drilling out the shaft core

[dzcues]

For those deflection deniers out there, here's something to think about:

It seemed to me that if lower end mass would decrease cue ball deflection, then the converse should also be true: higher end mass should increase deflection.

To test this, I installed a 3/8-16x3 set screw in the tip end of a shaft, leaving 1/2" exposed to allow a ferrule to be screwed on. You can feel the difference in the balance but it hits fine - until you try using English. I've asked MANY players to try an easily repeatable test shot, first with a regular shaft, then with the hi-end mass shaft. EVERYONE who has tried it has been shocked at the results.

The shot: cue ball on the head spot and an object ball on the foot spot. Aim directly at the object ball with maximum left or right English (whatever your preference) and maximum controllable speed. Note where the object ball hits the far rail as this shows how much the cue ball has deflected. Repeat a few times to get comfortable with the shot and verify its repeatability. With most regular shafts, the object ball will hit the end rail an inch or two from the middle diamond.

Now, switch to the weighted shaft and try the same shot. The cue ball will deflect so much that it will often pocket the object ball in one of the corners at the foot of the table. Depending on the speed of the shot, it's not unusual for the cue ball to miss the object ball completely, proving that higher end mass will, indeed, increase cue ball deflection.

edit: Perhaps Dr. Dave might be interested to try this.

 

[Sheldon]

For those deflection deniers out there, here's something to think about:

My test is to freeze an object ball to the middle of the short rail, spot the cue ball, then cut the object ball into the corner.
With a normal shaft you can almost aim full ball and the deflection will get you to the edge and cut it in. The lower the deflection, the farther toward the edge you have to aim.
Two objects colliding off-center will always deflect somewhat. The heavier your striking object is, the more it will push the other object off line. It's not that hard of a concept to grasp.

 

[dr_dave]

For those deflection deniers out there, here's something to think about:

It seemed to me that if lower end mass would decrease cue ball deflection, then the converse should also be true: higher end mass should increase deflection.

To test this, I installed a 3/8-16x3 set screw in the tip end of a shaft, leaving 1/2" exposed to allow a ferrule to be screwed on. You can feel the difference in the balance but it hits fine - until you try using English. I've asked MANY players to try an easily repeatable test shot, first with a regular shaft, then with the hi-end mass shaft. EVERYONE who has tried it has been shocked at the results.

The shot: cue ball on the head spot and an object ball on the foot spot. Aim directly at the object ball with maximum left or right English (whatever your preference) and maximum controllable speed. Note where the object ball hits the far rail as this shows how much the cue ball has deflected. Repeat a few times to get comfortable with the shot and verify its repeatability. With most regular shafts, the object ball will hit the end rail an inch or two from the middle diamond.

Now, switch to the weighted shaft and try the same shot. The cue ball will deflect so much that it will often pocket the object ball in one of the corners at the foot of the table. Depending on the speed of the shot, it's not unusual for the cue ball to miss the object ball completely, proving that higher end mass will, indeed, increase cue ball deflection.

edit: Perhaps Dr. Dave might be interested to try this.

I've done this using binder clips (see Diagram 4 in my Feb'08 BD article: “Squirt – Part VII: cue test machine results”). Mike Page has done it with vise grips (see Mike's video). For more info, see:

cue endmass and stiffness effects​

 

[dzcues]

I've done this using binder clips (see Diagram 4 in my Feb'08 BD article: “Squirt – Part VII: cue test machine results”). Mike Page has done it with vise grips (see Mike's video). For more info, see:

cue endmass and stiffness effects​

Thanks for the links and clarification. Mike's video should come with a warning; the vise grip test is not for the faint of heart

 

[markusca]

My test is to freeze an object ball to the middle of the short rail, spot the cue ball, then cut the object ball into the corner.
With a normal shaft you can almost aim full ball and the deflection will get you to the edge and cut it in. The lower the deflection, the farther toward the edge you have to aim.
Two objects colliding off-center will always deflect somewhat. The heavier your striking object is, the more it will push the other object off line. It's not that hard of a concept to grasp.

Which one makes someone that can’t shoot shoot better? It’s a technique regardless of what brand of shaft you have.

 

[Michael Webb]

Which one makes someone that can’t shoot shoot better? It’s a technique regardless of what brand of shaft you have.

That would be the one that says. If your going to play with it,
Practice with it!

 

[Sheldon]

Which one makes someone that can’t shoot shoot better? It’s a technique regardless of what brand of shaft you have.

I've never made that claim. Nor would I.
Low deflection makes one aspect of using english a slightly smaller issue. You're always going to have to adjust when using it. Low deflection shafts will make the adjustment smaller.