The Best Cue Tips for Draw (Backspin)
There’s nothing that sucks more than playing with an old, worn out pool cue tip that just can’t make the cue ball go anywhere!
To achieve a high degree of cue ball english, or spin, you need to be focusing on premium cue tips, and understanding what creates the spin in the first place.
That being said, creating tons of spin doesn’t always help you win games, but it will help you position the cue ball where you want on the pool table when you need it.
What Creates Cue Ball Spin?
Cue ball spin is generated when you hit off-center shots on the cue ball. This can be intentional or unintentional. Many players can control the spin they apply to the cue ball, so they need to rely on their cue tip to do what they expect during a shot.
Players needing to generate more english should usually be looking for softer pool cue tips. A softer tip maintains contact with the cue ball longer than a medium or hard tip will. The longer the tip grips the cue ball, the longer the spinning force will be applied.
Players that are used to very hard tips will likely be most comfortable stepping down to a medium tip for increased spin. Players that are used to a medium tip can move down to a soft tip to get more spin.
For the purposes of this article, we will be sharing some of the softest tips available since they will create the most draw spin on a cue ball.
5 Best Pool Cue Tips for Draw Spin
1. Kamui Black Super Soft (12 to 14mm)
The Kamui black has superior elasticity, and the super soft line is perfect for anybody needing to send the cue ball anywhere on the table. This tip ranks 3rd in softness across all tips with a rating of 67.5 (0 to 100 hardness scale).
Kamui has a better reputation than either tip that ranks above it, which is why we are recommending it.
2. Elk Master Cue Tips (13 mm)
You can buy Elk Master tips in a variety of packages – 1 tip, 3 tips, 10 tips, or 12 tips. It’s always good to have some backups in case a tip gets too mushroomed or pops off.
Elk Master tips are made of premium tanned leather, which will help the tip maintain shape even after wear and tear. These tips are blue in color, and are 66.8 on the hardness scale – just a bit softer than Kamui super soft.
3. Kamui Original Super Soft (12 to 14 mm)
The Kamui original super soft comes in at 69.2 on the hardness meter – just a bit harder than the black version. This is because the original tip is designed with less elasticity than the black tip.
As with all other Kamui tips, this option features specially treated leather to maintain its durability.
4. Aramith Soft Laminated Cue Tip (13 or 14 mm)
From the popular pool ball brand Aramith, these tips are made of 9 layers of specially treated pig skin leather. They hold chalk just as well as any other premium tip out there, and the soft tip rating (72.6) is sure to help you move the cue ball where you need it.
5. Fuji Soft Laminated Cue Tip (14 mm)
Longoni Cues is the exclusive manufacturer of FUJI tips. These tips are made of 12 layers of premium pigskin leather. The softness (74.2 hardness rating), paired with the solid construction, helps create a consistent tip that’s made to last.
Longoni claims they have created the most durable tip available on the market. This tip comes in a tan color, and is sold individually.
Potential Drawbacks of Soft Cue Tips
Soft tips require more maintenance, don’t last as long as harder tips, and can permanently mushroom over time with lots of use. Before buying, players should be aware of these potential issues.
If you only play soft tips, these characteristics likely don’t bother you, but they’re worth being aware of.
Wrap Up
The five soft cue tip options shared here will do a great job of adding more draw to your cue ball when you need it. Soft tips may not be the best option for beginners or some intermediates, but you can certainly progress towards a softer tip.
Once you are confident about the control and consistency of your pool shots, don’t be afraid to try a soft tip. Remember, if you don’t like them, you can always get the tip replaced.
As always, Happy Shooting!
