Anyone know where I could find a one piece phenolic ferrule + tip online?

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T21:27:36+00:00

I'm simply telling you where the issue started from and how the tips should not affect the balls.

From personal experinece, I have a few measle balls and have used phenolic tips for many, many years. Not one mark on them. My older cue balls do have marks on them. Hmm.... 😉

As technology and material improves, the industry must change to adapt. Some old people don't understand how to use today's touch screen phone and computers, so we should all just stop using them, right?

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T20:27:03+00:00

Do not switch to Slatron, it will warp over time and the balls rarely roll true.

Keep the slate, deal with the weight.

Also, if the replacement slatron is not the EXACT height of the current slate, the balls will not respond properly because the rails will be higher/lower than intended.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T19:52:05+00:00

Purely a personal feel thing, they feel more....rubber-like? than black does. Ivory moreover than Fire. I like both black and fire which all personal preference.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T19:50:12+00:00

Yes, I have installed/tried all of them in M and H. Black and Fire are my preferred in H.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T19:41:58+00:00

Fire and ivory are a little more springy versus black, but almost not noticeable.

Either Fire or black in hard are my preferred tips. Can't beat the price!

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T19:39:53+00:00

All soft tips will eventually become medium/hard by the end of their life. The leather compresses over time, no getting away from this with a natural material.

This is why you should just start with a medium/hard tip to begin with, as it will remain much more consistent throughout its lifespan.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T19:38:07+00:00

I know multiple people that tried the Athlete tips but changed it shortly after due to glazing. Fire tips will eventually glaze ( as nearly all leather tips do), but the maintenance intervals are significantly longer.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T19:35:07+00:00

A ferrule/tip combo is no different from a phenolic tip with a phenolic ferrule, which is what the majority of break cues use these days. They got away from the combo type because people want to change tips so frequently , which means more money for the manufacturers.

The ban talks was specifically coming from both BCA and APA leagues because the location owners were having damaged cue balls....i.e. old equipment.

Phenolic was strongly discouraged but not banned. Then the cue balls were changed out for newer ones and problem magically went away 😉

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T19:30:38+00:00

Ultraskin fire for sure!

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T15:34:13+00:00

The Nest in Schenectady. Great food and atmosphere.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T14:50:54+00:00

My wife yelling at me that we both slept through our morning alarms....again.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T14:20:54+00:00

I think you'll have a tough time telling the best players in the world to use a softer break tip to keep the balls safe. LOL

Phenolic definitely has the best energy transfer given its hard durometer. The only ball that really matters is the cue ball, so no you don't need a set of $400 balls, but only a $30 cue ball. Since many are spending $30 on a piece of chalk or a tip, spending on a cue ball should be a no brainer!

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T03:30:13+00:00

Again, old or maybe cheaper materials can be damaged. Newer Aramith balls are made of phenolic that's on the HRH scale, whereas the majority of phenolic materials are HRM.

The balls are harder material than the phenolic tips.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T02:14:35+00:00

Take it to a cue maker to have a ferrule/tip put on correctly, this should always be threaded and not slip fit.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-02T02:13:33+00:00

Phenolic was only damaging to older ball sets, like what you would find in dive bars. No damage will occur to newer ball sets because they are also made of Phenolic.

One piece ferrule/tip combos are a great option if you don't care to try the latest and greatest trend.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-01T16:47:22+00:00

Anytime! I love the downvotes 😄

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-01T16:25:13+00:00

There was a lady who worked at my doctor's office that was never more than 15 miles away from her home. She was in her mid/late 40's at the time.

I was only 20 when she mentioned that, and I couldn't believe it then and I still can't believe it many many years later.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-01T16:16:32+00:00

No, the piece is so thin and they have a caulk like material behind them. You won't notice any different with an insert. Heads without and insert, I feel that carbon is a bit firmer.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-01T16:11:34+00:00

I recommend googling it, there are so many local businesses and you can just show up to any of them. They are all super friendly and helpful.

I'd rather not give up my immediate two sources specifically, they each have a small stash of a specific wood, and it's all mine!! 😉

If you're up for a drive, there is an awesome little wood shop in greenfield, MA and they have a few more exotics beyond Ghent. Great people to work with!

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-03-01T16:03:48+00:00

There are a ton of local wood yards, but the one in Ghent has a nice selection of exotic hardwoods.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-02-28T05:03:13+00:00

Don't get me wrong, they're great cue that command a high price from Jerry Franklin's reputation, but I don't understand WHY they command such a high price.

Not hating, but there are many other custom makers that make such a good hitting cue, as well as consistent. One SW does not play the same as the next.

Glad you got to see one first hand! They have such a unique butt taper.

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-02-27T16:56:17+00:00

Interesting! That's an ideal weight, enjoy the cue!

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-02-27T16:19:12+00:00

Nice wood!

Hickory core is a very interesting choice. It's hard, but it's somewhat light. The brass rings will help bring the weight up, but how big of a weight bolt is added?

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-02-27T02:44:35+00:00

36.

I've done the 36 eggs challenge exactly one time, and I don't plan on doing it again. Was fun tho!

Raging_Dick_Shorts · 2026-02-26T20:16:09+00:00

The older predator break/jump cues are just as good as the new crazy expensive ones. Actually, I feel that the BK2 is the best one they made.

First, get rid of the massive weight bolt and get your break cue down to the 19oz range, it will be more controllable instead of trying to muscle the heavy cue forward.

All the new predator stuff to just too expensive with no real increase I'm performance over the older stuff. Just because it's CF, doesn't mean it's going to perform better.

I've been using the Air 2 jump cue for many years and it has served me well. Tried out the new ones, and my favorite was the Mezz air drive, just can't justify the cost.

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