How many of you guys have tried this new shaft? I had a chancee to hit some balls with the new predator 314 2. I thought is hit really solid but no impressive enough to make me want to buy it to replace my 314 shaft. Can anyone esle give a review on the shaft
new 314 2 shaft
- Thread starter macaframa
- Start date
DougT
Illustrated Principles
I've had a new SP4RW with a 29" shaft for a few days now. It is different from the 314 I was shooting with, and I am struggling with getting back into cueball control. I ran the first two 8ball racks I played on a bar box, and then fell off. I'll give you my observations so far.macaframa said:
My 314 has a LePro tip, the 314-2 has an Everest. I'd say it's a harder tip.
The 314 was 28". My 314-2 is 29" so that's another adjustment (especially after watching Colin Colenso's video regarding pivot point). I have another 314 with a lighter butt and a hard water buffalo tip, and I might dig it out to compare.
I seem to put more spin on, and can draw more. Both are gonna take some adjustments. Also, it seems there is a difference in squirt and/or swerve.
The 314-2 sounds better, it doesn't have the hollow 'thunk' of the original.
But the biggest challenge for me has been to learn the different 'throw' and cueball spin after a hit. I'm going to need more time to learn it. Spending much time now with cut shots, because they are so different with this shaft.
Ultimately, I'm not sure if I like the longer shaft. It came to me inadvertantly, but I think it's helping me with the longer shots. Still, the balance is different, feels heavier which is also causing me some missed position. I ordered 18.5 oz., but I haven't weighed it, and the longer shaft probably adds some. Probably just a different balance point.
I surely wouldn't replace all my 314's if that's what I had. I am wondering if the Everest is the really biggest difference. So I'd suggest swapping tips and see what you think.
Meanwhile, I'm working harder than ever to play center ball, or vertical axis. All in all, I'm surprised at how much adjustment I feel I have to make/learn.
DougT
DougT
Illustrated Principles
A follow-up review
A follow-up review after another couple of months;
I am just loving my 314-2 with the Everest laminated tip. Now that I've gotten used to the spin and throw, I am convinced I have found a great playing cue for my game. My game has jumped up a good notch.
I notice improvement and confidence in medium and long straight shots, cut shots with inside or outside spin, table-length stop shots, and long thin cuts. I'm more confident in hard top spin shots.
I was very surprised at how long it took me to get acclimated. I had used a flat laminated shaft and saw immediate gains, then moved to a 314 last february which took some time to get comfortable, but not as long as this change.
I believe the biggest adjustment was the difference in the tip, but my opinion is there is a substantial improvement in deflection also. Having been forced to focus more on centerball hit surely has helped in my improvement. Overall quality wise, no complaints at all. No mushrooming yet on this tip after 100 hours or so of playing time.
I'm still not in tune with banking, and swerving around blocker balls.
DougT
A follow-up review after another couple of months;
I am just loving my 314-2 with the Everest laminated tip. Now that I've gotten used to the spin and throw, I am convinced I have found a great playing cue for my game. My game has jumped up a good notch.
I notice improvement and confidence in medium and long straight shots, cut shots with inside or outside spin, table-length stop shots, and long thin cuts. I'm more confident in hard top spin shots.
I was very surprised at how long it took me to get acclimated. I had used a flat laminated shaft and saw immediate gains, then moved to a 314 last february which took some time to get comfortable, but not as long as this change.
I believe the biggest adjustment was the difference in the tip, but my opinion is there is a substantial improvement in deflection also. Having been forced to focus more on centerball hit surely has helped in my improvement. Overall quality wise, no complaints at all. No mushrooming yet on this tip after 100 hours or so of playing time.
I'm still not in tune with banking, and swerving around blocker balls.
DougT
Glad to hear someone likes them. Whatever works for ya 
I personally believe they're a bit overpriced and just a very well marketed product, but that's my 2 cents. I had a 314 on my old Joss 03-18 and while I did like the taper and smaller diameter ferrule/tip, the shaft just did not feel nearly as good as the original Joss shaft.
Lucky for me some guy wanted to trade my Joss 03-18 and one 314 shaft (which I had got for only $74) for a brand new Meucci Gambler-3 with 2 Black Dot's. The Joss was a fine cue but I shoot much better with the Meucci.
I personally believe they're a bit overpriced and just a very well marketed product, but that's my 2 cents. I had a 314 on my old Joss 03-18 and while I did like the taper and smaller diameter ferrule/tip, the shaft just did not feel nearly as good as the original Joss shaft.
Lucky for me some guy wanted to trade my Joss 03-18 and one 314 shaft (which I had got for only $74) for a brand new Meucci Gambler-3 with 2 Black Dot's. The Joss was a fine cue but I shoot much better with the Meucci.