How long does a shaft last?

My 7-year-old 314 is fine. My OB is about 4-years-old. Both need tips. I'm not sure if that's an LD thing or not.

I clean them once a month or so with Methyl Hydrate and then wax them.
 
Blue said:
Hi Guys

How long does a normal playing shaft last before it show signs of warping or delaminating ( in the case of 314s) or how long before the ferrule cracks?

I played with 314s a lot and their ferrules cracked after sometime and one even delaminated from the ferrule spilt to the middle of the taper. Now i play with a normal hard maple shaft from mezz.

I usually play about a few hours every weekend. I just wonder if this shaft is good to last for a long time or will we need to change playing shaft every few years.
Click to expand...

I got my first Predator in about 93, it's still my main player. Never had a problem with it
 
A good shaft can last for years and stay smooth & straight with a little maintenance.
Then of course everybody has to create problems by sanding, turning it down, grinding
on the ferrule, and my favorite which is when they trim the ferrule to make it shorter in a
wayward attempt at a poor man's LD, but now the shaft is 1/4" shorter...smart
 
I glad to hear that most shafts can last for long time. Clearly it wasn't the case for my 314s shafts. Perhaps they don't make them the way they used to.

hopefully my new shaft will last longer then my past shafts, fingers crosssed.

Ps: i do not use the play shaft for breaks or jumps. Just for the record.
 
If you take care of it, it lasts a lifetime, or longer.

If you lean on it, one second...

All the best,
WW
 
Blue said:
when you guys say maintained properly, meaning its kept in the cue case and wiped down every time you finished playing?

i never clean my shafts. because i do not really like to introduce too much moisture to the wood. the humidity level is high where i lived. thats why i asked about shaft warping. rather its dirty than warped.

I always think ferrule changing will change the hit of the stick, mostly not for the better. Maybe there isnt a good pool mechanic around my area, but if ferrule is damaged, i think i would be better to change a new shaft. thats my 2 cents.

Anyway the reason i asked was because I have made up my mind not to go back to 314 shafts anymore and trying to play with a normal maple shaft. Just hoping that it last longer than all the 314s i ever owned.
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When I say "maintained properly", the following is what I mean.
I keep the shaft in a case when not in use, joint down, with the case in the upright position, always climate controlled.
I rarely clean the shafts (maybe once every six months) but when one needs cleaning for whatever reason, take a damp towel and stroke it a few times, followed by a dry towel vigorously (burnish).
On the natural ferrules, I baby oil them once a year so they don't dry out and crack
That's pretty much it, unless I'm taking out a dent, but that's a whole other discussion.
I've never used any kind of wax or cleaning solvent, nor will I ever.


You mentioned humidity, I live in Houston, and its stays pretty humid around these parts.

I hope the new shaft serves you well!
 
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