Original or Not?

S

Shapechaser

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I was wondering what shaft most people shoot with in respect to their custom cue, the original shaft or a secondary shaft like a predator? Also, how do the cuemakers on this forum feel about customizing blanks to match their cues? The reason I ask, besides sitting atwork pondering all things pool, is in 2005 I bought my first custom cue straight from the maker and at the time I was using a Predator shaft with my shooting cue.
I asked him that if I couldn't or didn't get comfortable with his original shaft, if I could send him a predator blank to match up. He agreed and had no qualms about it and indeed a few weeks later I sent him the blank. A friend of mine asked another cue maker this same question and the cue maker seemed insulted. Just looking for some feedback and opinions.:)
 
The answer is the origional shaft deflection higher then ur predator, that's the reason u r not comfortable it.
 
I shoot with both....
I like the feel and hit of some of the custom cues original shafts and some less, I have Predator shafts that fit most of my cues. I can play about the same level with any shaft but since I am most used to the Predator shaft I feel more "safe" shooting with it in a serious set or competition.

I know that some CMs don't like to fit other shafts to their cues but more and more drop this approach. I don't mind too much, If I want to get a Predator shaft to match a custom cue that the CM doesn't want to do it, I know who to turn to that will...
 
I play with Predator or OB shafts now, and they all fit on all my customs. I never had an issue with a builder fitting an aftermarket shaft. I could maybe see why they would get a little pissy, but IMO that would be silly. The customer is always right no matter what shaft they want. I guess the qustion is.....are they building the cues for the customer, or their ego?

G.
 
skor said:
I shoot with both....
I like the feel and hit of some of the custom cues original shafts and some less, I have Predator shafts that fit most of my cues. I can play about the same level with any shaft
Click to expand...

me too :yes:
 
I can understand the reluctance from the maker's perspective.

What if it breaks the first week? You're going to go back to the custom maker who converted it right? Of course you are.

Perhaps the maker does not want to take responsibility for work done by others... And the shaft blank maker will not warrant it because it has been modified by someone outside their control.

Not taking sides, just pointing out the other side so maybe it becomes a bit easier to understand that point of view.

Personally I wouldn't want to do it either. If I did, I would certainly provide them without warranty as the shaft 'blank' construction is outside my control.

Sounds crappy, but if your reputation is on the line, you do whatever it takes to protect it. Even if that means passing up some work.
 
I didn't give that option... 314 on my Jacoby. I know that every 314 plays or very close to, the same. While people adjust to their new cue with the makers shaft, I put mine together and start playing.

I think this is one of the great things about the OB and Pred. line of shafts. The important part of the cue can remain the same. The feel on the bridge, deflection, spins remains the same. When you match this with something that feels good in the back hand, look out!
 
I had Mottey build two blanks (an original 314 and an OB-1) to my cue. The hit of the original shafts are awesome but I wanted to keep those mostly unused. I have shot with a predator shaft for about 10 years now so I am very used to them and don't really want to change. I like the OB-1 as well but I just haven't taken the time to adjust to it or had a reason to.
 
Junkyarddog said:
I had Mottey build two blanks (an original 314 and an OB-1) to my cue. The hit of the original shafts are awesome but I wanted to keep those mostly unused. I have shot with a predator shaft for about 10 years now so I am very used to them and don't really want to change. I like the OB-1 as well but I just haven't taken the time to adjust to it or had a reason to.
Click to expand...

Paul Mottey matched a number of predator shafts to cues i've owned of his over the years. I have two 314-2 predator shafts that I play with now that Paul finished for me from blanks that I sent him. I'm used to the feel of predator shafts and I really like the way they play.

James
 
depends on the cue maker or builder

Some cuemakers are only out for a buck and it is whatever makes a customer happy, or at least happy to buy. The customer may be very displeased with some combinations after they play with them. Then we see the new cue for sale here that is a a monster cue, hits a ton, finest cue I ever owned but I'm willing to part with it. :rolleyes:

Some cuemakers that make a quality cue may still feel that the shaft is the customer's choice and not care what shaft or shaft blank goes on the cue.

However there is another group of cue makers that consider everything from tip to bumper a part of their design controlling how their cues play. They don't want to fit a shaft with a different taper than the one they prefer and they don't want to use some of the laminated shafts because of hit or quality control issues. When a cue builder sells a cue he doesn't write a disclaimer on it, full splice blank by Fischer, shaft blank by Thompson, joint by Cheech, ferule by Tauzin, modified, fit, and decorated by Olsen, he signs the cue Olsen taking responsibility for everything used in the construction of that cue. Contrary to many customer's opinions, that does give the cue builder considerable say-so in what goes into a cue. A builder that cares about his cues and his reputation simply won't build something he is not comfortable standing behind. That means for the cue to be constructed to last for decades and to play well.

The builder has no control over shafts added or modified after they leave his shop but when something leaves his shop he should be proud and happy to have his name on the entire cue from stem to stern. The customer is always right but some people you simply don't accept as a customer.

Hu
 
We offer our own low deflection shaft, no buying blanks here, sending them there. They perform splendidly, I might add. Just another way to meet our customers needs. Let me know if you want to know more. HEH
 
I use the one that comes with the cue. Cue makers I have talked to are quite particular about how they select, turn and taper the shafts for their cues.
 
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