue tips are rounded, and the typical shape is a nickel or a dime radius. This step removes excess material and prepares the tip for fine shaping.
- Fine Shaping: For more precise shaping, you can use fine sandpaper. Fold the sandpaper and lightly rotate it around the tip’s edges to smooth out any rough areas and refine the tip’s shape.
- Check for Evenness: After shaping, check the cue tip’s surface for evenness and symmetry from different angles. You don’t want any high or low spots, as they can affect your shots.
- Domed or Flat Tip: Decide whether you prefer a domed or flat cue tip. A domed tip is slightly rounded, while a flat tip is more level. Many players prefer a domed tip as it provides more surface area to contact the cue ball.
- Tip Hardness: The hardness of the tip can also affect your shots. Softer tips provide more spin and grip on the cue ball but require more frequent reshaping. Harder tips last longer but may require more force to apply spin. Choose a tip hardness that suits your playing style.
- Optional: Use a Cue Tip Clamp: If you have a cue tip clamp, you can place it over the tip to maintain its shape while it dries after gluing. This ensures that the tip maintains the desired curvature during the gluing process.
- Apply Cue Tip Glue: Once you’re satisfied with the shape, apply a layer of cue tip glue on the bottom of the tip and the top of the ferrule. Press the tip firmly onto the ferrule, making sure it is centered and aligned correctly.
- Final Check: After the glue dries (follow the manufacturer’s instructions), give the cue tip one final check for evenness and adjust if necessary.
Remember, shaping a snooker cue tip takes practice and patience. If you’re unsure about the process, it’s best to seek guidance from a knowledgeable cue technician or experienced player. Additionally, different players may have specific preferences for cue tip shape and hardness, so feel free to experiment to find what works best for your game.
Best Snooker Cue Tips Conclusion
Best Cue Tip FAQs
What Are The Professional Cue Tips brands?
Here are some professional cue tips options: Kamui, Talisman, Moori, Predator Victory, Elk Master, G2, Zan, Wizard.
What Is The Ideal Hardness For Snooker Cue Tips?
The ideal hardness of a snooker cue tip largely depends on individual playing styles and preferences. Some players prefer softer tips for better spin and grip on the cue ball, while others opt for harder tips for improved durability and consistency. It’s essential to try different tip hardness levels to find the one that complements your game best.
How Often Should I Replace My Snooker Cue Tips?
The frequency of cue tip replacement depends on factors such as playing frequency, cue maintenance, and the type of tip used. On average, players may replace their cue tips every few months to a year. However, if you notice excessive wear, loss of shape, or reduced cue ball control, it’s a good indication that it’s time for a new tip.