I am designing a custom pair of cues for myself a break & a player but what I would like help with is what type of joint pin would be the best to have for shaft switching purposes, is there a "universal" pin that most manufacturers use that would allow easy shaft switch out without too many headaches?
No, no universal pin I`m afraid.
The most common pins are 5/16-14 (Schon, Joss and Mezz*) 5/16-18 (Meucci and many import brands) 3/8-10 (McDermott, OB and lots of custom cue makers) Uni-Loc (Predator, Lucasi) Radial (Segen, Tiger and a few custom cue makers)
The Mezz pin is a modified 5/16-14, some shafts fit, some don`t...
What you choose from that list, really does not matter, they are all pretty common and want go out of production any time soon.
3/8-10 and Radial are big pins and most often they are wood to wood flat faced (shaft and butt touches without a pilot)
5/16-14 and 5/16-18 are both piloted and most of the time use a brass insert in the shaft, so it`s a slightly heavier alternative. Uni-Loc is a quick release joint, so it`s quick to switch shafts, weight is about the same as the 5/16 options.
I feel Uni-Loc deadens the hit a bit, but lots of people love it.
