Frustration with LD shafts

[12squared]

I think your right on the money. I bought a 314-2 over a year ago and it was a hassle at best. This year I decided to try it again because I was having trouble adjusting for follow shots with side english. Now follow shots are fairly simple but draw is a pain. I over cut long slow draw shots with side. Keeping the cue more level helps, speed helps and using less side helps. Overall I'm starting to like it more but I have to remember to adjust.

With a reg shaft squirt and swerve balance each other out. If I let up on a side english draw stroke with a reg shaft I may still make the ball. With the pred I'm sure to over cut the hell out of it. Playing one hole it has advantages but I need more time to adjust for slow speed spin shots as you noted. The one thing I miss is my fatter shaft with a conical taper. It way more solid and comfortable. I like the fuller feeling in my fingers.

Another thing to note is equipment and conditions. Older worn ball sets seem to curve more. I think is more table friction due to condition of the balls. More friction, more swerve etc. Of course older dirty cloth adds more friction as well. I mean cloth can only handle the oil from so many cheeseburgers and fries. LOL

I think the OP needs to find the real reason for missed shots. We all miss shots but most good players know why. If you don't know why then you don't know what to correct. Usually it stroke mechanics or you moved on the shot or your alignment needs work, no matter what shaft you use.

Rod

I concur w/your additional info about conditions playing a big role in the outcome . I just hope the OP has had a chance to read what we wrote...or did he just give up because the thread went a little sideways from his original question. Thanks.

 

[dr_dave]

Here's my take on this (for what it's worth): If you are always hitting center ball than it's you & your lack of consistent stroke - the LD shafts would have no effect, benefit or detriment. If that's not the case, it may be because some days you are putting more spin on the cueball then others and that WILL make a difference in pocketing balls using a LD shaft vs. your maple shaft.

Yes, LD shafts reduce or come close to eliminating squirt off the cueball initially, but it does not avoid the swerve (or whatever the heck it's called). So depending on the distance of the object ball, the speed you hit it, and how much spin you apply, that will definitely affect your ball pocketing. In other words, if you are hitting a shot hard with spin, you can shoot right at the target because no time for the swerve, but if you hit the same shot slower, you would need to know what the adjustment would need to be. You basically have to relearn everything you knew before, or at least apply it differently.

If I was playing more and wanted to compete, I think I would learn to play with the OB classic, I like the feel the best of the ones I've tried, but I am not willing to retool my game to adjust for the lack of initial squirt I am used to. In fact when playing 1-pocket, which I spin the ball a lot at slow speeds, it drove me nuts.

This has only been my experience so take it all with a grain of salt. Hope it helps a little.

Good post!

An LD shaft reduces squirt, but it has absolutely no effect on swerve. Both most be compensated for (along with throw) to use English effectively.

LD shafts have both advantages and disadvantages for different people. For people who are interested, many are listed, along with additional resources, here:

http://billiards.colostate.edu/threads/cue.html#low_squirt​

Regards,
Dave

 

[Centerpunch]

I concur w/your additional info about conditions playing a big role in the outcome . I just hope the OP has had a chance to read what we wrote...or did he just give up because the thread went a little sideways from his original question. Thanks.

Just got back to reading the responses. Thanks for the input!
I believe I keep subconciously adjusting for squirt and in addition apply english for shape on my next shot.
I'm not really sure though. It's probably the "pool gods" bringing me back to reality:smile:.
This past week I have gone back to my regular shaft and am shooting more consistant. I just need to accept ld or reg. shaft and stay with it.
For some reason I keep going back to the LD. Just like the hit.