I played with a Z2 for a few years then switched to a 314-2. Like you, I shot fine with the shafts but always sort of had a nagging feeling that there might be something better out there. That's actually why I switched to the 314-2, which was a long and painful process, I kept going back and forth, and eventually I came to like it better.
Most LD shafts will be somewhat hollow feeling and have that "thud" sound - that's because they are exactly that - hollow at the tip to reduce weight. They all do it a little differently, and some can achieve a better feel than others. But to reduce deflection you need to reduce weight at the tip, period.
IMO, and OB Classic would be similar to a 314-2 as far as deflection goes, and the hit would probably be similar. I compared the Z2 and OB2 and OB Classic Pro not that long ago, and deflection was similar between the 3 at the 11.75mm size. The OB2 felt the most dampened (by design), the classic pro felt similar to the Z2. I'm sure those similarities are the same in the 12.75 size as well (314-2 vs OB1 vs OB Classic).
You could try a Mezz WD-700, I had one and it was similar to a 314-2 but definitely had a more traditional feel. I also just recently ordered a SS 360 shaft, custom made by Bob Danielson at BD Cues. I've heard good things, will post a review once I get mine. I'm hoping to get a better feel per the review but maintain a similar LD quality that I'm currently used to with my 314-2.
As someone else stated, you can also try a harder tip to offset the sponginess or duller hit. That can make a world of difference in the overall feel of the hit.
Just be careful switching. Try to borrow one and play with it for an extended period of time. Realize you may need some tweaking in order to "feel" the new deflection, even if the change is minor.
Good luck!
Scott
