314z vs 314z2 how much difference is there?
- Thread starter Slim J
- Start date
You are confusing 2 different Predator shafts.. You have the 314 or the new 314-2 and you have the Z-shaft or the Z-2 shaft.
I used a 314 shaft until several months ago, I then switched to the 314-2. I cannot give you the specific structural differences, but I can say that I do prefer the 314-2. I notice a small reduction in deflection over my 314 original shaft. I am quite happy with the improvements.
The 314 is a 12.75mm shaft, the Z shaft has a 11.75, I believe. Don't quote me on that. Also the taper on the Z shaft is much different. Many others will chime in as well.. YMMV
I used a 314 shaft until several months ago, I then switched to the 314-2. I cannot give you the specific structural differences, but I can say that I do prefer the 314-2. I notice a small reduction in deflection over my 314 original shaft. I am quite happy with the improvements.
The 314 is a 12.75mm shaft, the Z shaft has a 11.75, I believe. Don't quote me on that. Also the taper on the Z shaft is much different. Many others will chime in as well.. YMMV
Thanks Joe. Your info is a big help. I'm only interested in how the Z2 shaft plays vs the Z shaft. I'm looking forward to the new taper of the Z shafts but i've been hearing that the Z shaft is only slightly different from the Z 2.
I've heard the big improvement with the Z shafts is less deflection so I'm wondering if the Z2 has even less deflection than the Z . And since the Z2 is the most current Predator design is it a big advance over the Z.
I've heard the big improvement with the Z shafts is less deflection so I'm wondering if the Z2 has even less deflection than the Z . And since the Z2 is the most current Predator design is it a big advance over the Z.
i got a z2 shaft.......never shot with a regular z so i cant compare it that way. I mostly got it because i like smaller diameter shafts and was thinking id really like the z because it is 11.75. Overall i like the shaft, honestly it doesnt play any better or worse than my standard schon shafts (i have an older schon and the shafts have the original micarta ferrules, it really has very little deflection). The only downside i think to the z2 is you have to be very precise on where you hit the cb.....if you do this naturally youre fine, if you dont youll find yourself missing alot of straight in shots.
Scottycoyote,
Over the years my 314 shaft is down to about 11.5. and because I'm making a comeback of sorts after not having played for years I noticed I'm having trouble with long straight in shots and I think it's exactly what you said. My small diameter combined with not consistantly hitting the CB where I want is causing this problem.
Do you find the new taper takes much getting used to?
Over the years my 314 shaft is down to about 11.5. and because I'm making a comeback of sorts after not having played for years I noticed I'm having trouble with long straight in shots and I think it's exactly what you said. My small diameter combined with not consistantly hitting the CB where I want is causing this problem.
Do you find the new taper takes much getting used to?
Slim J said:
i really dont notice the taper, so i have to say no. I think what i notice most is just how small the whole shaft feels on a whole. I havent weighed it to see how it matches up to my other shafts, but it looks so small, then feels so small on top of it, you really notice that. I feel really precise with the shaft, you have more cueball to work with because you have that small tip.......now you really "see" 2 tips or 3 tips of english on the ball. Ive heard of several players switiching away from the z2 because they find it unforgiving and I can definitely understand that as well. For right now I only use mine when im playing around, if Im playing seriously it stays in the case.
I like the universal shaft better than the predator, the original predators seemed stiff and the newer ones are pretty flexible IMO.
I have played extensively with all 4 predator shafts, and the difference between the old and new generations is minimal. I believe the only changes for the new generation of either the 314 or the Z are the phenolic core that the insert is set into, and the new shorter ferrule made of the harder material. I guess the other change is the tip that comes standard, but I never use the standard tip. The tapers stayed the same. All of this is available on the predator website.
Here are my personal thoughts on the Z- The Z2 has slightly less deflection than the Z, but the difference is almost imperceptable. I do however notice that the resonance or feedback seems to be reduced by the phenolic core at the joint. I like how the new ferrule is less likely to scratch or get stained from chalk. My next shaft will be an unfinished Z2 that I will have a cuemaker put an insert into. This way I can have the better ferrule, but without the phenolic core. I agree that the Z shafts are very unforgiving about tip placement, and are not well suited for less experienced players.
Here are my personal thoughts on the Z- The Z2 has slightly less deflection than the Z, but the difference is almost imperceptable. I do however notice that the resonance or feedback seems to be reduced by the phenolic core at the joint. I like how the new ferrule is less likely to scratch or get stained from chalk. My next shaft will be an unfinished Z2 that I will have a cuemaker put an insert into. This way I can have the better ferrule, but without the phenolic core. I agree that the Z shafts are very unforgiving about tip placement, and are not well suited for less experienced players.
