I converted to Predator shafts when I started playing pool again about a year ago. Chose Predator over OB-1 mostly since I live here in Jacksonville (Predator headquarters) and there are a lot of them around.
I chose the Z2 after briefly trying both the 314-2 and the Z2. I made my choice at the time for two primary reasons - I actually like a more conical taper and stiffer hit, and my original Schon shafts were about 12.1, so the Z2 was closer in size to what I was used to. The 314 just felt too big to me.
I don't buy the argument about being more precise, or getting more spin with the Z2, etc. Several times now I've borrowed a 314-2 and shot with it for an entire evening, or switched back and forth every 30 minutes or so, and I can shoot the same shots with both shafts no problem, even extreme draw/follow or spin shots. The Z2 does give you the impression that you are aiming in a more pinpoint way because of the diameter of the shaft, but after all it is only 1mm difference, and about 8% of the total diameter.
The biggest difference I found, which I didn't expect, is that the Z2 has a fair amount less deflection than the 314-2. As a comparison, I would say I get almost a full ball deflection (2") with my Schon shafts on a firm, full table shot with 2 tips sidespin, maybe 1" or so with the 314-2, and maybe 1/2" with the Z2. That half inch will screw you up if you just grab a Z2 after being used to the 314-2. Which probably explains why people converting from a normal shaft or a 314-2 think the Z2 shaft spins too much or you have to be more precise, simply because they are missing shots they are used to making. I had the advantage of not playing for 5 years, so while I was rebuilding my game and relearning things, it was much easier to recalibrate my adjustments for deflection, swerve, etc. than it probably would have been switching straight from my Schon shaft.
Bottom line, go with the diameter that suits you the best, you will just have to put the time in to adjust to the shaft no matter what until they make a shaft with zero deflection. Even then you will have to adjust for curve on slower spin shots etc.
Scott
I chose the Z2 after briefly trying both the 314-2 and the Z2. I made my choice at the time for two primary reasons - I actually like a more conical taper and stiffer hit, and my original Schon shafts were about 12.1, so the Z2 was closer in size to what I was used to. The 314 just felt too big to me.
I don't buy the argument about being more precise, or getting more spin with the Z2, etc. Several times now I've borrowed a 314-2 and shot with it for an entire evening, or switched back and forth every 30 minutes or so, and I can shoot the same shots with both shafts no problem, even extreme draw/follow or spin shots. The Z2 does give you the impression that you are aiming in a more pinpoint way because of the diameter of the shaft, but after all it is only 1mm difference, and about 8% of the total diameter.
The biggest difference I found, which I didn't expect, is that the Z2 has a fair amount less deflection than the 314-2. As a comparison, I would say I get almost a full ball deflection (2") with my Schon shafts on a firm, full table shot with 2 tips sidespin, maybe 1" or so with the 314-2, and maybe 1/2" with the Z2. That half inch will screw you up if you just grab a Z2 after being used to the 314-2. Which probably explains why people converting from a normal shaft or a 314-2 think the Z2 shaft spins too much or you have to be more precise, simply because they are missing shots they are used to making. I had the advantage of not playing for 5 years, so while I was rebuilding my game and relearning things, it was much easier to recalibrate my adjustments for deflection, swerve, etc. than it probably would have been switching straight from my Schon shaft.
Bottom line, go with the diameter that suits you the best, you will just have to put the time in to adjust to the shaft no matter what until they make a shaft with zero deflection. Even then you will have to adjust for curve on slower spin shots etc.
Scott
