Piloted shafts vs flat face shafts

[ronscuba]

I think the inference is that people can tell a difference, but cant reliably state the joint type just by the hit.

Makes sense, but if you can tell a difference, then you might have a preference.

Could be useful within a single manufacturers product line where everything except the joint is the same. For example, the pictures I posted are Mezz joints. The Mezz Wavy Joint has a softer hit/feel than the Mezz United Joint.

 

[Bavafongoul]

bbb.....I can easily discern the difference in an ivory joint versus a piloted steel joint......OMG........the feel is completely different.

You obviously do not care for the difference since you seem to think there isn't any but there definitely is.........and I can tell which is the reason why ivory is my absolutely favorite type of cue joint and flat faced plays the best......as long as the shaft weight is adequate.........preferably at least 3.8 ozs ozs or more and preferably, 4.0 ozs or heavier....the shaft wood has a great deal to do with the feel you derive with an ivory joint....and of course, ivory ferrules are a must to derive the full magnificence of playing with an ivory joint cue.

 

[Cornerman]

Differences that most people feel is due to the fits, not the style. This is why one builder's piloted SS joint will feel "like a flat-faced." I certainly didn't say one joint couldn't feel different than another. I said the fit changes things. The compression nubbin pilot SS will feel different than the pseudo-centering pilot, even though both are long-used SS piloted joints.

Try 12 different SS piloted joints. Discuss those and only those. Then you'll see just how silly a flat-faced vs Piloted discussion becomes because there are enough fit and feel differences just within the piloted SS family.

Freddie <~~~ loves the Searing piloted SS

 

[WildWing]

Absolutely no need for a piloted joint insert, other than tradition. I've switched enough piloted and flat-faced shafts on the same butt to tell. The faces of the joint and shaft are the critical contact points, not the little protruding brass on a piloted joint.

Take a good look at a piloted Predator joint. It is barely a protuberance at all. It's just there for looks, and because some people expect it. Sorry to burst any bubbles, but it's the truth.

Obviously shafts such as 3/8 X 10 without an insert are another matter; they're flat and that's the only way they can be.