I've played all my serious pool using an old school maple shaft.
For those that have tried the low deflection shafts as well as non-low deflection shafts:
- What do you see as the pros and cons?
- How did it affect your level of play?
- Also, what do most of the professionals use these days?
Thanks in advance for sharing,
Matt
I have been through this numerous times. I started with a standard shaft and then changed to a Predator and have changed back. I shot with a standard shaft for 16 years, then with a Predator for about 2 years, and now back to a standard shaft for 4 years.
Pros/Cons: I would have to say the largest thing is "consistency". I use quotes because you can become quite consistent without the low deflection shaft. The low deflection shaft will allow you aim at the same spot (or relatively close) no matter how you are shooting the ball. The standard shaft will force you to involve some standard "feel" of how the much the shots are going to bend.
One con is that you can't pick up a cue anywhere you go and expect to play good with it. You can't jump back and forth between a low deflection and a standard shaft.
I feel there are some shots you need to bend the cue ball around objects to make the object balls. Especially on a bar table.
I felt the Predator made my big table game better just by the fact that is raised my confidence. I was never afraid to leave difficult shape or distance because I felt I knew I could make that shot.
I have thought about going back to a Predator (even bought one and played with it a while) but remember, there is a long transition period. I would highly recommend just shooting drills if you change. Playing games becomes really frustrating when you continuously dog shots you should be making. Drills will allow you see where you are making the mistakes.
Overall, I think the low deflection can raise your level, but it is mostly on the confidence factor. Practice and learning alone will also take your game to a higher level with using the same equipment.
It is a never ending battle. I recommend choosing one side and staying with it.