The early 314 has better quality wood maybe due to the fact that is was made in USA. The newer generations starting with the cat logo and 314-2 are all made in CHINA. It is likewise mass produced due to the rise in the popularity of predator. 314-2 has lower deflection and thats a fact but low defection doesn't mean one will play better with it. Most players are used to some amount of deflection and to eliminate it maybe more counterproductive in one's game. I say, choose the shaft that plays natural to your game even if it takes buying as many as 10 shafts..... or just learn to play with what you have.(talked to Dennis Orcollo last week, he told me he had at least 11 shaft changes before he found the right shaft for him) Hope this helps your mind.