CJ shaft taper and stiffness question

[cool_hand_ljb]

Hi again CJ,
I have been thinking a lot about trying a smaller diameter shaft on my cue. I am wondering if my thinking is correct on this.
First I think the stiffer the shaft the better for TOI, to create max deflection.
Second I am thinking the harder tips are better for deflection also.
Finally I am thinking the smaller diameter like 12.5 would give me more precise control of the angle I am creating.
What are your thoughts on these questions and also on shaft taper for TOI.
Thanks again Larry

 

[CJ Wiley]

tip (which is the only thing that contacts the ball) to be as small as possible

Hi again CJ,
I have been thinking a lot about trying a smaller diameter shaft on my cue. I am wondering if my thinking is correct on this.
First I think the stiffer the shaft the better for TOI, to create max deflection.
Second I am thinking the harder tips are better for deflection also.
Finally I am thinking the smaller diameter like 12.5 would give me more precise control of the angle I am creating.
What are your thoughts on these questions and also on shaft taper for TOI.
Thanks again Larry

I agree for the most part, Larry. I've always favored a 12.25mm and some of my older shafts are worn down under 12. Also the harder tips give me more Feel for the cue ball, without dampening the "hit". When you use shafts that are smaller they really need to be stiff so the quality of wood needs to be of great quality.

These aren't' prerequisites to playing well with TOI, they are just prudent to play pool well no matter what system you use. The Cue Ball is the target, it's the only thing you physically touch so, to a point, you want the tip (which is the only thing that contacts the ball) to be as small as possible, without getting to the point your shaft gets "whippy" and inaccurate.

I would say, with great quality wood you can go down to 10mm {would be the (max) limit}.....12.5 is a great place to start, then you can sand it with 600 sandpaper until it's perfect. This makes many "purists" cringe, but this is how I do it and it works. When it gets exactly the right size I can tell instantly by the reaction of the cue ball on long shots. 'The Game is the Teacher'