So I read how many seem to think a heavier shaft generally plays better (subjective of course). What are the effects of a heavier shaft, i.e. if two shafts have identical tapers, tip diameters, tips, ferrules, etc. but one weighs say 0.5 oz more, what's the difference in how they play?
Shaft Weight
- Thread starter axejunkie
- Start date
I'm not even qualified to answer this but my personal experience is that it's a piece of wood. It was once a living thing and therefore it has its own characteristics. I have 2 custom cues that are 30 yrs old, made by the same cuemaker with 5 shafts that had all the same weight,lenght,etc,ect and every shaft has its own unique feeling or hit. I hate having to change shafts because the tip wore out or came off. It feels like I'm playing with a completely different cue.axejunkie said:
So my answer to you is, 0.5 oz. heavier shaft may play stiffer and have a harder hit and it may not. Some people say that the more growth rings it has is better. Some say it doesn't. Every piece piece of wood is different!
no-sho who has no idea
From what I hear: Disclaimer.
The more rings, the denser, heavier the shaft. More density results in more consistency in the wood. The consistency in the wood results in a more predictable response when the wood (shaft) is stressed by hitting the QB.
Made sense to me........
The more rings, the denser, heavier the shaft. More density results in more consistency in the wood. The consistency in the wood results in a more predictable response when the wood (shaft) is stressed by hitting the QB.
Made sense to me........
I like a heavier shaft, but I have played with shafts which are too heavy that I could not feel much feedback and was having problem with spin and control of the cue ball.
I like a balance which allows me to feel a nice firm delivery of the cue, and a nice feedback after the ball is striked. For me, a 19 oz cue with about 4.2 oz shaft is ideal.
I remember Ernie said he liked 3.6 oz shafts on his cues, but he also offered heavier shafts for those who like them. He said he preferred about 18 to 18.5 inches balance. So, heavier is not always the best I supposed, it depends on what a player likes.
I am more used to a bit more front balanced than that, I opt for 19 inches.
I always feel an over 4 oz shaft helps me to deliver the cue in a straight line easier, probably because I use an open bridge. With a light shaft, I tend to grip the cue more to the front, and need to shorten my swing and pay attention to have a more precise cueing. This is just how I feel. By no means is this the general case for other players.
Richard
I like a balance which allows me to feel a nice firm delivery of the cue, and a nice feedback after the ball is striked. For me, a 19 oz cue with about 4.2 oz shaft is ideal.
I remember Ernie said he liked 3.6 oz shafts on his cues, but he also offered heavier shafts for those who like them. He said he preferred about 18 to 18.5 inches balance. So, heavier is not always the best I supposed, it depends on what a player likes.
I am more used to a bit more front balanced than that, I opt for 19 inches.
I always feel an over 4 oz shaft helps me to deliver the cue in a straight line easier, probably because I use an open bridge. With a light shaft, I tend to grip the cue more to the front, and need to shorten my swing and pay attention to have a more precise cueing. This is just how I feel. By no means is this the general case for other players.
Richard
to me........if everything else is the same you shouldnt notice alot of difference unless the balance of your cue is pretty neutral, then that extra weight could make it more front heavy feeling.