Taom vs Kamui Chalk: Which One Should You Choose?

If you've ever faced a high-pressure shot at a crucial moment, chalk in hand, knowing that any mistake could cost you the entire game, you understand the importance of chalk.

Chalk seems insignificant, and when it works, you barely notice it. But when it fails, you experience the frustrating feeling of missed shots, miscuing, and the cue ball not behaving as you intended.

Some players swear by Taom chalk. Others won't use anything but Kamui. So the real question is: between Taom and Kamui, which chalk should you choose? And why?

The answer doesn't depend on hype, price tags, or which chalk professional players are using this season. It ultimately comes down to a more personal factor: do you value a clean, predictable striking environment, or maximum grip and a smoother, more refined feel?

Why Chalk is More Important Than You Think

Pool billiard chalk seems simple, just a small colored cube. But in reality, it's one of the most important tools in your cue case.

Good chalk:

• Reduces miscues
• Improves spin and cue ball control
• Maintains consistency in your stroke
• Enhances confidence under pressure

Bad or unsuitable chalk will have the opposite effect, causing doubt. And in billiards, doubt is deadly. This is why high-end chalks like Taom and Kamui exist. They are designed not only to prevent miscuing but also to make cue ball contact more controllable, even when you're going for extreme spin or power.

The Core Difference: Cleanliness vs Grip

• Taom prioritises clean cue ball contact and zero residue
• Kamui prioritises maximum grip and a creamy feel

Neither is inherently "better" or "worse," just suited to different players, pool tables, and habits.

Taom Chalk: Clean, Consistent, and Reliable

Taom chalk, especially the V10, Pyro, and Taom 2.0, has become the gold standard for cleanliness in modern billiards. Many professional snooker and pool players use Taom for one reason: it virtually eliminates miscuing and cue deflection caused by chalk residue.

What Makes Taom Unique?

1. Exceptional Cleanliness
Taom chalk leaves almost no visible residue:

• No blue or green marks on the cue ball
• Minimal residue on the tablecloth
• No chalky hands or clothing

Even if there is a small amount of residue, it can be easily removed with a light wipe of the finger. For players who own their own table or frequently play on well-maintained tables, this alone is enough to change their gaming experience.

2. Long-Lasting and Harder Composition
Taom chalk is firmer than traditional chalks. Because of that:

• It doesn't crumble easily
• A single piece can last many months, even with daily practice
• You don’t need to rechalk as frequently

Many players report that one cube of chalk can last a year or even longer.

3. Consistent Grip Without Clogging
Taom has a non-sticky feel. It provides:

• Smooth, even coverage
• Reliable grip
• Reduced miscues without clogging the cue tip

You still get excellent spin without the mess.

4.Taom V10 vs Taom Pyro

Both are excellent, and the choice mainly depends on feel and cloth color.

• Taom V10 (Green)
  Ideal for traditional green cloths, finesse play, and all-around performance.
• Taom Pyro (Blue)
  Popular on tournament blue cloths and often used for break cues and jump cues.

Many players like both chalks. If forced to choose one, the V10 often edges out the Pyro for everyday play on traditional tables.

Best Suited For:

• Players who hate chalk dust
• Home table owners
• Tournament and league players
• Anyone chasing clean, predictable shots

If you like your cue equipment spotless and your shot feedback consistent, Taom will be a revelation.

Kamui Chalk: Ultimate Grip and Classic Feel

Kamui is widely considered a pioneer in the revolution of premium cue chalk. Even before "dustless chalk" became popular, Kamui focused on feel, the tactile sensation of the chalk's contact with the cue ball at the moment of impact. Kamui chalk is favored by players who rely heavily on spin, touch, and creativity.

Kamui .98 – The Original High-Grip Chalk

The Kamui .98 is known for its soft and fine texture.

• Applies thickly
• Covers the cue tip exceptionally well
• Offers an enormous grip for extreme spin

Some players only need to apply the chalk once for multiple shots. However, it does have some drawbacks:

• Leaves chalk marks on the cue ball
• Visible residue on the tablecloth
• Messier hands and cue ferrule

Kamui 1.21 – Familiar Feel, Slightly Cleaner

The 1.21 was designed for players who loved the .98’s performance but wanted the following features:

• A firmer texture
• Enjoy the ritual of applying chalk before each shot
• Less residue than .98

By Taom standards, it's still not considered a "clean" chalk, but for traditional players, it strikes a better balance between performance and cleanliness.

Kamui Roku – A Modern Compromise

Kamui Roku is Kamui’s most refined chalk to date.

• New chemical composition
• Hexagonal shape for even application
• Strong grip with reduced mess

While not as clean as Taom, Roku is much cleaner than older Kamui versions while still retaining Kamui's signature "grip." Many top players now consider Roku the best choice.

Best For:

• Players who prioritize spin and cue ball control
• Soft, controlled stroke players
• Those who enjoy a chalking routine
• Players who don’t mind occasional cleaning

If you want the cue ball to instantly grip and react, the feel that Kamui provides is almost unmatched by any other chalk.

Taom vs Kamui: Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Taom	Kamui
Cleanliness	Excellent, almost zero residue	Noticeable residue (especially .98)
Grip & performance	Excellent and consistent	Maximum grip for ultimate spin
Feel	Firm, smooth	Soft, creamy
Durability	Extremely long-lasting	Wears down faster
Best For	Clean tables, competition	Spin-focused, feel-based play
Price	£15	£26–£30

Which Chalk Should You Choose?

Choose Taom if:

• You own or care about table cleanliness
• You hate chalk marks on balls and cloth
• You want consistency during long sessions
• You value reliability under pressure

Taom aims to eliminate uncertainty from your game.

Choose Kamui if:

• You love extreme spin and cue ball action
• You prefer a softer, grippier feel
• You are accustomed to chalking before every shot
• You don’t mind wiping the balls now and then

Kamui aims to maximize your playing potential.

What Makes a Truly Great Billiard Pool Chalk?

Regardless of brand, great chalk possesses several key characteristics:

• Uniform texture – smooth but grippy
• Strong adhesion – sticks on the cue tip, not the table
• Durability – fewer reapplications, less distraction

The “best” chalk is the one that matches your playing style, your table, and your mindset.

Something Many Players Don’t Realize

Here's a secret most billiard supply retailers won't tell you: chalk cannot compensate for a poor cue tip or an unsuitable pool cue.

Premium chalk works best when paired with:

• A well-shaped, properly maintained cue tip
• A cue that suits your stroke and technique

Players who upgrade their chalk often notice the biggest improvements when their cue equipment works as a complete system, not as individual components. This is why many serious players begin to focus on the interaction between their cue, tip, and chalk rather than simply chasing spin.

Is High-quality Cue Chalk Worth Buying?

If you only play billiards once a year at Christmas, probably not. But if you:

• Practise frequently
• Play matches under pressure
• Care about consistency

Then, it's absolutely worth it. A piece of high-quality cue chalk costs less than a single dinner and lasts much longer. Over time, it can reduce frustration, minimize mistakes, and subtly boost your confidence at the table. As every player knows, confidence is half the battle.

One Final Truth Most Players Miss

High-quality cue chalk won't magically fix bad strokes, but it can eliminate uncertainty. When you're facing a crucial shot, when your heart is racing, and your palms are sweating, certainty is invaluable.

Whether you choose Taom or Kamui, the real victory lies in conscious choice. Choosing regular or premium pool chalk that matches the table, your stroke, and your mindset is one of the keys to improving your game, taking your skills from amateur to confident professional.

Because in billiards, true improvement often comes not from obvious changes, but from seemingly insignificant details that eliminate obstacles.