Do Pros Actually Use the Predator Z2 Shaft in Competition?

JimS said:
I use a z2 and don't see where it's any more unforgiving than any other shaft. If I mis-hit a shot then I mis-hit it and as far as I know no shaft will make that any different.
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I agree. People in my pool room also compared the 314-2 and Z2 shafts, saying they tried the Z but it was not accurate enough or they got "too much spin". I guess I'm a decent player, but I didn't notice either. I don't feel I get anymore spin with the Z2 than I could impart with my Schon shaft, and I can spin the crap out of the ball with the 314-2 too. And if I hit off center a bit, the cue ball doesn't go flying or anything, I just put 1/4" of unintended english on the ball, which with a LD shaft will hardly matter on most shots. Maybe these things are worse for beginning or intermediate players, not sure, but I wouldn't know why.

I tried both shafts, trying to switch from my Schon shaft, and just stuck with the Z2 shaft because the taper and size was closer to my old shaft (about 12.1 - 12.2) than the 314-2, but I could play with either if I had to. Ideally I would love a predator shaft in the middle, same taper as the Z2 but around 12.25 instead of 11.75, but I adjusted just fine.

Scott
 
I think you would have to try out few of ur friends shafts and see what works for you.I have owned z2 and 314 2 both.I played with them for about 6 months and could not adjust with them.I discovered that i played better with normal shafts so i sold my p2,z2 and 314 2.I am from a snooker background and have also played pool with a 9.5 mm snooker cue.it really helps on thin cuts when u r playing with thinner shafts,however on straight shots a thicker shaft is better.After i sold my predator i have owned a southwest,sugartree and bluegrass cues.out of these i like the southwest best because the balance is so incredible that even a 19.50 oz cue feels like 18 oz cue in your hand.I discovered that traditional hitting cues and shafts work better for me.It is what someone rightly said in an earlier post a transition shaft for snooker players who have started playing pool now.when u hit hard and long shots with a z2 i get a hollow feeling which i dont like.I would suggest if u really wanna go with a predator than play with 314 2.

This is just my opinion and not a review.
 
OB-1 does not deflect more than 314-2 despite what JR said in one of the posts. My OB-1 deflects because it was modified by Varney, but there is a new one in the mail :). As for Z2 everyone who said the shaft is unforgiving is right. Watching guys with Z2's missing easy shots is funny. I witness once a couple of shortstops playing. One of them forgot his cue so he borrowed a Meucci with Z2 at the end. The guy could not make a ball. With opponent on the hill he puts away the z2 and picks up a slightly crooked bar cue and runs a 3-pack.
 
Monto P2 said:
I think you would have to try out few of ur friends shafts and see what works for you.I have owned z2 and 314 2 both.I played with them for about 6 months and could not adjust with them.I discovered that i played better with normal shafts so i sold my p2,z2 and 314 2.I am from a snooker background and have also played pool with a 9.5 mm snooker cue.it really helps on thin cuts when u r playing with thinner shafts,however on straight shots a thicker shaft is better.After i sold my predator i have owned a southwest,sugartree and bluegrass cues.out of these i like the southwest best because the balance is so incredible that even a 19.50 oz cue feels like 18 oz cue in your hand.I discovered that traditional hitting cues and shafts work better for me.It is what someone rightly said in an earlier post a transition shaft for snooker players who have started playing pool now.when u hit hard and long shots with a z2 i get a hollow feeling which i dont like.I would suggest if u really wanna go with a predator than play with 314 2.

This is just my opinion and not a review.
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Would you mind telling me what's the balance point on that cue?
 
There's got to be a reason so many people feel that really low deflection shafts are unforgiving.

I'm thinking its because the BHE pivot point is so much longer than the normal players bridge length. If you have a fairly swoopy stroke, then with a cue that matches your normal bridge length, the deflection actually helps keep the CB on the right path. A really low deflection cue won't do that!

I've wondered for a while now if beginners would be much better suited with a cue that has a pivot point of right around 9" which would closer match their standard bridge length.

Jon
 
plshrk22 said:
Its the Indian not the Arrow? :)
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Exactly! A great Indian with a crooked arrow will still kill the cowboy....
However...A great Indian with an exceptional arrow will stick it through the cowboy's eye at twice the distance! *apologies for the graphic nature of this post* ;)
 
yeah I play with a Z, totally unforgiving and a dead hit. but damn I can put some wicked english on that bad boy.
 
I bought the Z2 Shaft a week or two before I went to Vegas but didn't use it until I was done. In the 6 weeks since I've been back and using the Z2 shaft several people have noticed my better play since Vegas.

