Out of curiosity? I could say now that because I teach, I want to keep abreast of modern technology, or to put it more bluntly, need to know what the fuss is about, but the truth is, I get to try so many cues, I wouldn't need to buy LD-shafts of my own. I cannot say I like them better or that they make me play better. But I will say they're more adjusted to modern equipment, i.e. balls and comparatively faster and more slippery cloth. Their primary advantage is one misses fewer "no English" shots - not necessarily center-ball, all types of shots where the intention is to hit the cue ball on a vertical axis without side spin. The reason for this is simple: it's difficult to hit perfect no English cue ball, and LD-shafts are more forgiving when it comes to minor flaws in one's stroke, or the occasional twitch due to nerves etc. Most misses are due to not hitting the cue ball where one intends (rather than, as many wrongly assume, object ball aim). Of course when one intentionally applies side spin, aim compensation for deflection is and remains a matter of knowing (subconsciously adjusting to) one's cue, regardless of how much it deflects (and don't let anyone fool you: there is no such thing as a "no-deflection" shaft or cue!). I do tell students to find a cue they like and stick with it, but also to give LD shafts a try if they haven't already - needless to say, most play with LD shafts these days anyhow.
Greetings from Switzerland, David.
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„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti
