I switched to a predator (and later to an OB when the shaft broke).
I like and recommend low deflection shafts to people. I think they're great.
But there are some important things to understand:
• It's a myth that they somehow give you extra side spin, better draw, or better control.
All they do is change where you have to aim. There's no shot you can make with a predator shaft
that you couldn't make with a decent house stick.
You just point the house stick in a slightly different direction before you swing.
• "Control" is up to the player. If you want to draw the cue ball 6 inches on 1 shot,
and 12 inches on another, the only way you'll accomplish that is with practice.
The stick can't give it to you.
• When you first get it, you are practically guaranteed to play WORSE.
Because you're adjusting to a new cue and the line of aim for spin shots will be quite different.
You'll miss balls you normally don't miss.
Eventually you'll figure out where you need to aim with the new cue and then you'll be back to normal.
And then, hopefully, you'll improve even further.
• If you decide you like it and want to stick with it,
then just sell your old one. Get rid of it. Avoid the mistake hundreds of players make...
they miss a ball and blame the stick, then they switch back to the old one and make a few.
They decide the new stick sucks and they want to return to the old one.
Then they miss a ball with the old one and go back to the predator.
I've seen guys torture themselves for MONTHS with this lousy habit.
Don't do it, it will only hurt your game to keep switching. Pick a cue and stick to it.
• Ultimately it's the indian and not the arrow.
You shouldn't expect a sudden jump in skill even after you get used to it.
Most players improve pretty gradually... months and years, not weeks.
