Onyx - LTD® laminated cue tips are made with the same boar hides as our Sniper tips. Each of the finest layers are then collected and aged with Tigers’ own secret process, turning each layer to black without using a black color dye. It is a very slow and time consuming proccess, however the end result is unbelievable to say the least. During this process, we are able to soften the layers to medium hardness, while making the leather firmer. It makes the tip easy to maintain and helps to cut better during repairs. Onyx - LTD® is the most consistent by far of any tips made. It will only be produced in limited numbers per year. Purpose of the third orange color layer from the bottom is to warn you when it's time to replace the tip & cosmetically make the Onyx-Ltd® tip different than any other black color tip. Medium hard