Predator Z shafts - difference between 1st & 2nd gen?

[TheThaiger]

I've searched, but can't find a specific thread on this.

Can players who've played with both the Z and Z2 explain the difference between the two? I realise the second gen will deflect slightly less than the first, but I'm more interested in hit, feel, action, power etc.

I'm currently playing with a Z, but feel it lacks a bit of punch, so was hoping the Z2 would provide it. If the difference is only deflection, I'll not bother with the upgrade.

Cheers

 

[DGHustles]

the main difference is that in the 2nd gen predator shafts there is a few inch long phenolic insert in the shaft on the joint end. This is to help deflection and give it a better feel, I honestly think it makes them play more stiff and less responsive.

I like the OB shafts over the 2nd gen predators, but the 1st gen z shaft is the nuts.

 

[iusedtoberich]

I've had several Z-1's and Z-2's. They played the same to me.

I'm a high C/low B player, so take my observation as such..

 

[RWOJO]

1st vs 2nd Gen

I've always shot with Predator shafts and the difference between the Z and Z2 is not very significant.

Now there seems to be more variation in the 314 to the 2nd gen 314. Plus the 314 seems to vary from one to the next (in the feel of the hit). As opposed to the Z and Z2 seem to be very consistant from one to the next.

If you are just looking to get a different hit I wouldn't upgrade. But if you need an extra shaft and then I would upgrade for the slightly lower deflection.

 

[whitewolf]

Can players who've played with both the Z and Z2 explain the difference between the two?
Cheers

What you should be concerned about is that the old Predator shafts had piss poor ferrules, which were known to come loose. I can't remember the design flaw.

 

[TheDragon]

I own close to 20 Z and Z2 shafts. And I only play with Z.
Z has slight longer ferrule than Z2, it helps my aiming visual better.
And Z has better feel to me than Z2.
Some Old Z shaft was made in U.S before they moved production overseas. That compromised quality a little and it shows.
If you can find a straight good condition Z shaft, can't go wrong with it.

 

[zombie93]

Plus the 314 seems to vary from one to the next (in the feel of the hit).

I've found that the weight in a butt can really make a hit feel different even if using the same exact shaft.

Lighter butt=softer hit.

Heavier butt=stiffer hit.

IMHO of course.

 

[TheThaiger]

I've found that the weight in a butt can really make a hit feel different even if using the same exact shaft.

Lighter butt=softer hit.

Heavier butt=stiffer hit.

IMHO of course.

I would agree weight in the butt makes a difference to hit - weight of the shaft too, for that matter.

 

[TheThaiger]

I own close to 20 Z and Z2 shafts. And I only play with Z.
Z has slight longer ferrule than Z2, it helps my aiming visual better.
And Z has better feel to me than Z2.
Some Old Z shaft was made in U.S before they moved production overseas. That compromised quality a little and it shows.
If you can find a straight good condition Z shaft, can't go wrong with it.

Do you find there's much difference in terms of hit and how easy it is to move the CB?

 

[SKILLZELITE]

The Z has a softer hit, Z2 slightly stiffer hit, Z2 generates more spin, slightly more power,lower deflection, but the feel isnt really there as it is with 1st Z, thats not saying that the 1st Z had much feel either,, but more than the Z2..

I typically play with the Z2 and my Ghost ld shaft..
I recently sold my Z1, because of the Z2s better spin, lower deflection, and more power with less effort . In short Z2 declared itself to be a better shaft than the Z1 imo..

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I've had several Z-1's and Z-2's. They played the same to me.

I'm a high C/low B player, so take my observation as such..

I tend to agree with this sentiment. I think if you're comparing Predator with a Meucci, you've got a worthy debate. When you're comparing one Predator shaft to another, it gets extremely trivial. All I know is, when I went from old to new, I saw no difference. With that said, I also have no problem playing with any other stiff-hitting shafts like OB-1 or Poison. On the other hand, the shaft industry has proven to be incredibly scientific with their approach. Maybe I'm a sucker for marketing but I do trust the newer ones are better. It's like the newer/better tire. For practical situations, you're not going to see a difference and you might not even think about it when the real situations do arise.

 

[TheThaiger]

The Z has a softer hit, Z2 slightly stiffer hit, Z2 generates more spin, slightly more power,lower deflection, but the feel isnt really there as it is with 1st Z, thats not saying that the 1st Z had much feel either,, but more than the Z2..

I typically play with the Z2 and my Ghost ld shaft..
I recently sold my Z1, because of the Z2s better spin, lower deflection, and more power with less effort . In short Z2 declared itself to be a better shaft than the Z1 imo..

Great, thanks.

 

[capt15642]

Original Z

I personally think Predator got it right the first time with the Z. The original z has much more feel to it. The second gen z just feels dead to me. Luckily I ordered some partials from overseas 6 months ago. They are gone now bought the last 4 they had.

 

[predator]

Both shafts play exactly the same. The only real difference is in physical appearance. Original Z had a slightly longer ferrule and the taper was also very slightly more cone shaped.
I ordered Z2 only because Z developed a ferrule problem...
About the extra spin, lower deflection...etc...no, not really. And feel is very subjective anyway.
People like to compare brand new shaft and a two year old of the same make. That would be a mistake I think.