Shaft upgrade: Predator or bust?

C

CBCornerPockeT

ABC D-Player
Hi All,

I've spent a good amount of time reading these forums but have only recently joined, and was hoping for your insight.

A lot of time is spent talking about and reviewing shafts such as the 314 z shaft and OB-1's of the world, but what would be the advice for a beginner-intermediate player who owns a $100 cue?

I for example, play with an entry level schmelke, and am wondering about the upgrade path. Play until I outgrow the cue and drop a bundle on a good cue + shaft, or is there an intermediate point to upgrade through? I don't hear much about upgrade shafts in the $60-125 range, just the $200 predator and ob-1's etc. Would this be a pointless upgrade?
 
The shaft is extemely important and performance is what you're after ... Like racing if want to go faster you have to spend more money ... The feel and hit are personal preference but I believe if you were to survey the top players they all want lots of feel and as little deflection as possible ... A more conical taper will give these qualities ...Kersenbrach , Old SouthWest , Billy Schick , Andy Gilbert , and even WilleeCue all make great tapers that play well .... Pay attention first and then pay your dough $$$
 
CB said:
Hi All,

I've spent a good amount of time reading these forums but have only recently joined, and was hoping for your insight.

A lot of time is spent talking about and reviewing shafts such as the 314 z shaft and OB-1's of the world, but what would be the advice for a beginner-intermediate player who owns a $100 cue?

I for example, play with an entry level schmelke, and am wondering about the upgrade path. Play until I outgrow the cue and drop a bundle on a good cue + shaft, or is there an intermediate point to upgrade through? I don't hear much about upgrade shafts in the $60-125 range, just the $200 predator and ob-1's etc. Would this be a pointless upgrade?
Click to expand...

Don't upgrade your cue with a $60-125 dollars shaft. You won't get a better shaft from this amount of money. Go buy a low deflection shaft or a more consistent shaft that will improve your game. This would be shafts like, Predator 314 or Z, Tiger X-shaft, Universial Smartshaft and OB-1. Buying a better shaft will do the job, it is not necessary to buy an other cue + shaft. You usually pay for the inlays of the cue. Different butt can give you different feedback, butt it will not make you play better or worser.
 
Try hitting with all 3 shafts before you make a decision. Personally, I prefer the 314-2 over the Z2 or OB1.

Also, Gulyassy and Capone both have low deflection shafts coming out in the very near future. They may be an option to consider. Depending on how they hit, it might be a good alternative because both will use standard ferrules so if you have to have one replaced, it will be A LOT more convenient.
 
In other words, there is no (or no point to an) in between from your entry cue to the $200-range shafts. That is essentially the next step (not implying it should be immediate in any way, just the next "logical" decision). Thanks :D.
 
CB said:
In other words, there is no (or no point to an) in between from your entry cue to the $200-range shafts. That is essentially the next step (not implying it should be immediate in any way, just the next "logical" decision). Thanks :D.
Click to expand...

I don't know what you are saying. But a low deflection shaft from $200-range is better than your schmelke shaft.
 
I used to be an advocate of laminated shafts. Tried them all. Thought they were the way to go. Then I got a couple of custom cuemakers who pay attention to the wood they use and the taper of the shafts. My main player is an S&S with incredible growth rings on the shaft with a parabolic taper and it's as good or better than any laminated shaft I've used. I also just picked up a Hightower full splice for a song and used it for the first time yesterday....awesome cue. I paid $383 for that cue(on special). Seems to me I'd spend the money on something from Hightower or S&S before I'd spend 200 or 250 on a shaft for a $100 cue.
But if you have to have a laminated? I'd look into the Xshaft.
 
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