What weight pool cue should I choose?

Most players find 19-20 oz ideal for all-around play. Heavier cues (20-21 oz) provide more power for breaking, while lighter cues (18-19 oz) offer more finesse and control. Beginners should start with 19-20 oz as it provides good balance between power and accuracy.

What is low deflection in pool cues and is it worth it?

Low deflection (LD) refers to how much the cue ball squirts sideways when you apply english (sidespin). LD shafts have reduced tip-end mass, causing less cue ball deflection and making aiming more intuitive. They are worth it for players who use a lot of english or are struggling with accuracy on spin shots.

How much should I spend on my first quality pool cue?

For your first quality cue, $150-300 provides excellent options that will last years and support your development. Cues in this range feature straight maple shafts, quality tips, and reliable construction from brands like Action, Athena, and entry-level McDermott.

What tip size is best - 11mm, 12mm, or 13mm?

Standard tips are 12.75-13mm, which are forgiving and great for beginners. Smaller tips (11-12mm) allow more precise cue ball contact and spin generation but require more accuracy. For general play and learning fundamentals, stick with 12.75-13mm until you develop preferences through experience.

Carbon fiber shaft vs wood - which is better?

Carbon fiber shafts never warp, provide consistent hit regardless of humidity, and offer maximum low-deflection. Wood shafts provide traditional feel and feedback many players prefer. Carbon fiber typically costs $500-1500 for the shaft alone. For most recreational players, quality wood shafts perform excellently.

What brands make the best pool cues?

Premium American brands include Predator (low-deflection technology leader), McDermott (Wisconsin craftsmanship, lifetime warranty), and Jacoby (handcrafted customs). Mid-range value leaders include Cuetec, Viking, and Lucasi. Budget-friendly options from Action and Players serve recreational players well.

How do I know if a pool cue shaft is warped?

Roll the cue on a pool table or flat surface - a straight shaft rolls smoothly while a warped one wobbles. Also sight down the shaft like a rifle, rotating it to check for curves. To prevent warping: store cues vertically in a case, avoid car trunks and temperature extremes, and never lean cues against walls.

Do I need separate break and playing cues?

For serious players, yes. Break shots stress equipment significantly - the repeated hard impacts can damage playing cue tips, joints, and even warp shafts over time. Dedicated break cues feature reinforced construction, phenolic tips, and heavier weight optimized for powerful breaks.

What is the difference between 1-piece and 2-piece cues?

Two-piece cues disconnect at the joint (mid-cue) for easy transport and storage in cases. One-piece cues do not come apart. Two-piece is standard for serious players - the joint does not affect playability when properly manufactured. One-piece cues are typically inexpensive house cues.

How often should I replace my cue tip?

Replace tips when they are worn down to 1/8 inch height, become mushroomed (wider than ferrule), harden significantly, or will not hold chalk properly. Typical replacement frequency is every 6-12 months for regular players. Proper tip maintenance (shaping, scuffing, chalking correctly) extends tip life significantly.

HOW QTHOWT Titan Cue Tip

This pool cue offers quality construction for discerning players. This playing cue delivers the quality and performance Unknown is known for.

Weight	0.5 lbs
Brand	How
Made in	Japan
Size	More Power, More Spin, More Grip
Layers	14mm 9 layer Japanese pigskin and energy pad
Tip Softness	HARD, MEDIUM, SOFT

27 reviews for HOW QTHOWT Titan Cue Tip

Rated 5 out of 5

Mary D. – custom

How Titan Tip

From my perspective, my favorite tip that I’ve always used is a kamui black soft tip. I just tried out the how titan and it has a way better hit. Not only thay but the english you can get is just as much if not more than kamui black soft. I strongly endorse using this tip, as I will only be using this playing tip from now on Would buy again.
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex P. – custom

Great service!!

From my perspective, received very quickly! Tip looks superb! Just need to get it installed now!!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve H. – custom

Fantastic tip…loving it!

Wonderful tip…loving it!
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim T. – custom

One of the best tips ever

I’ve tried many of the popular tips out there but “How” tips consistently rank as my favorite. This time I wanted to try a hard tip on my playing pool cue and so far I’m liking it. Definitely recommend.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen J. – custom

How Titan soft tip

I must admit, play with a 12.4 revo. How Titan tip feel softer and gripper than Predator Victory soft. Durability is still TBD. Playability is outstanding.
Rated 5 out of 5

John P. – custom

Amazing tip

To be frank, awesome tip
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom M. – custom

How tips

Excellent tip ,moves the ball like it knows where I want it to go. Follow , side or draw How tips do it all!!
Rated 5 out of 5

Ann L. – custom

Wonderful Tip

I had one of these put on a few months ago. It’s amazing and really feels like a super soft though I ordered a soft. I can get tons of action with it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jen R. – custom

Great tip

To be frank, great tip
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim H. – custom

HOW titan tip

In my experience, this tip is amazing still getting a nice shape on it but already holding up strong and shoots really nice!
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate B. – custom

How Titan Tips

Without a doubt, this is the second time I have ordered the How tips from PoolDawg. First tip was the How black hard tip. Great tip. Played really nicely. Decided to order the How Titan hard because I was told they played a touch softer. Jury is still out. I’ll let you know on a follow up review what my final thoughts are.
Rated 5 out of 5

Beth G. – custom

Titum

I like it . Wanted try something different .
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick M. – custom

How Titanic Tips

These tips are the best. The hard plays like a Medium Hard and gives you excellent control of the cue stick ball. And Pool Dawgs website makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. I would vouch for them for your billiard needs and How is the brand to beat in my opinion when it comes to tips.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse E. – custom

So far, most consistent tip

So far, most consistent tip I’ve ever used, A+ purchase.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse L. – custom

Wonderful tip

Fantastic feel good control on pool cue ball
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom S. – custom

How Titanic Soft

Without a doubt, i use a Revo 11. 8 mm and a similar size LD wood shaft. I put a Titan soft. Having tried Kamui, Moori, Tiger, How, Elk Master and a few other brands, after a couple months of shooting frequently I can say I really like this tip. I prefer soft to medium tips, this feels solid on the strike, spins easy, holds its shape real effectively, it’s real similar too the Moori soft, but the Moori soft I have had trouble with the layers delaminating. I read a lot of reviews and most don’t give enough info, I hope this review helps, as always Pooldawg is stellar.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jordan H. – custom

How Titan Tip

Without a doubt, extremely pleased with PoolDawg! Tip came extremely rapid and the website is very effortless to use. The tip is stellar, quite decent build quality and plays excellent. +1 star for sending a sticker as nicely!
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen L. – custom

Stick tip

To be frank, great service. The purchase works great. Straightforward to use and straightforward to install. Highly recommend to beginners.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary J. – custom

How Titan Tip

Honestly, excellent craftsmanship tip , but it would wanna be at this price, is it priced right it ? I’m not convinced so many tips half the price just as solid , but i can’t complain about the performance its superb . Ill edit after a couple of months of play
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick N. – custom

Delivered on time it’s a

Delivered on time it’s a good tip. I really like it. I haven’t got that much use of it yet but see if you’re working great
Rated 5 out of 5

Jesse P. – custom

Its different then the kamui

Its different then the kamui tip that I was use to. But ultimately the tip is a lot nicer.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve D. – custom

HOW Titan cue tip

I have used ElkMaster tips for 66 years. Ordered the HOW Titan tip on a whim after I saw that Van Boening uses it. Have practiced a little and played 1 night of Leage Pool with it. Based on really brief usage I really like it, gives great ball control and fantastic english control! I install tips for other players and will recomend this tip.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam E. – custom

Really nice construction tip that

very nice quality tip that feels robust on the strike and offers plenty of grab to the stick ball. Order was flawless as usual by PoolDawg. I think PoolDawg is the go-to for any poll hall junkie looking for the best gear and best service.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike W. – custom

Solid tip

Without a doubt, you can feel the quality is good Very pleased.
Rated 5 out of 5

Taylor K. – custom

How titan medium

Still kinda in discovery mode i went from a super soft off brand kamui to this and my first how tip I’ve used a medium tan kamui for a few years now on my joss it still plays well i put the how on my dale perry
Rated 5 out of 5

Amy J. – custom

I tried the How tip

I tried the How tip for the first time. I bought 2 medium after trying my friend’s cue stick. I liked the feel of the hit and was able to spin the cueball around the table effortlessly. Glad I bought a second for another stick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom A. – custom

Effortless choice

Quality tip for any level of player. Fast shipping and reasonable pricing thru out the website. . . . Thank You