• Standard Shore A Durometer
• 1Kg (2.2 lbs) of pressure
• Average of three tip measurements
• 0-100mm scale

We’ve logged our results on our handy new ultimate pool cue tip guide, but in case you don’t feel like clicking the link, here’s what we’ve got so far.  Keep in mind that our results might vary from others.  These are specific to the Shore A Durometer, so if you test with a different Shore scale durometer (I believe there are 12 different Shore scales), you might see different results.

Once we get the Scorpion tips back in stock, we’ll add them to the tip guide, along with any new tips that we’re planning on carrying (I know there are at least a few more brands that we should have for this fall).

For example, a Moori soft tip has a “density rating” of 63.8 whereas a Kamui medium tip rates at 74.2.  What isn’t clear is what is being used to measure the density.  So, we re going to see what we can do to take some of the mystery out of these ratings.

We’re in the process of ordering some equipment to help measure the density of all the tips that we sell.  In the meantime, feel free to check out our new cue tip guide (which we’ll be adding to and updating as we get more information).  The current guide includes density measurements that have been commonly reported, but over the coming weeks we’ll be updating this chart to show our own measurements.

To find out, I went to the least reliable of online sources, Wikipedia.  Apparently Kamui is derived from Kami, the Japanese word for spirit or spiritual essence in the Shinto religion.  So are they trying to say that the tips have some sort of spiritual essence in them?  Probably not, but they are pretty cool regardless (not to mention its fun to say Kamui).  At any rate, here are the details on Kamui tips:

Kamui II Originals	The original Kamui II pool cue tips feature 10 layers of 100% genuine pigskin leather.  Each layer is carefully laminated creating uniform quality and performance and providing the player with a tip that grips chalk like no other.  Available in Soft, Medium Soft, Medium and Hard.
Kamui II Black	The new Kamui II Black tips use the same unique production process and the original Kamui II tips, giving the tip high porosity and exceptional chalk grip.  According to the company, the pigskin leather is tanned with a special moisture proof tannin, giving it the coveted black color without changing the tip’s porosity.   Available in Super Soft, Soft, Medium and Hard.

To show you that I’m not just repurposing an email I sent out this morning, I’ve got a little additional info about Kamui tips that wasn’t in the newsletter.

Kamui Tips Density (according to the manufacturer):
Soft: 69.9
Medium Soft:71.3
Medium:75.0
Hard:81.9

Now if Kamui tips aren’t your thing, keep in mind that we’ve got lots of other tips to choose from, ranging from the industry standard Le Pro and Triangle to the high end Tiger, Talisman and Moori tips.  Just check out our entire cue tips selection and choose the tip that works for you.

My issues aside, there are still lots of people who can replace their pool cue tips without any problems.  Since I’m not one of those people though, I decided to ask the guys over at Tiger how one would go about replacing a tip.  Here’s what they sent me:

“We strongly recommend you have a professional cuesmith install your laminated cue tip. If you choose to do so yourself, roughen the back (glue side, it is stamped with an embossed initial or black if a Sniper) side of the cue tip with sandpaper, apply a drop of Insta-Cure+® (or other CA type glue) to the sanded side and rub the tip (glue side) on the sanded and cleaned ferrule to spread the glue, center the tip on the ferrule and let it set for 15 seconds. Moisten the sides of the tip and trim to fit with a single edge blade (be careful!!!). Then shape the tip to your preference and your tip is ready to be played with. Enjoy!”

I swear someday I’m going to try this, although I’ll have to keep the paramedics close by since I’ll probably end up hacking off body parts in the process.