European Taper question...

shoutout33

shoutout33

"The Emperor"
Silver Member
I was wondering if a European Taper could be used successfully to play pool with. Both Predator and McDermott have 11.75mm shafts that have this type of conical taper. Isn't this the same type of taper that 3-cushion billiard players use? I know I'd have to try it to see if I'd like it but is it really better than the traditional pro-taper?
 
Yes, it's similar to a billiard taper.

However, i think the question of taper is very individual. Could it be used for pool? Sure -- that's why McD and Predator have their shafts. Really, any type of taper can be used since no two people will like the same thing.

In fact, the shaft for my original Huebler had a Euro taper that inreased after only the first 6 inches or so of the shaft (I hated it, btw --- and whitey squirted a LOT with that shaft). It made the shaft nice and solid but at the same time it was just too much for my tastes.
 
I think you answered your own question. Unless Predator and McDermott have gone into the 3C cue business. Yes, it can and has been used for pocket billiards. There is less shaft deflection, with a conical taper, meaning more energy is transferred to the cue ball. Personally, I don't like the way a conical taper feels going through a closed-bridge. If you shoot with an open-bridge it makes little difference. I play some snooker, and snooker cues also use a conical taper, but I shoot snooker with an open-bridge and pool with a closed one. Probably just a matter of getting used to it.

Adios,

Pizza Bob
 
shoutout33 said:
I was wondering if a European Taper could be used successfully to play pool with. Both Predator and McDermott have 11.75mm shafts that have this type of conical taper. Isn't this the same type of taper that 3-cushion billiard players use? I know I'd have to try it to see if I'd like it but is it really better than the traditional pro-taper?
Click to expand...

Are you talking about the new McDermott I shaft?
 
shoutout33 said:
Yes. The I-3 in particular. Could it be used for both pool and 3-cushion?
Click to expand...

I'm not a good pool player so I can't answer the question from the standpoint of pool playing expertise, but I don't think McDermott would invest time and money in terms of research and development etc for a shaft that was only for 3 cushion billiards.

I'm sure there is a learning curve for most people who are used to a standard pro taper. I just got a used Falcon with a 314 shaft from a guy and one day I like it, the next day I'm ready to put it on e-bay because it's different from what I've had before.
 
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