Need shaft advice. Z or 314?

C

Cmbeers

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I am getting ready to order a new shaft for my cue. I have narrowed it down to the either the Predator Z or 314. I was all set to order the Z shaft, but I saw that it said the 314 is "more forgiving". I have only been shooting pool for 4+ months after a long (17 yrs) break away. So now I'm thinking, do I want a shaft that is more forgiving or one that is, as they say, a different taper to get used too and requires more consistant placement. Since I have only been shooting again for a short time, I do not think that I will have a hard time adjusting to the Z shaft, but I would like some opions on whether or not the Z shaft is good for an "OK" player. ( Not sure of my level yet, just started shooting leauges last night.)

Thanks,
Chris
 
I really would like to stick with the Predator shafts. I have heard good things about the OB shafts, but I kinda have my heart set on predator.

Thanks,
Chris
 
The z shaft I had was great until the ferrule cracked. I have no complaints other than that.
 
I own a 314^2, Z^2 and an OB Classic-Pro shaft... (But, I am wanting an OB2 as well).

My opinion: (I'll first say: I lean towards the OB offerings over predator due to them being USA-made and great guys to buy from)....... The 314 is 12.75mm while the Z2 is 11.75.

(BTW, the OB1 and OB Classic are also ~ 12.75mm ..... and the OB2 and the OB Classic-Pro are also ~ 11.75mm)

It depends on your definition of "forgiving" ... the smaller-diameter shafts will cause less squirt due to less end-mass, so in MY difinition, they are more forgiving.

Some people think the larger diameter shaft is more forgiving because the tip is bigger and you could possibly be off-center of the cue ball and still have a little better chance of not miss-cueing. ... I think that cue ball is right in front of your eyes, why can't you tell where your tip is going to hit the cue ball????

... That's just my opinion though. I like the small diameter tips... some can't stand them.
 
Last edited:
It's all preference. The Z shaft is thinner and you can be more precise with english. Might benefit you if you have small hands on a closed grip. The 314 is thicker and you are hitting a larger area of the cue ball. I prefer the 314 but it's all preference.
 
Are you more of a ball potter or shape player?
I would recommend the Z if you are a ball potter, and the 314 if you are a shape player
 
Thanks for the input. I think I am leaning towards the Z shaft.

"Some people think the larger diameter shaft is more forgiving because the tip is bigger and you could possibly be off-center of the cue ball and still have a little better chance of not miss-cueing. ... I think that cue ball is right in front of your eyes, why can't you tell where your tip is going to hit the cue ball????"
Click to expand...

This makes sense to me. I'm going to think it over another 1/2 hr and then order.
 
Are you more of a ball potter or shape player?
I would recommend the Z if you are a ball potter, and the 314 if you are a shape player
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what either of those mean. Could you elaborate please.:o
 
hustler16x said:
Are you more of a ball potter or shape player?
I would recommend the Z if you are a ball potter, and the 314 if you are a shape player
Click to expand...

LOL

If you can't make a ball, it doesn't matter what shape you have on the next one.


... plus.. What???? I can get shape (or fail to get shape) with either of those shafts... it's the shooter/aim/stroke/speed/english,.... not the shaft
 
Well, I just ordered the Z shaft from Seyberts. They seem to have a good return policy if I don't like it. Now I'm going to be anxious all weekend waiting for it.LOL!!:D
 
Cmbeers said:
Well, I just ordered the Z shaft from Seyberts. They seem to have a good return policy if I don't like it. Now I'm going to be anxious all weekend waiting for it.LOL!!:D
Click to expand...

Ordering Predator from Seyberts also gets you a cool-looking Predator patch (adhesive backing) that you can stick on your cue case to show your opponents that you plan to take "no prisoners" ;):D:D:D!!!

Maniac
 
I shoot with a McDermott I-3 shaft. I prefer the 11.75mm tip diameter because I feel I can hit the cue ball with geometric precision. I don't know which tip diameter would be more forgiving, but I would go with the Z-2 because it's also 11.75mm. There have been several negative posts about the Predator shafts (splinter, etc.) but haven't heard too much negative about the OB-2. I've tried the OB-2 and it's very similar to the I-3 but I don't really like the ferrule. But that's a personal preference. The lifetime warranty on the McDermott is excellent and one of the reasons why I decided to go with the I-3. I've recently sent it back for a new Moori soft tip since mine was worn down to a dime thickness. This was free under the warranty which included cleaning, resealing and installation of a new Moori tip. The only cost was $19.99 for shipping and handling. The warranty also covers any warpage of the shaft - it'll be replaced free. Good luck with whichever shaft you finally purchase and I'm certain you'll become accustomed to it very quickly.
 
Last edited:
Does second handed McDermott Original I2 still carry the lifetime warranty ? If so, how to claim it ?

Thanks.
 
TheDragon said:
Does second handed McDermott Original I2 still carry the lifetime warranty ? If so, how to claim it ?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Go to the McDermottcue.com site and select "Service". Then select the form to fill it out for service and mail it in with the shaft. It will give you everything that's covered by the warranty. I just sent in my I-3 shaft and not the butt. But you can send in the I-2 and they will clean the ferrule, shaft, reseal and put a new Moori Medium (for the I-2). If you send the butt along, they will do some stuff to the butt also. The cost to you is $21.95 for shipping and handling. If I remember correctly, the Service Manager is Jaime Cernicki. Takes about 10 to 14 days from ship to get it back. I bought my I-3 used here on the Forum for $100 and didn't have any problems with McDermott. They'll do this for you twice a year for life. I did mine in September and I'll be sending it to them again because the tip is down to about a dime or penny thickness.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top