The one you play best with ...
I need some thoughts for a new cue shaft. What's the best ld shaft?
I need some thoughts for a new cue shaft. What's the best ld shaft?
The best shaft LD or otherwise, is the one that works best for you.
Sadly most will play at the same level regardless of what cue/shaft they purchase.
It is my opinion that it takes deliberate practice of the right things to make a lasting significant jump in your level of play. The better you currently play the more difficult it is to make a "big jump" in performance that lasts over the long haul.
A couple of questions you may wish to ask yourself:
How much deflection is ok for you?
Is less deflection always better?
We know there's no such thing as zero deflection shafts.
So, where's the maximum benefit in LD vs other characteristics you feel are important for you?
For me I'll take a 12mm tip with Mike Bender's stiff tapered 30 inch shaft in solid maple with ivory ferrules and a pressed triangle tip. For me it's the perfect trade off in deflection vs feel.
Good luck in deciding on your new purchase.
I need some thoughts for a new cue shaft. What's the best ld shaft?
Your reply/advice to the thread is a good one IMO. But out of curiosity why do you prefer an ivory ferrule over another material? Why use a ferrule at all if the shaft is solid maple?
I'm guessing it will be the seventh or eighth one you buy--for about a year, then you'll decide that either: 1. It was the first one you tried; or 2. None of them are good eno--hey, look! A new LD shaft I can buy!
I'll make you an offer: Every time you think about buying a new LD shaft, send me your current shaft and a $50 bill instead. I'll keep your shaft for a couple of weeks, then send it back to you with a letter stating how great your shaft is and how I didn't miss a single shot with it.
-dld; aka 'The Placebo'
Oh no, I believe in the science of it decreasing the squirt of the cueball. I do have questions about the validity of any of the tests and 'results' that are published.
That said, I don't believe it necessarily helps people. I also believe the quest for the 'best' equipment is a huge detriment to a person's improvement. It is easy to get in the habit of blaming the equipment instead of the dummy using the equipment.
I have one LD shaft and notice very little difference between it and my dozen other shafts.
dld
Oh no, I believe in the science of it decreasing the squirt of the cueball. I do have questions about the validity of any of the tests and 'results' that are published.
That said, I don't believe it necessarily helps people. I also believe the quest for the 'best' equipment is a huge detriment to a person's improvement. It is easy to get in the habit of blaming the equipment instead of the dummy using the equipment.
I have one LD shaft and notice very little difference between it and my dozen other shafts.
dld