314 versus 314-2 shafts

[r.roach@att.net]

i have been using a predator s.p. w/ a 314-2 shaft. i just bought a cue w/ a 314 shaft. will i notice a differance between the two shafts? i am wondering about deflection. with the 314-2, my cue ball control has gotten a lot better. any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks Ron

 

[Donny Lutz]

314 shafts

i have been using a predator s.p. w/ a 314-2 shaft. i just bought a cue w/ a 314 shaft. will i notice a differance between the two shafts? i am wondering about deflection. with the 314-2, my cue ball control has gotten a lot better. any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks Ron

I personally like the original 314 shafts better than the 314-2. I wish I could explain the difference but I can't. Many players agree with me. Do a search on AZ for "314 shafts and you'll get more info.

Donny L
PBIA/ACS Instructor

 

[Celophanewrap]

Original 314

I agree, there is a difference but it's hard to explain. The hit with the 2 seems almost "hallow" but I think that might have a lot to do with the tip that comes stock on the 2. The original 314's came with a LePro the 2's I think come with an Everest. I purchased 2 original Predator Cues back when they were American made (mid to late 90's) and to me they play very different from the current Predators. In most conversations about these that I've had, people seem to like the original 314 shafts over any of the newer model Predator shafts. I'm told the original 314 shafts are reasonably rare and are a little hard to find. The Predator person that answers their phone told me they were like gold, but I have a feeling he may have been stretching it a bit. But I really do prefer the original 314 over any of the other LD shafts that I've had a chance to play with

 

[bogey54311]

I've been playing with 314's ever since they came out.
BY FAR the first "pre-cat and some cat 314's were the best ever produced.
One of the main reasons, the wood they used on the first run was old maple.
Much more dense than the wood they use now.
The 314-2's average weight WITH a brass insert is around 3.5 oz.
The Pre-cat shaft I've been using for 7+ years now is 4.5 oz.
Any old heavy 314 will hit much better than the new ones IMO.
BUT, the new shafts being lighter means there is less density in the front of the shaft.
This equals LESS DEFLECTION.
BUT I think the old shafts had enough deflection taken out of them while using a much better material.
I have experimented a TON with their shafts.


Chris<------just one man's opinion