Do you use a Predator Z2 shaft?
- Thread starter Matt_24
- Start date
Well I can't say that I've used one but I like my 314-2 but I've got my tip smaller , I use a 12.30 diamator instead of the 12.75 . Works great for me .
I used pre-cat 314's for many years. I tried a Z2 for a short time. I liked it ok, but you have to be very careful with your tip placement dropping a whole mm. You could get used to it, no doubt, but you're learnig curve involces increased spin generation AND the issues of more eccentric (unintended) tip contact.
I went to OB1 shafts & have never looked back. I think they provide better spin velocity & easier ball movement than 314's, but you don't have the inconsistency associated with changing tip diameter. The OB's are a different feel. I took a couple runs at them before fell for them.
My 2 cents...
I went to OB1 shafts & have never looked back. I think they provide better spin velocity & easier ball movement than 314's, but you don't have the inconsistency associated with changing tip diameter. The OB's are a different feel. I took a couple runs at them before fell for them.
My 2 cents...
......................................it'll get away from you if you don't keep a tight rein on it.
I use one fairly regularly. I actually shoot better with the 314-2, but I shoot a lot of 8-ball with the Z2, just to make myself mindful of my stroke. I get punished pretty hard if I get sloppy with the Z2.
Maniac
Matt-
I use a Z2, but it's not for everyone. I don't think you should switch to a Z2 simply because some great players use it. I'd be willing to bet that most of the professional players who play with a predator shaft use a 314 (or 314^2) shaft. If you apply your logic to that statement, then you should probably stick with a 314.
The only bit of advice that I have for you (and that anyone will probably give you) is to try out a Z^2 shaft before you buy one. Find a friend or a store that will let you hit with it, before you make any sort of commitment to purchase. Some (like me) love the shaft, while others hate it.
I use a Z2, but it's not for everyone. I don't think you should switch to a Z2 simply because some great players use it. I'd be willing to bet that most of the professional players who play with a predator shaft use a 314 (or 314^2) shaft. If you apply your logic to that statement, then you should probably stick with a 314.
The only bit of advice that I have for you (and that anyone will probably give you) is to try out a Z^2 shaft before you buy one. Find a friend or a store that will let you hit with it, before you make any sort of commitment to purchase. Some (like me) love the shaft, while others hate it.
So true yet I have 2. It's so easy to add unwanted english unless you have a perfect stroke; I don't.
I've used a 314 (pre-cat) then the newer one and a 314-2 since they came out....so for approximately 8 years+ I've been a Predator shaft guy...but there seem to be some definite benefits to the Z2. Yes, there will be a learning curve - but there was a learning curve when I switched to a Pred years ago...and that was well worth the outcome in my game (I think). I think I'm going to give it a shot.
I think many have posted good thoughts on the Z2. The problem in my opinion with this shaft is that when you use more than a little english the ball tends to curve a little. I personally play with a 314-2 which does this to a small degree but is very manageable compared to the wicked high rpms generated by the z2.
If you play a long drag shot at a softer speed with side english it curves like a bowling ball.....
Dudley
this is a quick layout to show the kindof shot i struggle with using the z2
If you play a long drag shot at a softer speed with side english it curves like a bowling ball.....
Dudley
this is a quick layout to show the kindof shot i struggle with using the z2
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I saw Matt Clatterbuck in the pool room today and he saw this thread. He mentioned again that he liked the shaft and that it required some re-adjustment in your aiming.
There are so many good players using them, I might have to try it. Not that it will make me good...but if it makes me "adequate" I will be happy, haha.
There are so many good players using them, I might have to try it. Not that it will make me good...but if it makes me "adequate" I will be happy, haha.
Add Oscar Dominguez to the list.
I tried it for about two weeks and didn't play as well with it as I did my 314. From an aiming standpoint, the Z and 314 are very similar. Playing with the small tip takes some adjustment to get usual results and I never got a confident feel with it.
I didn't see an advantage over the 314 or that much of a difference for that matter, so I went back to the 314, which is what I'm comfortable with.
Chris
This is a great post and I agree 100%.
I have put mine on the shelf for awhile but might try it again later on when my 314's wear out.
Chris
I had a 314 and change to the Z2 which I use with my inexpensive Lucasi butt. I like the smaller diameter of the Z2 for aiming.
Oscar used to shoot with a very small diameter shaft and tip before. One day he niticed my Z2 and asked to hit some balls. After, his Dad asked how it hit and Oscar said it behaves like his small diameter shaft.
Soon after I read here on AZ that he switched.
I also have an OB but didn't like the larger diameter. I hear that OB has a smaller diameter now.
Oscar used to shoot with a very small diameter shaft and tip before. One day he niticed my Z2 and asked to hit some balls. After, his Dad asked how it hit and Oscar said it behaves like his small diameter shaft.
Soon after I read here on AZ that he switched.
I also have an OB but didn't like the larger diameter. I hear that OB has a smaller diameter now.
My buddy Chris! How are you man?
I might make it out to Cali this next year......I'll let you know (if my boss doesn't steal my trip again, LOL).
I do love the 314...but I might have to give the Z a good month of play and see if I like it better. I really think it would take a month of play.
I use the original z shaft. I use the z2 sometimes as my back up shaft. I still have a 314 but I dont use it to much
The Z2 is a great shaft, but if you're stroke is off even just a small amount, it will punish you for it. I normally shoot with a 314-2, and have a Z2 has a backup shaft. If I'm hitting the balls well I can use the Z2 and be fine. If it's "one of those days", I can normally grind through a set with the 314-2 and play good enough, but if I try to use the Z2 on those days, it isn't pretty.
I think this is an intriguing post. I don't mean to make my post sound loaded, but I'd genuinely like to hear more about how it punishes you if you're stroke is off just a small amount.
Fred
I think this is great feedback Chris. In your case, you're comparing the 314 vs Z. The Z has less squirt, yet it is clearly understood even among LD shaft users that just because it has less squirt, the greater swerve to squirt ratio is easily seen as an issue and the feel of it (and the resultant confidence and comfortability) is an issue.
These are the exact same arguments I have had for years for regular shafts vs a standard LD shaft like a 314 except my arguments are "shifted over." It's the same argument nonetheless. I think it's an important one.
The only difference is, I tried out the 314 for over a year. Twice.
Fred