The only person that knows I switched is my wife(who doesn't understand about the shaft anyways). I feel more comfortable with the Z2. I can't say for sure that it's the shaft since I played my but off in Vegas and maybe I just have more confidence since then anyways. (By the way playing my but off was just making the first round of the money)

Preston
 
jondrums said:
There's got to be a reason so many people feel that really low deflection shafts are unforgiving.

I'm thinking its because the BHE pivot point is so much longer than the normal players bridge length. If you have a fairly swoopy stroke, then with a cue that matches your normal bridge length, the deflection actually helps keep the CB on the right path. A really low deflection cue won't do that!

I've wondered for a while now if beginners would be much better suited with a cue that has a pivot point of right around 9" which would closer match their standard bridge length.

Jon
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I agree with you on the why BUT I disagree with you about the last statement
A beginner might play better with a regular shaft at first but in the long run he will grow bad habit (bad stroke) that it'll be hard to shake and fix.... I rather give a beginner a Z shaft and let him miss a few balls but at least he would develop the discipline of correct aiming and straight stroke and later on he could take it to any shaft that feels better.
Just like snooker players that were used to small balls, very tight pockets and 9mm tips that forced them to develop a very accurate stroke and when they move to 9ball they can't miss....

People should really stop looking for fast results now and look for great results in the future.
 
I simply love when these types of threads get hijacked. The creator asked if any pro's play with a Z2 and it becomes a "My OB1 is better because..." thread.

Yes pros play with Z2's. Yes in competition. Many are European. I seem to recall seeing a few on the cues of Mosconi Cup players.

My only comment regarding the difference between Predator and OB1 is this....I tried an OB1 and hated it...I used it on a SS joint and found it had a ton of deflection and played very inconsistant. Then I tried it on my friends TS with an ivory joint and found it played great and totally different than the one on SS.

I find Predator feels the same regardless of the joint.

I use a Z2. I like it.
 
I would like to see the deflection test done again with different bridge lengths. This might help people get the best shaft for them. Maybe a shaft held at 12" plays different that held at 14 or 16".

I wonder if any testing has been done like this?
 
There are a lot of Pro players that use them. If you believe in science and physics, then go purchase one. After a few months of adjustment you will gladly reap the benefits of the Predator z2 shaft.
 
I'll just throw my opinion out there...but I'm not a pro or even a semi pro...so take it for what it is. I've owned and played with each of the following for a minimum of two months on each to give them a good solid try. The 314, 314 2, z, z2, OB-1, Annie O n35, Tiger X and the Dominiak D2.

I liked all of them somewhat. Finding the Z shaft the hardest to play with only due to the extra concentration needed for aiming. However, the shaft I get the most response, feel and overall performance is without a doubt the Dominiak D2.

Just thought I'd share....
 
mark8950 said:
who can he beat? he couldnt hold my chalk! sparky
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Yah think Mike Schmidt could hold your chalk? He told me at the 2009 US Open that he uses the Z2. He loves the small diameter tip. You don't have to go so far off center to get english. He couldn't see why anyone else wouldn't be using one - that is how much he liked it.
 
The Z-2 (and Z) require greater accuracy in tip placement at impact than a 314-2 (or 314), and if you use BHE a different bridge position.

If you have a stroke where you are very accurate with tip placement, and want the ability to move the ball around a little more than you can with a 314-2 then you should try a Z-2.

But, in my humble opinion, until you get to the point where a 314-2 (or any other low deflection shaft) is limiting you ability to move the CB around post impact, then you probably aren't quite ready for what the Z-2 brings to the table.
 
whitewolf said:
Yah think Mike Schmidt could hold your chalk? He told me at the 2009 US Open that he uses the Z2. He loves the small diameter tip. You don't have to go so far off center to get english. He couldn't see why anyone else wouldn't be using one - that is how much he liked it.
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Do you mean John Schmidt? Mike Schmidt never used low deflection when jacking homeruns in the 70's and 80's for the Phillies.:)
 
i have a poison cue and i was using the standard venom shaft with it untill the shaft had some manufacturing issues with it, i sent it back to predator and decided that i would upgrade to a 314-2 instead of getting a straight replacement. while i love the 314-2 it has given me more confidence and better ability to position the CB where i want it, in hindsight i do not enjoy the feel of the 314-2 compared to the venom. i think with more time playing with the venom shaft i could have gotten to the ability to manipulate the CB to the level i can now with the 314-2. im still relatively new to the game and even i can regret this being swayed by all the hype, i like the 314-2 but i think i would still like to have my venom as well, the feel is just dead i dont get the feedback i would like and i find myself subconciously hitting harder than i need too inorder to try and get some feel back.

my point to this being, dont go with the hype get what feels good to you, you can always adjust your game to get that english and position play that you want, many pros have proven this. so go with a hit that just plain makes you smile when you shoot...and if the shoot works out just how you wanted it too well then thats just icing on the cake then.
 
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