[RichR]

Originally Posted by august

Couple of questions on replacing the tip, do you replace just the leather portion, or the whole plastic end??.

Unless there is something wrong with "the plastic end", called a ferrule, you only have to replace the leather portion.

How do you remove the old tip?

The old tip will be cut off. All of the residue has to be carefully sanded off, at the proper angle, without damaging the ferrule. This is best done by a good cue repair person, who has the proper equipment. If you don't know what you are doing, it is definitely not a do it yourself job.

Is there a certain hardness or style of tip that is best to use?

There are numerous types and hardnesses of tips. Choosing a tip is very personal and you may end up trying a number of tips before finding one you really like. If you think you would like a softer tip, an Elk Master is a good place to start. If you think you would prefer a harder tip, Le Pro is a decent tip, but some people find them to be inconsistent. A Triangle tip may be a better choice. Some people prefer layered tips, but they are more expensive. Both Tiger and Moori make a number of tips with difference hardness levels. I prefer the Moori "Slow" tips, which is their soft version, but that is JMHO.

As I indicated above, I strongly recommend you have any tip replacement done by a good cue repair person. Ask around and you should be able to find one near you. He may also be able to help you choose a good tip to start with. I also recommend you try different tips, to determine what you like best. I don't mean that you should change tips every week. Maybe put on a new tip every few months, until you find one you really like. There are many choices and you will never be able to try them all.

BTW, your Huebler cue should serve you well for years to come. That is, until you catch the bug and you just want to buy something different.

I hope all of this helps.