I used to be a snooker player for 5 years, switched to pool and played with a maple shaft for 1 year, then I've been playing with a Z for the past 1 year.
Like yourself, I was contemplating either a 314 or a Z, but I reasoned that mostly because I was still used to a snooker taper, I chose the Z. Also, I went on the predator website and I saw empirical evidence that the Z would have less deflection and compensation for my game, which overall means less variables for me so that I could be more accurate. Furthermore, I use English very often so not having to compensate based on feel would improve my shotmaking. The Z is also a very forgiving shaft, it gives you optimum spin, follow and draw even if your stroke isn't that refined.
That said, I'm am considering switching to the 314 because there are too many times where I've wished that my taper were thicker ---while I use an open bridge 95% of the time, sometimes I like to use the closed bridge for certain shots and it's very weird to do that with the Z cos you feel like you're threading a needle. Also, having a smaller tip means that you have to really be steadier in your stroke and my hands aren't the steadiest sometimes when the pots are long and hard. The 314 is already smaller than the average tip at 12.75, so it might be the best compromise. The 314 however, still doesn't minimize deflection as much as the Z does. I'm also trying to change my game such that I won't be too reliant on applying too much english, and I'm trying to hit center ball more often. Hence, you won't really need a shaft that gives you maximum english if you're mostly a center-ball player. Lastly, the Z is a whippy shaft, so forget getting a stiff hit you might get from Schons, Herceks, Szambotis and the like. I do have an implex joint though and this affects the feel of the hit somewhat.
Of course, don't forget that having a good tip will help you lots too...I use a Moori medium cos I'm mostly a 9 ball player.
I forgot to mention, when I made the transition, it took me a good 4 months of constant playing to get used to the Z....while I could make most straight shots, I was really having trouble with fine cut shots, bank shots, rail shots, and kick shots for the longest time, and even more so if I used english. If you're planning on taking part in a competition soon with a Z, my advice is to put it off a lil until you really get used to the nuances of the shaft.
So before you get the Z, ask yourself these questions:
Can you get used to the smaller taper?
Do you use a lot of English?
Do you want a stiff hit?
Can you afford the transition?
I hope I helped!
