How do LOW-COST CARBON FIBER SHAFTS Perform Compared to the Best?

[dr_dave]

FYI, I just posted a new video that tests some of the popular low-cost carbon fiber shafts and compares them to a Predator Revo. The shafts tested are an 11.8 mm Rhino, an 11.8mm CRBN ("Carbon"), and a 12.5mm WSC ("We Sell Cues") Jungle. The results of the tests might surprise you. Check it out:

Contents:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:43 - Background
• 2:23 - CB Deflection Testing Procedure
• 5:06 - Slow Speed Deflection Testing
• 5:55 - Rhino Pushes or Double Hits
• 8:22 - Fast Speed Deflection Testing
• 9:33 - Natural Pivot Length Testing Procedure
• 12:01 - Natural Pivot Length Tests
• 13:04 - Results

Supporting Resources:

• cues tested: 11.8 mm Predator Revo, 11.8 mm Rhino, 11.8 mm CRBN, and 12.5 mm WSC Jungle.
• previous video
• LD shaft advantages and disadvantages: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/cue/low-squirt/
• carbon fiber resource page with previous videos: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/cue/carbon/
• cue testing results: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/squirt/published-data/
• cue natural pivot length testing: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/cue/natural-pivot-length/
• cue hit efficiency: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/cue-tip/efficiency/
• Back-Hand English (BHE): https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/sidespin/bhe-fhe/
• bridge length recommendations: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/bridge/length/
• System for Aiming With Sidespin (SAWS): https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/
• squirt, swerve, and throw effects: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/faq/sidespin/aim/effects/
• rail ruler template: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/resource_files/rail_ruler.pdf
• rail cue guide: https://drdavepoolinfo.com/resource_files/rail_cue_guide.pdf

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!

 

[skiergd011013]

Just like how predators cf shaft cleaning wipes cost $30.00 for a pack of 50. They are just Isopropyl Alcohol wipes. You can get a 100 pack of the exact same thing at walmart vision center for $5.00. Oh, but i guess they dont say predator on them.

 

[Quesports]

Just like how predators cf shaft cleaning wipes cost $30.00 for a pack of 50. They are just Isopropyl Alcohol wipes. You can get a 100 pack of the exact same thing at walmart vision center for $5.00. Oh, but i guess they dont say predator on them.

There’s one born every minute!

 

[Paul_#_]

Some mind-boggling results finding deflection among these inexpensive shafts like that of the Revo. Got to think some more about this.

Cue tips can be very important in causing deflection!!!! An 11.8mm Rhino soft cue tip likely caused "off the charts' deflection in about 20% of shots at low speed and less-than-maximum spin. And this without a miscue. My avatar is a hard Rhino Time Crystal tip --- hmmm, what will I do with my unused soft tip?

 

[GideonF]

This is very interesting. I know you don’t test for this, but do you have a comment on the fit and finish, the sound/feel?

I know you say you don’t care about these things, but most of us would find a shaft buzz, rattle or rough finish to be disqualifying (and if we are going to recommend a cheaper option to newer players it would be nice to know they are at least okay).

 

[dr_dave]

This is very interesting. I know you don’t test for this, but do you have a comment on the fit and finish, the sound/feel?

I know you say you don’t care about these things, but most of us would find a shaft buzz, rattle or rough finish to be disqualifying (and if we are going to recommend a cheaper option to newer players it would be nice to know they are at least okay).

I didn’t notice any difference in how the finishes of the shafts felt, but I use an open bridge (and I have bony fingers) so difference would probably not affect me much anyway.

Concerning the sounds of the hit, they were certainly very different. The hit of the Rhino was the the most thuddy with the soft tip, and the WSC was really pingy. But again, I don’t really care much about these things as long as the CB goes where I want at the speed I want. I think I could play equally well with any of these cues (except with the Rhino when using lots of spin at slow speed, as discussed in the video), but there is a fix for that (as also discussed).

 

[j2pac]

I didn’t notice any difference in how the finishes of the shafts felt, but I use an open bridge (and I have bony fingers) so difference would probably not affect me much anyway.

Concerning the sounds of the hit, they were certainly very different. The hit of the Rhino was the the most thuddy with the soft tip, and the WSC was really pingy. But again, I don’t really care much about these things as long as the CB goes where I want at the speed I want. I think I could play equally well with any of these cues (except with the Rhino when using lots of spin at slow speed, as discussed in the video), but there is a fix for that (as also discussed).

Where do you purchase the WSC cue shaft?
The only information I found, didn't yield a solid conclusion.
Thank you.
j2

 

[Baize]

What a great video. It’s been coming for a while, but cues are almost fully commodified now.