Lets talk about my new 314 shaft...

Gregg

Gregg

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
First off, I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I understand this. I don't want a debate.

I just wanted to give an update on my experience. I play with a Samsara, and for $250, got a custom made joint ring and custom joint protector direct from Samsara (Samsara uses a "chess piece custom joint protects for their cues). Great value, and shipped after a week when I ordered it.

Now, let me concede that I am a new player, and have been shooting for about an hour or more a day the last three years, in two leagues and at home on my practice table.

This shaft is great for me. I don't have the touch or feel that some have developed over a very long period of time, so it's not maybe as hard to get used to a low deflection shaft. It's great. I love that I can use less effort and still get the same spin on the ball. I love the feel and control that it give.

Just wanted some opinions, hopefully from others who favor the Predator shafts, or any other low deflection shafts as well.
 
I've been wanting to get a Predator shaft.

But I decided to order a "Smart Shaft". I forgot what they retail for. I think around $240. Our shop had a demo sent to us that we used on a Lucasi Sneaky pete. We played with the regular shaft for the Lucasi. Then we put the Smart shaft on. It made a huge difference.

I'm wanting to get a predator shaft but I don't know what stick I exactly want to put it on. I'll probably put it on my Shon when I do get one. Maybe it'll make it so it doesn't play so stiff.
 
I just bought a used 314 shaft. I am still getting used to it.
I like the smaller or thinner shaft it came with a very worn hard tip. I was suprised that I liked the tip. I just put a morri medium on it and I kinda wish I would of went for a hard tip.
I noticed that I was drawing very nicely with the shaft and hard tip. I can use more english, though I must learn how to control it. I tend to hit to hard.
I do notice that was must punch stop shot now draws the CB.
I must admit that I thought the predator shaft would not be that much different....but it is!! Now if it and I can get on the same page and get better!!
 
I like the hard tips as well.

I had a Hercules hard tip on my regular shaft, and loved the way it played. The Le Pro, (also a hard tip), the Predator comes installed with plays pretty well also.

I have to say I really feel "confident" with the new shaft. I was doing some draw drills I like to do, and the feel/feedback was really good.
 
314's do have low squirt.
But, they have no feel for me b/c their ferrule is too soft for my liking.
I don't like the taper either b/c it's not " pointable". The first 15 inches is almost straight. I like mine with a little taper .
I don't like them having too many end grains in their laminates either.
Instead of just having two sides with end grains, they have 4 or more.
They just can't get smooth enough for me and they ding easily.
If 314's had smoother maple, more conical taper and harder ferrule, I'd switch to it.
But, of course a lof of people like em too.
Bill Stroud's smart shaft felt more solid to me.
 
Hey that's amazing Gregg! 2 weeks? :eek: WOW! How does it feel different with that shaft to you?
 
The feel is a lot different from the standard Samsara shafts. Again, some like it, some don't. I think a newer player will be more accepting of the feel, but that's just my opinion.

The only "problem" is that I don't like to bring my Samsara out all the time depeding on where I am going, so I need a new shaft for my Viking as well. Oh well.
 
Using your 314, aim dead center at the far center diamond, then move you FRONT HAND [left/right] to apply english on the CB while keeping your back hand in the same spot.

The cue ball should go to the same exact spot as a dead center hit!

Note that if you are shooting a cut shot, the spinning cue ball will require an adjustment in aim.

But I love my 314 for this reason that I have a system for aiming on long shots and using english. (I have "steering"!)

And with a regular cue, you can use "backhand english" to do the same, however the "pivot point" on a regular cue might be 10 inches back from the tip. And it is impossible to use a 10 inch bridge on some shots like when the CB is close to a rail.

Also note that I use a dime shaped Moori Q tip, so my shaft might be a little different from a stock shaft which comes with a different tip.
 
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