314-2 or Z-2?
- Thread starter dustin_65
- Start date
Hi I have played with both and really its a preference thing If your an above average player then go for the z -shaft you really have to be on with your stroke the 314 allows for more forgiveness and better suited for the avg player. Not to say any of the shafts can not be used for any level player. I hope this helps . The best thing is if you know someone who has one try out there's and see how you like it.
Thanks for the reply I am 90% on getting the Z-2, because this will be my only playing cue for a good while. I am looking for something I wont have to upgrade for a while. I will have lots of time to practice with it and I am sure I can get used to it.
The only cues I have shot with are cheapos and a Muecci a friend has. I played all night with the Minnesota Fats Hustler, $25 graphite then with the Meucci for a set and after the first game I got used to it, and then it seemed like i was shooting better pool. Meuccis are nice but I lost some faith in them when i read about their quality control issues. He has a older one with a black dot and the original red dot, I used the black dot.
I have been playing with a 314-2 for over a year now and I like it quite well. I have tried the Z-2 but don't care for it as much, FWIW. The 314-2 is easier to play with and I'm not too sure but I believe there are FAR MORE PROS playing with a 314-2 than a Z-2, FWTW.
JoeyA
Anything specific you dont like about the Z-2 or just didnt care for it. What made the Z-2 more difficult to play with?
I have actually played with the z shaft from other players in the poolroom here in slc and I really dont think a person can play their best pool with it. I find it very difficult to play well with and the small diameter means you have to be more precise when hitting the cue ball. Frankly there is nothing wrong with a little deflection. The people around here that bought them are now trading them in or selling them for the 314. Hope this helps
Mark
I went with the Z-2 because I have small hands and always liked small shafts. I have two Z-2's. The down side is you need to be dead nuts on with a smaller shaft, 11.75 mm. Your stroke needs to be pure. IYAH has it right, less forgiving.
I've had a few try it and they hated it. 1/2 tip off is like 2 imho. Try one if you can before buying. I paid way more for my Z-2's.
I've had a few try it and they hated it. 1/2 tip off is like 2 imho. Try one if you can before buying. I paid way more for my Z-2's.
Well I did a little research and that diameter of the Black Dot shaft I got good results from was 12.75 so I am going to go with the 314-2, same diameter and more forgiving. I also found as many pros as i could that played with either and it seems that more pros really do play with the 314 than the Z, even people that played with custom butts used the predator shafts. I hope I am making the right decision here, but I honestly don't think I will be disappointed with either. Thanks for the replies guys, I am still a newbie to cues and things like that, but I am a good player I would say I am easily above average, but definitely no where near pro.
Again thanks for any advice, and for the replies.
Again thanks for any advice, and for the replies.
Have you considered OB-1? I used 314 before, and I will not change back to 314 after trying OB-1.
Thanks for the suggestions I will keep that in mind, but for now adding anything but a predator shaft to my order would blow my budget big time.
Hello,
I tried a 314-2 out at local shop and really liked it. I bought an OB-1 because many on the forums were claiming it to be the Predator beater - I couldn't disagree more. I sold my OB-1 in about two months and bought a 314-2, which I should have in the first place. I due like the construction of the OB but it is too flexible for me.
J.A.W.
Hello,
IMO, I've had both and would go with the 314. I have a 314-2 and a 314-Fat Shaft. There is only 5% more deflection and it's a little stiffer and thicker. I'm still not sure if I should stick with it or revert to the standard 314-2 - I've been running out with it though
J.A.W.
Hello,
IMO, I've had both and would go with the 314. I have a 314-2 and a 314-Fat Shaft. There is only 5% more deflection and it's a little stiffer and thicker. I'm still not sure if I should stick with it or revert to the standard 314-2 - I've been running out with it though
J.A.W.
How do you like the Z-2 compared to the 314-2?
I think you should pay a little attention to the diameter of your cue at the joint and make sure that the new shaft is going to be the same diameter.
