MW Cue Tips
Facts
- The cue tip makes all the difference when it comes to a cue’s playability
- It doesn’t matter how good your cue is, it’s useless if the tip is no good
- Put a good tip on a cheap cue, and you’ve got half a chance…
Tips on Tips
You may re-tip your own cue but, like most players, you probably get your cue tipped by the ‘bloke down the club’.
You may not even know what tip you use, but you have more than likely been using an Elkmaster for most of your playing life as these are easily the most popular tips in the U.K., for both Snooker and English Pool. Or if you’re adventurous, you may have used one of the relatively new laminated multi layered tips.
1) BlackSpins
2) SuperTips
3) VelvetSpins
4) HammerHeads
5) Tip Pads
1) BlackSpins
*The Best Playing Hard Tip On The Market!*
Q: What happens if you take the superior feel of a pressed tip and blend it with the consistency of a laminated tip?
A: The BlackSpin Tip
Designed from the ground up to be a firm-hard tip that holds the chalk well and, most important of all, feels and plays right.
Originally consisting of two parts, a black tip permanently bonded to a thin red base, it is now available as an all black version suitable for all ferrule types.
BlackSpins – For those who like a hard wearing tip that actually plays good.
Why?
In recent years there has been a move towards laminated tips by players searching for more consistency and an ability for the tip to hold shape better.
Unfortunately, although these features may be found on laminated tips, the downside is that they are usually way too hard, lack feel/response, tend to break/delaminate, and often cause miscues. I don’t think that’s good, do you?
So, I set out to make a ‘hard’ tip that possesses the consistency of a laminated tip, but the playability of a high quality pressed tip.
How?
Made in the UK from highest quality premium buffalo leather impregnated with natural resins using a unique method designed and developed by myself over the last few years. As far as I am aware, it is unlikely that any other tip manufacturer uses the same method because, like my cue making, nobody told me how to make tips, I had to find out the hard way by trial and error.
Every tip is inspected individually at every stage during this intensive and time consuming process and the MW logo is stamped into the base which, after light sanding preparation, provides an integral key for the glue, and guarantees the tip is genuine and authentic.
Benefits
- Consistency of a laminated tip – Superior feel and response of a solid pressed tip
- Better grip on the cueball – Less chance of miscues
- Embossed base provides a key for glue – Ready to fit with minimum preparation
Specifications
- Pack size = 1 Tip
- Firm-Hard
- 10mm
- 9mm – Coming Soon
Please Note
- BlackSpin Ferrule – A fibre tip pad should be fitted to prevent long term damage to the ferrule.
- See TIP PADS for further information and fitting instructions
2) SuperTips
*Original SuperTip – Best Ever!*
A superior single layer tip that delivers the consistency and crispness of touch necessary for every shot.
SuperTips – The firm, consistent hit preferred by serious players.
Why?
The inconsistency of regular pressed tips like Elkmaster and Blue Diamond led to the development of the MW SuperTip as an ‘ideal’ all round medium/firm playing tip that plays right as soon you fit it. Over the past couple of years, major improvements have been made to the manufacturing process, which is far more complex now and results in a more consistent product.
During this transition, there have been some issues with soft and hard batches but the new ones available in the shop now should be how the original SuperTips were designed to feel – firm and consistent.
They look different and appear hard on the outside but that is merely a form of ‘case hardening’ of the surface and helps make shaping the tip much easier. The leather is exactly the same inside and once roughed up with a bit of sandpaper, these tips are immediately playable and I would go as far as to say better than they ever have been.
How?
Made in the UK from highest quality premium buffalo leather impregnated with natural resins using a unique method designed and developed by myself over the last few years. As far as I am aware, it is unlikely that any other tip manufacturer uses the same method because, like my cue making, nobody told me how to make tips, I had to find out the hard way by trial and error.
Every tip is inspected individually at every stage during this intensive and time consuming process and the MW logo is stamped into the base which, after light sanding preparation, provides an integral key for the glue, and guarantees the tip is genuine and authentic.
Benefits
- Original Formula, perfected and improved – BEST EVER – Satisfaction Guaranteed!
- Hand made in the UK – Every tip is checked for density/hardness for unbeatable consistency
- Unchalked for mess free installation and easy to shape
- Each tip is pre-compressed – Minimises bedding-in period, thus ensuring a great ‘feel’ from the very first shot
- Holds the chalk and ‘bites’ the cueball – Boosts your confidence in every shot and gives maximum side and screwback
Specifications
- Pack size = 1 Tip
- Medium
- 10mm
- 9mm – Coming Soon
Please Note
- BlackSpin Ferrule – A fibre tip pad should be fitted to prevent long term damage to the ferrule.
- See TIP PADS for further information and fitting instructions
3) VelvetSpins
*The best soft tip on the market*
If you prefer a gentler sound and feel on your shots, this is the tip for you.
VelvetSpins – The new standard for those who like a soft hit.
Why?
VelvetSpin tips are the result of the backlash against the ‘hard’ laminated tips that have crept into snooker and pool.
Many players have experimented with these harder tips and discovered they are way too hard, possessing very little feel and often causing unexpected miscues.
They may appear hard on the outside but that is merely a form of ‘case hardening’ of the surface and helps make shaping the tip much easier. Once roughed up with a bit of sandpaper, these tips are immediately playable and will have no harsh sound on contact.
How?
Made in the UK from highest quality premium buffalo leather impregnated with natural resins using a unique method designed and developed by myself over the last few years. As far as I am aware, it is unlikely that any other tip manufacturer uses the same method because, like my cue making, nobody told me how to make tips, I had to find out the hard way by trial and error.
Every tip is inspected individually at every stage during this intensive and time consuming process and the MW logo is stamped into the base which, after light sanding preparation, provides an integral key for the glue, and guarantees the tip is genuine and authentic.
Benefits
- *New* Improved and unique manufacturing process
- Hand made in the UK – Every pack is matched in size and density for unbeatable consistency
- Unchalked for mess free installation and easy to shape
- Outstanding chalk retention – No harsh sounds on contact with the cueball
Specifications
- Pack size = 1 Tip
- Soft-Medium
- 10mm
- 9mm – Coming Soon
Please Note
- BlackSpin Ferrule – A fibre tip pad should be fitted to prevent long term damage to the ferrule.
- See TIP PADS for further information and fitting instructions
4) HammerHeads
***NEW***
*The hardest tip out there!*
Very hard, long lasting, and will not lose shape.
HammerHeads – If Chuck Norris was a tip
Why?
The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown gave me time to develop an idea I have had at the back of my mind for many years – A very hard tip specifically for break shots in Pool, but also capable of holding chalk so it can be used for general Snooker/Pool playing, if you so desire.
To get maximum power for breaking, or just smashing the balls about if you’re that way inclined, you need a tip with minimum elasticity i.e. the harder it is, the less energy is lost when the tip hits the cueball.
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce the new hard man in town…
MW HammerHead Tip – For Break Or Play
Features
- Hard And Fast Power = Maximum Impact Speed
- Holds Chalk – Can be used for general playing
- 100% Natural Leather – No plastic/phenolic or other man made substitutes
- Solid Buffalo Hide – NOT Laminated Pig Leather
Specification
- Pack Size = 1 Tip
- 10.5mm
- Super Hard
Please Note
- BlackSpin Ferrule – A fibre tip pad should be fitted to prevent long term damage to the ferrule.
- See TIP PADS for further information and fitting instructions
5) Tip Pads
*NEW* Laser Engraved Logo For Glue Key
Why?
Tip pads helps protect your ferrule from damage during use and when you replace your tip because they can be easily seen and removed. Unlike stubborn bits of leather which can be difficult to get off without digging into the ferrule surface.
- Brass (or other metal) ferrules – It is not essential but a good addition nevertheless
- BlackSpin ferrules – You can fit any type of tip but it is highly recommended that you use a tip pad to prevent possible damage to the ferrule. Here’s why:
1) During use, a tip compresses and tends to spread out over time. With a brass or other metal ferrule this does not matter as the tip ‘creeps’ outwards from the ferrule. But because tips stick extremely well to BlackSpin ferrule material, this may strain the composite fibres of the ferrule top.
So, if you regularly hit hard on one part of the tip e.g. power screw shots, the tip is constantly trying to ‘drag’ the ferrule top in that one place as it compresses and spreads out. Particularly on smaller ferrules where there is not so much material, there is the potential for this to cause the material to ‘break out’ at that point.
2) If you fit a BlackSpin tip, or any other black or very dark tip, to a BlackSpin ferrule, it can be very difficult to see where the tip ends and the ferrule starts. But using a different colour tip pad helps to see when the tip needs changing, i.e. if the tip is almost down to the pad, it is time to change tips. This prevents the danger of playing on the ferrule material itself which is guaranteed to cause damage.
An added advantage is that the tip pad is much easier to remove cleanly from the top of the ferrule, so there is also much less chance of damaging or mis-shaping the ferrule as you clumsily try to tear the old tip off with that blunt blade you’ve been using…
So, whilst BlackSpin ferrules need extra care when re-tipping regardless, the use of a tip pad will help avoid unnecessary damage.
How To Install A Tip Pad
1) Use cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) – Any superglue is fine but preferably use gel or thick type because it is easier to control.
2) There is no need to sand the pad but lightly dampen the pad first by wetting your fingertip and touching it on the pad. Then blow on it so it is not ‘wet’ to look at. Moisture helps to cure superglue and also ensures there is no dust/dirt on the pad to cause problems with adhesion.
3) Lightly sand the back of the tip to ensure it is dead flat and clean, then dampen the tip base using the same method used in step 2 above.
4) Put the tip pad on a flat surface with a spot of superglue in the middle of the pad.
5) Carefully position the tip centrally on top of the pad and press down with finger pressure for a few seconds. Use enough superglue so that a little comes out all round the sides of the tip to be sure the whole tip is stuck. Do not use too much glue so that it drips over the side of the pad or you may stick it the surface you are working on. Your wife/mother’s favourite table probably…
6) Once stuck, use scissors to trim around the tip. The top edge of the scissors should run against the wall of the tip so it’s easy to guide it round and trim the excess pad off in just a few seconds, leaving the tip pad almost exactly the same size as the tip.
7) Don’t worry if you’re a little bit out here and there, you only need to be close enough so that you can clearly see you are positioning the tip correctly on the ferrule. But if you leave too much on, you may misjudge and stick the tip off to the side slightly, so try to trim it nice and close.
8) Lightly sand the the base of the now padded tip to ensure it is dead flat and clean.
9) If you wish to stick the tip to your ferrule using superglue, dampen the pad again using the same technique described in step 2 above. If you wish to use epoxy or contact adhesive, do not wet the tip.
Benefits
- Protects ferrule from damage
- Laser engraved glue key – Sticks better!
- Sticks better to the tip and ferrule
Specification
- MW Tip Pad – Made in UK
- 13mm diameter – Fits any tip size, simply trim to size as per instructions above
Options
- Red or Green
- Pack of 3
- Pack of 10
IMPORTANT – BlackSpin Ferrules!
- DO NOT attempt to re-tip any BlackSpin ferrule cue before you have watched the video here because tips stick to BlackSpin ferrule material extremely well, and extra care should be taken when removing them in preparation for a new tip.
- Note – It is highly recommended that you use a fibre tip pad when sticking tips to BlackSpin ferrules.
