Question about shaft taper

[Jhunter354]

Some confusion on this with me. Here is how I understand it, please correct me if needed. A pro taper is one size from the tip to a certain point, 12" or 15" or whatever. A modified pro taper is very gradually increased in size to this certain point. Am I right in my understanding of the difference?

In watching matches is appears that earl and efren use a pro taper. Do they? Idc what they use, but it would help in visually identifying different tapers.

Also, are there any cuemakers whose standard is a shaft with a pro taper? Or is this something you generally have to specify.

Thanks.

 

[KJ Cues]

I'm surprised you haven't gotten a dozen or so responses by now. I'm imagining the different opinions and definitions. I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a more subjective topic.

First, what you described as a pro-taper is actually not a taper; it's the absence of one. There is no taper, it's a rod.
I personally don't like this being done to a shaft.
My definition of a pro-taper is one that increases gradually from tip to joint. The taper of the shaft encompasses the whole length of shaft, not just the first 12-15".
However, within that first 12-15", the increase in diameter of the shaft is so subtle as to be unnoticeable by the player. I also feel that this makes for a better playing shaft.

This thread should tie-in nicely with the parabolic thread.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

In answer to the last part of your question, many cuemakers build shafts with a pro taper. Ginacues, for example, come with pro taper shafts.

It is always good to ask though if you don't already know.

 

[JoeyInCali]

There is no such thing.
If you are going to have a shaft made, say what taper you want ( by number ).

 

[rhncue]

There is no such thing.
If you are going to have a shaft made, say what taper you want ( by number ).

I agree. The term Pro-taper is the most over used and most mis-understood term in the cue world.

Dick

 

[Mr Hoppe]

I agree. The term Pro-taper is the most over used and most mis-understood term in the cue world.

Dick

I think "taper roll" is #2.
Mr H

 

[BarenbruggeCues]

I agree. The term Pro-taper is the most over used and most mis-understood term in the cue world.

Dick

And only tells me that the shaft has some type of taper other than a conical billiard taper.

 

[dave sutton]

lol i thought i was the only one that hated that. tell me straight 12 or 16 ect...