I believe that the Z2 is a conical taper while the 314 is more of a pro taper. The pro taper is more like what you'll see on most cues as the shaft is the same size from the ferrule back for a ways and then begins to increase in size. The conical taper is gradually tapered all the way from the ferrule back.
I think that the Z2 is 11.75mm while the 314-2 is 13mm. The smaller tip may take a few shots to get used to but I don't buy all the talk about one being more forgiving than another. I don't understand what "forgiving" means.
I think that the decision mostly depends on whether you like the 13mm tip or whether you prefer a smaller size. I started with a smaller tip and consequently I like that. It seems more precise to me. The larger sizes feel like I have a log in my hand... as opposed to a precise instrument.
Maybe you can ask around and see if you can find somebody that has one or both of those shafts and maybe get to hit a few balls and see what you like. The LD shafts make a real difference primarily on long shots where heavy english is applied so maybe you don't really need one?
Edit: Moving from the 314-2 to the Z2 isn't so much an upgrade as it is just moving to a completely different shaft. Moving from a 314 to a 314-2 would be an upgrade. Same shaft with improvements.
I believe that the Z2 is a conical taper while the 314 is more of a pro taper. The pro taper is more like what you'll see on most cues as the shaft is the same size from the ferrule back for a ways and then begins to increase in size. The conical taper is gradually tapered all the way from the ferrule back.
I think that the Z2 is 11.75mm while the 314-2 is 13mm. The smaller tip may take a few shots to get used to but I don't buy all the talk about one being more forgiving than another. I don't understand what "forgiving" means.
I think that the decision mostly depends on whether you like the 13mm tip or whether you prefer a smaller size. I started with a smaller tip and consequently I like that. It seems more precise to me. The larger sizes feel like I have a log in my hand... as opposed to a precise instrument.
Maybe you can ask around and see if you can find somebody that has one or both of those shafts and maybe get to hit a few balls and see what you like. The LD shafts make a real difference primarily on long shots where heavy english is applied so maybe you don't really need one?
Edit: Moving from the 314-2 to the Z2 isn't so much an upgrade as it is just moving to a completely different shaft. Moving from a 314 to a 314-2 would be an upgrade. Same shaft with improvements.
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is that list of equipment in your signature really what you use?
if you're going to get a predator sneaky why not buy one here on az. sure it'd be used but i think (to me at least) that the discount would be worth it. i'd for sure go with the 314 not the z shaft though. the z shaft is really thin and unless you're stroke is real good i think it'd be easy to lose control with it
Either one is great. The main thing is to check and be sure it is straight. I have had a friend order them and they came in with a slight bend. He has sent it back twice now....I heard that they are making them in China now....
look at it like this, if your stroke is good, the z shaft will be fine, if you arnt sure of your stroke get the 314, they both play great, i like my z2, i dont have problems with being so precise that i miss alot of balls, sure i miss but it makes you tighter when you know this could happen, and on that note, if your good with the little one your even better with the big shaft diameter. just my thoughts. RK
i will tell you a downfall is the shafts are soft so be careful, they ding easily
i will tell you a downfall is the shafts are soft so be careful, they ding easily
Dustin,
While each person is unique, I am not sure if the small hands theory holds water in all cases. There are many people who have small hands who even use the FAT 314-2 shaft.
The smaller diameter shaft needs precise cue tip placement for accurate shooting. The Z-2 has a cone shaped diameter which typically makes the shaft stiffer than say a pro taper (straight taper for 12-16").
It is not so much why the Z-2 is more difficult to play with as the 314-2 is easier to play with. I venture to say that more people play well with a 314-2 than a Z-2, but this is just my personal opinion and nothing more.
Another caveat: It has been my experience that with a fatter shaft it is easier to make straight in shots and it is easier to make thin cuts with a thin shaft. I don't know the reason but I feel that it is more than a personal idiosyncrasy.
You have already been given lots of great advice in this thread and no need to go over it again.
Best shooting to you.
JoeyA