Could you please describe the "hit" on this type of shaft? Is it a stiff playing shaft? I have been interested in this type of shaft as opposed to going for CF, I like the idea of a 15 inch pro taper at 12.5MM with the softer tip and ferrule. Mostly concerned with the stiffness factor - does the cue have more or less stiffness than an average maple 12.5MM pro taper shaft with a soft tip?
Hi,
Good questions! I’ll try to relate my experience with it. To me it plays almost identically to my Cuetech Cynergy CF shafts which have the exact same dimensions & taper. I like the Cynergy CF very much (I have 1/2” Tomahawk custom ferrules on those now also) and purposely spec’ed out the Hsunami the same, as I just wanted to see what keilwood was all about. It plays so similar, that it presents no major improvement for me, so decided to sell it while still brand new.
To answer your questions more specifically - yes i believe it hits stiffer & has lower deflection than a standard maple shaft of same dimensions. For me, this is the real benefit of both CF & Keilwood - can get a stiff crisp hit with a thinner, lighter shaft with long pro taper - yet not be whippy. The other main advantage of CF to me is that they don’t get dings.Keilwood is also supposed to be harder yet lighter than conventional maple and thus also less prone to dings, but of course I haven’t tested that aspect.
It does sound a bit different than maple & CF but not radically so, its a pleasant tone as most folks seem to report with keilwood shafts. Also, IMO its more attractive than CF - looks like a really old maple shaft with golden patina, but yet brand new & plays more like a modern CF.
The fit & finish workmanship on the Hsunami is outstanding. But of course that can be found on many custom wood & CF shafts.
I think if one has already converted to playing with CF, and or is super into lowest possible deflection, then maybe Keilwood isn’t super compelling, beyond the appearance. For someone coming from maple, it's sort of like going to CF yet maintains a more traditional appearance, and less “man made” type vibe.
Hope this makes sense & helps some?
Cheers
