I have always used a regular maple shaft but recently I have been trying to make the switch to a 314-2. My main reasoning for this is that I go through a lot of cues so I figured if I could get used to using a predator shaft I could just get one to match any cue and they would all play relatively the same. Im mainly a bar box player and ive gotten to where I really like the predator shaft when im playing 8-ball or 9-ball. However the other day I played a few games of one pocket and noticed that all the little "trick" banks where you have to twist the cue ball to make them were way off for me using a predator shaft, I then started using a regular maple shaft and started making them all right away. I just cant make them with the 314-2. Does anyone know what im doing wrong and is there any quick fix for this? Thanks in advance.
Predator shaft problem
- Thread starter DJordan816
- Start date
I've experienced the exact same problem and i'd like to know the answer to your question also. The low deflection is great for shot making using side spin, but my banking game in one pocket has suffered on certain types of banks.
James
It isn't the shaft. My guess is a logical one, and that the difference in table size is your problem. Spend a little more time on the big table practicing banks, and use a touch of outside (TOO) English to help the ball go into the hole. :smile:
Predator Shaft Problem
I played with a Z2 and a 314 2 for the last two years, tried out a maple shaft and now the predator stays in my case as my back up cue. Imo, you have to adjust from one type of shaft to another. Certain things will come rather natural to you, while others you will have to work on. Get to the bar box early and try banking from different angles until you feel comfortable! Best of luck.
I played with a Z2 and a 314 2 for the last two years, tried out a maple shaft and now the predator stays in my case as my back up cue. Imo, you have to adjust from one type of shaft to another. Certain things will come rather natural to you, while others you will have to work on. Get to the bar box early and try banking from different angles until you feel comfortable! Best of luck.
Predator Shaft problem
I guess it was different for me because I started with a predator shaft. But I definitely do think there is a learning curve between switching shafts.
I guess it was different for me because I started with a predator shaft. But I definitely do think there is a learning curve between switching shafts.
There is definitely a learning curve. Ive been using the predator shaft for awhile now and have adjusted to it for all types of shots except these "twist" banks, I just cant figure out how to make them with a predator shaft.
You gotta adjust to the new shaft for all shots, but the adjustment is especially tougher for banks. They're more sensitive to speed and spin and thickness of hit, vs. normal cut shots.
And since banks come up a lot less often than normal cuts, it will take longer to adjust.
By the time you hit 5,000 cut shots with your new shaft you may have only hit 100 banks.
Come back when you've hit 5,000 banks as well
The quickest possible fix is to just bank balls by yourself for an hour or three.
That will take much less time than waiting for them to come up in a game situation, making a guess, hoping it goes in, then waiting for the next opportunity to bank.
And since banks come up a lot less often than normal cuts, it will take longer to adjust.
By the time you hit 5,000 cut shots with your new shaft you may have only hit 100 banks.
Come back when you've hit 5,000 banks as well
The quickest possible fix is to just bank balls by yourself for an hour or three.
That will take much less time than waiting for them to come up in a game situation, making a guess, hoping it goes in, then waiting for the next opportunity to bank.
The LD shaft will make a significant difference in banking. When you add some inside english to hold the bank or some outside to increase the angle or offset cut induced spin, you also are getting deflection with a maple shaft. Using the LD is going to subtly change that angle which will require an adjustment in the cut angle to make the bank.
you are used to aiming in a particular spot for the bank with your maple shaft. If you aim in the same spot with the LD shaft you will not make the bank. You may be cutting across the ball thinking your aiming different but you are still trying to aim like you are using a maple shaft.
I just recently went through this myself, It take time.
I just recently went through this myself, It take time.
alanvo
Banned
If you don't need to get shape after the bank, just hit it with speed, lots of speed. That way you don't have to calculate too much about spin. Center ball, hit hard, done
That method should work with any shaft.
Now with medium and soft bank shots, it's much more difficult I guess, because the Predator shafts seem to throw the ball a bit more. You need to calculate for throws, speed, as well as outcoming spin (off the rail).
That method should work with any shaft.
Now with medium and soft bank shots, it's much more difficult I guess, because the Predator shafts seem to throw the ball a bit more. You need to calculate for throws, speed, as well as outcoming spin (off the rail).