A harder tip has a slightly better hit efficiency (energy transfer) than a softer tip. This will result in slightly more CB speed for a given stroke speed. This can provide a slight advantage for draw shots, where, where slightly more CB speed will retain slightly more backspin on the way to the OB.

Should pool cue tips be hard or soft?

If you're the type of player that likes to work the cue ball around the pool table, then a soft tip is what you should play with. Unfortunately, though, softer tips tend to "mushroom" and need maintenance more frequently. Medium Hard Tips - are the most commonly used type of cue tip.

What type of cue tip is best?

Phenolic tips are among some of the most popular billiard cue tips for breaking as they can transfer the most power to the cue ball and require almost no maintenance.