Leather tip for my Schon CX-60

[markrad]

Hi All;

I'm knew to this forum and require a little help.

In '98 I met a guy called Tony T in Manhattan we played a few games and offered to get me a good cue, the CX-60.

I was playing pool in Jamaica ( Caribbean ). The cue was/ is incredible.
the thing is this I never knew how to shape a leather tip.

We played with a synthetic tip we called the "blue tip". I was a top 3 player winning my fair share of the top tournaments.
I can draw the length of the table, run the table with a reasonable break and fairly well control my masse.

The question is should I change to a leather tip?

The members of this forum talk about dime and nickel shapes. I'm clueless.

Also should I change to a predator shaft. Why fix something that is not broken?

Help.

Thanks in advance.

[Standbykid]

If whatever tip you're using now is working for you, I'd stick with it. If you're using a synthetic tip, you should be able to shape it. The shaft is a personal preference. I don't play w/a Predator shaft, but I know the guys on this site love them. The "nickel" and "dime" shapes we talk about on the forum refers to the shape of the tip, the rounded edge. I prefer a dime shaped tip because I seem to get better english on the cue ball. Hope it helps. Pay close attention to the replies you get. The guys on this forum are as knowledgeable about billiards as they come.

[markrad]

Thanks standbykid;

I'm thinking about buying a replacement Schon shaft.
I've read many of the posts and I'm impressed by the knowledge and general helpfulness of the posters, so I decided to enter a disscussion board for the first time.

I understand the concept of shaft deflection but It does not seem to affect me. Maybe I've been compensating for it over the years.

I still don't quite grasp the nickel and dime shapes.

I'll post a picture of my present tip and, if you have time, let me know if it falls into either category.

I would really like to try a leather tip ( moori ), so I'll probably get a Schon shaft with one.

I'll find out the name of my present tip and let you know what it is.
It really plays well but I suppose a lot of you could not concieve playing with anything but leather.

silver fox

[armymanjon]

If you want to venture with leather tips, I would try a Tiger Sniper ( my personal preference) or a Moori. But I would give each a try, they all play differently and some people prefer ones over another. But what you're using seems to be working, I'd stick with it. Also the shaping of "dime" and "nickel" refer to the radius of the tip. If you were to hold a dime or a nickel to the tip, whichever it is, would match that of the coin. The dime tip has less flat surface, therefore allowing you to more accurately put english on the cueball. Whereas a nickel tip has more flat surface, and you can't put as MUCH english on it, but people not used to a dime shape will miscue less. Once again, this is personal preference, most of us here prefer a dime shape. If you take a look on Seyberts website, there's a variety of shapers from fancy shapers, to sandpaper shapers.

[markrad]

Thanks;

I understand now. My tip is and has always been dime-shaped.

I will take your advice on experimenting with different leather tips but I think I'll keep playing with a Schonn shaft. I'll order another one for experimentation.

Thanks for your help.

Silverfox

[armymanjon]

Alright, no problem, if you ever have any questions or need help feel free to post here whenever.

[markrad]

Will do.

Thanks again. I'll let you know how the leather tip works out.

[nathar]

In your case, I think that sticking with a Schon shaft is probably your best bet. As you said, If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Some people have a hard time changing over to a Predator shaft, and end up reverting back their original shaft. If you are comfrotable with the shaft you are using, then you may not like the time of adjustment that it can take to get used to Predator.(for some people)

As far as leather tips go. Finding a tip that works best for you can be a time consuming process. Unless you just absolutely can't stand a particular tip, you really need to give them some time before you decide you like this one or that one. Remember, just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad. Various tips have various characteristics which can have different effects on your game. Keep an open mind and stay patient. You will find the tip that is for you. 8)

[markrad]

Thanks Nathar;

I'll bear it in mind.

I must add since I moved back to St Kitts ( from Jamaica ) 5 years ago.
I kind of lost interest in pool.
Every month in Ja. I played 8 & 9-ball tournaments against decent players.
It was great camraderie although highly competitive.

Came back to St. Kitts only to find all the great players we had have moved on in one way or another. Also no 9' x 5' tables.
Thankfully, a pool parlour opened up in July with decent tables and I decided to start playing again.

The Jamaicans still tell me when big tournaments are coming up so I'll surprise them soon and turn up to one, hopefully in shape and with a leather tip.

Kudos to Seyberts for having such helpful people on their discussion board.

Silver fox