The better shaft or the better warranty..
I prefer Predator Z2 ,though I've owned 2 314-2s ,and a 314 1st gen.
I've also owned the I-2, and the I-3, I had them each for over 2 yrs before I sold them..
The I-2 is a stiff hitting shaft ,with a little feel to it ,though this shaft has almost as much deflection as a standard maple shaft..
Predator 314 1st generation, is lower in deflection than the I-2 , with a medium hit, this shaft has just a little feel as well..
Predator 314-2 , is lower in deflection than both the I-2 or 314 1st gen., but it has almost no feel at all, the hit on 314-2 is slightly above medium, yet not as stiff as the I-2..
For me the 314-2 was a adjustment that took time to get used to , but once I did finally adjust ,I got more spin, and didn't have to sacrifice the cue balls tangent line.. Unlike the I-2, which required me to use more of the cue ball to achieve the same spin I accomplished with the 314-2..
Predator will cover any manufacturing defects that may occur with the shaft,, but does not cover warping,, Though I never had a predator shaft warp on me..
I had the 314-2 for nearly 3 yrs before I sold it, and the day it was sold ,it was still dead straight.. The other 314-2, I had for 2 yrs, prior to giving it to my brother ,,and again that shaft was dead straight when I departed with it.
I've owned my Z-2 for almost 5 yrs ,and its still dead straight , and I've put that shaft through some long hours of pool, its made me much more money then I spent on it..:wink:
The only benefit you stand to gain with the Intimidator series is the lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects ,as well as warping ..
Though if Low deflection isn't your thing, maybe I-shafts are for you, but I personally will never use any shaft when money is on the line, other than a quality low deflection shaft..
Also consider the Mezz WD700(Low deflection,and good feel).. WD700 is better than a 314-2,, being the feel of the WD700 helps you with control, and the deflection is pretty close to 314-2..
Best of Luck with your search....... :thumbup: