I’ve played with a fair number of tips over the past few years, my own and other peoples.
Recently a few people I know have gotten a phenolic tip – the kind of material the balls are made out of. These are seriously hard tips, and many people miscue like crazy when trying to use them for their intended purpose – breaking and/or jumping.
I’ve always liked trying out other cues and tips, so I broke with one. Then on a curious whim, I played a game with it. Then about 10 more. I don’t have a great stroke, nor am I a top shelf player. But I can put almost as much english and touch as I can on my own cues.
Why is this?