Anyone using (or tried) Expiritu XP LD shaft?

[jaetee]

I lucked into a very nice 17 year old Espiritu cue-butt via local purchase recently. Although the cue did not come with a shaft, the classic look of the ebony points with mardi gras colored veneers, tasteful inlay work, and low price made the purchase a no-brainer. Now I just need to get a nice shaft with matching joint ring to make the cue whole again...

I've also been considering trying my luck with an LD shaft and was leaning toward the OB Classic, but then I learned that Russ Espiritu has an LD shaft of his own that he labels XP, for eXtreme Performance. That would basically "complete" this partial cue that I have and give it proper resale value in the event I ever decide to sell.

The only write up I can find is from J&J cues which says:

"Russ done some things to the tip end of the shaft, also the shaft has a smaller ferrule. all these things make the shaft have little or no deflection. while maintaining a smooth feel. Around 12.75mm, 5/16x14 joint"

That is not very specific and Russ' website gives even less information about what he might have done to the shaft to make it "LD."

Can anyone here who may have tried this shaft compared to the OB classic share their experience? For that matter, any feedback would be great.... Would hate to spend $200 on a shaft for this cue, only to find out I could have been just as well off using my spare Joss shaft and having the joint ring changed to match the cue-butt.

Thanks in advance.

 

[shortyz]

xp

I have one. It is a good shaft, ferrules nice, good wood etc. Not too flimsy not too stiff. However on the one i have i had to have the taper smoothed out and extended a little for my personal preference (but if ur buying from him then u could ask for whatever taper you wanted). I dont know how ld id consider it though. I dont really consider anything except the laminated shafts ld due to the more consistent flex of the spliced wood, hollow ends etc. So if ld is ur main concern id go with one of the other brands, ob etc. The espiritu is probably cheaper than they are if you call him and order it so thats a plus also.

 

[ArtT]

I have one that I bought from him at the SBX last year. It plays fine and I like it. He let me test hit balls with it first. When I asked his rep who was there what made it different, he basically said it was something that Russ was looking to patent and it was a trade secret.