This is a 2 part question that likely may have been addressed here before, but if so, I think it's been a while. I have 3 identical high end low deflection shafts from the same company and same exact model, same exact tip, all purchased within 6 months of each other.
First question - will all 3 identical shafts deflect the cue ball virtually the exact same to the extent that it would be impossible to measure any difference, even on a shot loaded up with maximum spin? I guess one way to answer this question - I assume pro players have 2-3 absolutely identical shafts/tips that they keep with them at all times at tournaments. Can they switch back and forth between them with complete confidence they'll play exactly the same, or do most of them have a favorite shaft they prefer over the others, even though the others are identical? If so, do you think this is a mental thing, or is there any chance they may actually play differently - most importantly deflect differently?
Second question - in the case of identical high end low deflection shafts from the same company, same model and same tip, the only difference being once is a standard 29-inch model, and the other is a 1-inch extra long 30-inch model. Will these two shafts deflect absolutely identical on all shots with different amounts of spin applied, or will the 1-inch extra length cause the longer shaft to deflect slightly differently than the standard length shaft - either more or less? If so, I assume it could as a result make enough of a difference on a tight pocket table, between making and missing a shot, when loaded up with spin.
The reason I'm asking - in our room, we have a 9-foot and 10-foot table I do most of my playing/practicing on. As I'm 6'4", on the 9-foot table I use a 60" cue - standard butt and shaft with a 2-inch butt extension attached. On the 10-foot table I'm thinking of using a 30" shaft with the standard butt and 2-inch extension - 61" total length cue. However, I don't want to do this if the two shafts may deflect at all differently - which would require me to make adjustments whenever I switch from one shaft on one table to another 1-inch longer shaft on the other table. Knowledgeable opinions welcomed please?
First question - will all 3 identical shafts deflect the cue ball virtually the exact same to the extent that it would be impossible to measure any difference, even on a shot loaded up with maximum spin? I guess one way to answer this question - I assume pro players have 2-3 absolutely identical shafts/tips that they keep with them at all times at tournaments. Can they switch back and forth between them with complete confidence they'll play exactly the same, or do most of them have a favorite shaft they prefer over the others, even though the others are identical? If so, do you think this is a mental thing, or is there any chance they may actually play differently - most importantly deflect differently?
Second question - in the case of identical high end low deflection shafts from the same company, same model and same tip, the only difference being once is a standard 29-inch model, and the other is a 1-inch extra long 30-inch model. Will these two shafts deflect absolutely identical on all shots with different amounts of spin applied, or will the 1-inch extra length cause the longer shaft to deflect slightly differently than the standard length shaft - either more or less? If so, I assume it could as a result make enough of a difference on a tight pocket table, between making and missing a shot, when loaded up with spin.
The reason I'm asking - in our room, we have a 9-foot and 10-foot table I do most of my playing/practicing on. As I'm 6'4", on the 9-foot table I use a 60" cue - standard butt and shaft with a 2-inch butt extension attached. On the 10-foot table I'm thinking of using a 30" shaft with the standard butt and 2-inch extension - 61" total length cue. However, I don't want to do this if the two shafts may deflect at all differently - which would require me to make adjustments whenever I switch from one shaft on one table to another 1-inch longer shaft on the other table. Knowledgeable opinions welcomed please?
Last edited:
