Difference between 314 first and second gen.
- Thread starter TrumanHW
- Start date
I have played extensively with both shafts, and the differences that come my mind are that the 2nd gen is a little bit stiffer feeling, has a shorter ferrule and has a bit less deflection. The first gen that I have played with is a bit smoother on the finish than my 2nd gen, but this can be a difference on how the shafts have been polished and cleaned. I prefer the 2nd gen slightly, but this is more about personal preference, as they are both good shafts and do the same thing. If you have played with the first gen for a decade, you may like it more than the newer ones 
This is not a question that can be answered as simply as wich is a better product, that is ultimately up to you to decide. I can however tell you that both are good in my opinion :smile:
This is not a question that can be answered as simply as wich is a better product, that is ultimately up to you to decide. I can however tell you that both are good in my opinion :smile:
No difference in my opinion. I tried them both. Choose one you can test and go with it. Or you can look for a Tiger shaft one of the best in the bussines.
Aloha,
I guess one question I have would be.... Are you talking about the pre-cat shafts, cat shafts or 314-2 shafts?
The Pre-cat shafts seem to be better built IMO. The top grain seems to be more uniform through the shaft, and they seem to play better.
When the cat shafts came out, they seem to be more about production and less about playability. You will find most of the Cat shafts do not have the attention to detail on the grain alignment. There is also more issues with the ferrules on the later model shafts through the years, many more splitting or cracking.
With the 314-2, the early ones seemed to have more issues with the ferrules and even less attention to the grain alignment.
Although anyone of the 314 shafts will perform, I personally like the Pre-Cats due to the fact that quality out weighed the quantity at the time.
The best advise I can give you on these shafts is to inspect it before you buy it if you have the option. Look at the grain lines in the shaft and look for consistency therein. If your just ordering any shaft then it can be a crap shoot as to the best playability. If you need I can send you some pictures of the different grain lines you should be looking for.
Aloha
I guess one question I have would be.... Are you talking about the pre-cat shafts, cat shafts or 314-2 shafts?
The Pre-cat shafts seem to be better built IMO. The top grain seems to be more uniform through the shaft, and they seem to play better.
When the cat shafts came out, they seem to be more about production and less about playability. You will find most of the Cat shafts do not have the attention to detail on the grain alignment. There is also more issues with the ferrules on the later model shafts through the years, many more splitting or cracking.
With the 314-2, the early ones seemed to have more issues with the ferrules and even less attention to the grain alignment.
Although anyone of the 314 shafts will perform, I personally like the Pre-Cats due to the fact that quality out weighed the quantity at the time.
The best advise I can give you on these shafts is to inspect it before you buy it if you have the option. Look at the grain lines in the shaft and look for consistency therein. If your just ordering any shaft then it can be a crap shoot as to the best playability. If you need I can send you some pictures of the different grain lines you should be looking for.
Aloha
The first gen had 1" ferrules.
Not true afaik.
ALL the first gens had 1" ferrules. This was when they were made by Falcon in Canada.
Those to me were the true first gens .
Aloha Joey,
So I would take it you would not concider any of the following 1st Gen shafts? Or are you talking about the yearly prototype shafts with no Logo?
Btw, every one of these have 3/4" ferrules.
Aloha
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IMO, the first generation Predator shafts are the pinnacle of LD shafts.
I've played with them all and these shafts just have as close to a perfect hit as
you could ask for. There stiff but not overly stiff with the right amount of flex.
There are other good LD shafts but are in a distant 2nd place compared including
the 2nd generation Predators.
Difference is in generation
Just to add, there was NO difference between the pre-cat and cat Predators.
Quality the same, materials the same, the only difference was the the Cat logo.
They added that for marketing purpose. On T.V or during events you could
see the Cat logo quite clear compared to the small 314.
As far as ferrules, at the beginning through trial and error they were 1''
but soon settled on 3/4'' for the duration of there existence till the
2nd generation Predators came out.
Quality the same, materials the same, the only difference was the the Cat logo.
They added that for marketing purpose. On T.V or during events you could
see the Cat logo quite clear compared to the small 314.
As far as ferrules, at the beginning through trial and error they were 1''
but soon settled on 3/4'' for the duration of there existence till the
2nd generation Predators came out.