Do cue tips become compacted with time?

[bluenose1940]

It would seem logical to me that cue tips would become quite compacted over time, there must be a considerable amount of pressure applied to the tip each rime that it is contact with the cue ball.

I am wondering if there is a 'generally accepted' period of time whereby it would be prudent to change the tip, even if it appears Ok in appearance. I am thinking along the lines of, if you play a couple of times a week, would 12 months seem to be 'OK' too long' before it is changed.

Do the pro's change theirs very often or do they leave it until they notice an effect on their game?

At my level of play, i.e. playing for pure enjoyment, I'm not sure that I would notice a difference, at least not until it dropped off whilst playing a shot!!

I wonder if my game might improve if I changed the tip after a shorter period. I liken the sound of a new tip hitting the cue ball as being similar to a car door being shut on a quality car as opposed to that on a Mini van, i.e a dull thud or a very tinny clang.

Thoughts/guidance will be appreciated. Thank you.

[SouthPaw]

With pressed tips like elkmaster and blue diamond... you'd probably notice the tip getting a bit harder when it has worn a lot though it would be minimal, Pro's would go through tips quickly as they could be playing 6+ hours daily, people who maybe play 2 or 3 times a week for a couple of hours could probably make a pressed tip last 6-12 months, and not really notice any different feel on shots played...

[Byrom]

i always use a scuffer - these bow tie cuetec ones are great for shaping up and they have some little pins in them too so they can easily bring your tip back to life in seconds - I believe adr147 sells them on the forum for a tenner or so which is the cheapest by far - a worthy investment - everyone should have one.

This lady here shows how to handle your tool

[jrc750]

... This lady here shows how to handle your tool ...

She handled that shaft very well
I have one of these, great for when i mis-cue, i just stab my MW supertip gently with the spikes and re chalk

[cueman]

Pressed tips like Elks and BD's definitely get harder as they wear down. I find that if you start feeling as though the tip is not producing the normal reaction on screw shots on the cueball then its probably time to change. Too hard and they lose that bite into the cueball that grips the ball and allows the spin to take effect. You can scuff up a tip to help but once the tip is too hard this has little effect.

Its for this reason that I changed to phoenix laminated tips. I find these last at least 3 times as long as pressed tips and they don't really get harder as they wear down.

[damienlch]

i always use a scuffer - these bow tie cuetec ones are great for shaping up and they have some little pins in them too so they can easily bring your tip back to life in seconds - I believe adr147 sells them on the forum for a tenner or so which is the cheapest by far - a worthy investment - everyone should have one.

This lady here shows how to handle your tool

It's got a bit of weight and feels really solid... a nifty tool to have... I got mine from Andrew but lady not included...

[bluenose1940]

Thank you for the 'Tips' chaps, very useful information. I am going to give a different brand a try, to see if my game changes in any way. Any pointers as to the best place to buy from, with a quick turn around from ordering.

A further point on tipping, is it necessary to use a clamp when applying a new tip and, how long should you leave it to 'set' before playing with the new tip?

Thanks again for the help.