A friend tells me the Z shafts are merely the blemished 314 shafts that they've turned down, with a new taper and ferrule. Any validity to this claim?
Anybody know much about Predator Z shafts?
- Thread starter StevenPWaldon
- Start date
StevenPWaldon said:
I've spoken with Predator a few times on the subject and that would be completely contradictory to what they've said. The Z-Shaft is an entirely different product which was designed shortly after the 314 was invented. The reason why it wasn't introduced until recently had to do with the success of the 314. As for your claim, that would be nearly impossible since the Z-shaft isn't smaller than the 314. When working with wood, you can only change the shape of a shaft by subtraction so in your scenario, the Z-Shaft would have to be smaller. There are certain places on the shaft where that is the case but overall, the dimensions are completely different.
Predator DOES sell shafts that are not up to spec. These are distinguishable by a black ring found above the collar right above the logo. Since I don't know exactly what their requirements are for what is up to spec and what isn't, I cannot tell you what the differences may be. I do know I've seen these shafts and cannot find a difference in normal play. In fact, one UPA touring pro I know uses a black-ringed shaft and found that it played perfectly.
Jude Rosenstock said:
The Z shaft tip is smaller, so why wouldn't the z shaft taper be smaller also?
The tip on the 314 is 12.75 and the tip on the Z is 11.75.
shinyballs said:
key word here is "tip" that doesn't mean the entire shaft is smaller.
VAP
Regarding the black ring/not-to-spec 314 shafts, I believe these are mostly cosmetic blemishes that normally people would be too finicky to use. Structurally they're sound, so I can see why a pro would still have confidence using them.
Regarding the size, however, I was under the impression that the Zs are all around thinner than the 314s; is this wrong?
S.
Regarding the size, however, I was under the impression that the Zs are all around thinner than the 314s; is this wrong?
S.
Jude Rosenstock said:
The Z shaft is not a turned down 314 second grade shaft. The z shafts are manufactured by themselves. The 314 is a pro taper that tapers down to 12.75 and the Z shaft is a euro taper that tapers down to 11.75. The diameter at the collar is the same and the deflection technology is the same, however the ferrule is shorter on the Z shaft than on the 314.
i just assumed the z was thinner too......how about it z shaft owners....anybody had calipers and willing to measure it for us(um and i am referring to the z shaft......perverts)?
StevenPWaldon said:
It's thinner in the beginning but not so at midpoint. Actually, a new z-shaft user will think the shaft is a bit thick even though the tip is smaller.
StevenPWaldon said:
Yes, I'm under the same impression. I don't believe Predator would sell something that they would classify as defective. It must be cosmetic.
Oops, sorry. Didn't mean to say simply that i was under the impression; rather, it's fact--cosmetic and nothing else. Good thing to know if you want to save a buck or two. I've seen some of these, and the cosmetic blemishes are barely noticeable.
Jude Rosenstock said:
thanks for the clarification aunty......so the thinner tip will give you more spin similar to a snooker cue....and i suppose the thicker shaft would mean less deflection, the downside being it may mess with your closed bridge, which sounds like it possibly would.......interestingggg
i'm not so sure that the thicket shaft gives less deflection. I think the thinner tip, smaller/lighter ferrule give it less deflection. Deflection is a function of mass, and minimizing the mass at the tip is the most important factor.
I think that the Euro taper is more to give the shaft spine and a solid hit. That way even with a smaller tip you still have a structurally sound shaft. In fact, Schuler shafts never have a true 'pro' taper and always have sa gradual taper because of its superiority in strength. Whether this minimizes deflection is unknown, but I don't see how it could since it introduces more mass into the equation.
I think that the Euro taper is more to give the shaft spine and a solid hit. That way even with a smaller tip you still have a structurally sound shaft. In fact, Schuler shafts never have a true 'pro' taper and always have sa gradual taper because of its superiority in strength. Whether this minimizes deflection is unknown, but I don't see how it could since it introduces more mass into the equation.
scottycoyote said:
ah ok.....
makes me wanna try one.........lol
makes me wanna try one.........lol
I have both 314 and Z shafts. The Z has a much more solid hit and has less cue ball deflection than the 314. Yes, its more conical shape takes a little getting used to. I shoot with a closed bridge, and its euro-taper doesn't seem to interfere with my aim (at least, not that I can notice).
When I first got my Z shaft, it did seem a bit thick, gradually getting smaller to the tip. At say 12 inches, it is as thick as 314. In the lower half, closer to the joint, the Z is actually thicker. The hit is much firmer with the Z, there's no hollow feeling which was very often associated with a 314 shaft.
It's only a question whether one can use smaller tip to his advantage. Taper shouldn't be a problem for anyone because it's very mild canonical. The shaft is a little unforgiving, but at the same time you can shoot slightly closer to center while achieving same spin as with a 314. It definitely requires some adjustment no doubt...
It's only a question whether one can use smaller tip to his advantage. Taper shouldn't be a problem for anyone because it's very mild canonical. The shaft is a little unforgiving, but at the same time you can shoot slightly closer to center while achieving same spin as with a 314. It definitely requires some adjustment no doubt...