I just read another post that made me curious about something. What is everyones personal shaft size preference and why? All of my shafts are right around 12.75. For aiming, I'd like a bit smaller shaft but even the 12.75 feels a bit small in a closed bridge for me, since I have big hands. I don't really understand the benefit of a smaller diameter shaft other than having a smaller, more dialed in point of aim. Is there any other purpose to using such a small diameter shaft? Sorry, I guess I'm asking two questions...
Small shaft diameter?
- Thread starter Pse217
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About 12.6 for me. Don't know if it helps anything, just feels right for me.
I have smaller hands but I think any shaft from 11 to 13 or so could have the taper adjusted to work for my hand size. I use an OB-2 11.75 mm. I like the way the smaller tip looks when lining up the shot. Seems to me to be a more sensible way of trying to make precise contact with the CB.
I look at it like this. Let's say you were trying to aim at a point on the OB. Just for the same of argument, let's say that point is the 1/16" in diameter. Theoretically, the optimal size of the tip you were using to hit that point would be 1/16". Obviously, that's not close to being a practical size for your tip/shaft. However, the point is, the smaller the shaft, within reason, seems to me to offer the better option for hitting a precise point on the CB.
With all that said, it's really personal preference. What feels good in your hands, what looks best when you sight your shot.
I look at it like this. Let's say you were trying to aim at a point on the OB. Just for the same of argument, let's say that point is the 1/16" in diameter. Theoretically, the optimal size of the tip you were using to hit that point would be 1/16". Obviously, that's not close to being a practical size for your tip/shaft. However, the point is, the smaller the shaft, within reason, seems to me to offer the better option for hitting a precise point on the CB.
With all that said, it's really personal preference. What feels good in your hands, what looks best when you sight your shot.
My shafts are 13.25mm and is how I order them. I like a thick shaft, and can do anything I need the cueball to do. I never feel I need more english etc... and the shaft feels much steadier in my bridge hand.
But I must say, shaft diameter is all up to your fingers, bridge, and what you like imo.
I recently watched an older video M Fats made, and he said that he used a 13.5mm shaft, which is even large to me.
But I must say, shaft diameter is all up to your fingers, bridge, and what you like imo.
I recently watched an older video M Fats made, and he said that he used a 13.5mm shaft, which is even large to me.
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I'm one of the few that seems to be in the big shaft dept. as well.- When I ordered my cue I got one at 13.5 and one at the standard 13. My regular shooting shaft is the 13.5, and I've been considering having a 13.2 made as a "skinny" option- the 13 just seems too small for me anymore.
Thin shaft=more spin
it also equals much less of a solid feel
Thicker shaft=less spin
Yet equals much more of a solid feel
There are pros and cons to each
On a long shot a thin shaft is a high risk But a thin shaft is fun to play with in tight quarters on normal length shots.
A thicker shaft feels better when playing with a heavy barbox cue ball But the amount of English you will be able to apply with a thicker shaft and a heavier cue ball is greatly reduced
it also equals much less of a solid feel
Thicker shaft=less spin
Yet equals much more of a solid feel
There are pros and cons to each
On a long shot a thin shaft is a high risk But a thin shaft is fun to play with in tight quarters on normal length shots.
A thicker shaft feels better when playing with a heavy barbox cue ball But the amount of English you will be able to apply with a thicker shaft and a heavier cue ball is greatly reduced
The smaller diameter shafts do not produce more spin. That is an illusion. It is because the shooter ends up hitting further away from center. Just think of it this way. If you aim through the center of the shaft at a point on the CB with both a 13mm and 11.75 mm shaft, the contact point on the CB will be different for the two. So let's say you're aiming for extreme right english. You gage this by where the right edge of the tip looks to be on the edge of the CB. The actually contact point for an 11.75 mm shaft will be out further from center than it would be for the 13 mm shaft. Obviously, that would product more spin. The smaller diameter shaft/tip didn't produce the greater amount of spin, rather, hitting further from center produced the greater spin.
Thin shaft=more spin
Thicker shaft=less spin
Both statements above are ok but from perception point of view; one might fear dropping a 14mm tip very low and end up lest than ideal, where with small tip it is easier. But most important is where the tip contact CB whether small or large tip used and both can draw CB at same rate if both contacted CB at same spot.
Here is my question will a larger tip be more forgiving than a smaller tip. Like you can be slightly further off in you aim on the cue ball and still pocket balls.
I ask because I play with a 12.25 predator on my cue. When I pick up my 12.75 Predator BK cue balls just seem to go in easier with no thought to aiming at all point and shoot.
I ask because I play with a 12.25 predator on my cue. When I pick up my 12.75 Predator BK cue balls just seem to go in easier with no thought to aiming at all point and shoot.
NOBCITY
It is not an illusion.
A thin shaft is like a spaghetti noodle and it absolutely does put more action/spin on the cue ball
A larger diameter shaft/tip is not more forgiving when it comes to pocketing balls
The cue ball has to contact the object ball at the proper point for the object ball to be pocketed
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I have a number of quality custom cues with monster maple shafts weighing well over 4 ounces that I've played a lot with. I now play exclusively with a 11.75 mm OB-2 on those same custom butts. The OB-2 certainly doesn't feel like a "noodle" as you put it, at least to me. The physics of it support what I described and my own personal experience does as well. However, if you wish to believe different, that is certainly your prerogative.
Actually it depends on elevation, the more you dig into the cloth with a draw shot the more friction that spins the CB. CB spin ratio is proportional to how low the tip contact point is and how much elevation as well CB resistance to cloth. both small and large tip can hit same lowest contact point on CB.
I think it should be kept in mind that smaller tipped shafts generally have lighter front ends & actually deflect more yielding less cue ball squirt than a big tipped shaft that is heavier.
That parameter comes into play when analysing the net effect. The rpm's may not actually be more, all other things being equal. But the deflection is a parameter to consider unless one has a smaller tipped shaft with an equal or heavier front end.
I have an OB Classic with a Kamui SS & a McDermott i2 with an Everest medium both at 12.75 & I can guarantee you that I can do things easier with them than with a 13mm regular maple shaft. The reason is due to the resulting angle of 'attack' without as much squirt to start the shot.
I'd say that if one wants precision go with a smaller shaft. If one wants forgiveness, go with a larger shaft. But go with an LD shaft.
Unless you are a very very good player then of course you will go with whatever you like.
That parameter comes into play when analysing the net effect. The rpm's may not actually be more, all other things being equal. But the deflection is a parameter to consider unless one has a smaller tipped shaft with an equal or heavier front end.
I have an OB Classic with a Kamui SS & a McDermott i2 with an Everest medium both at 12.75 & I can guarantee you that I can do things easier with them than with a 13mm regular maple shaft. The reason is due to the resulting angle of 'attack' without as much squirt to start the shot.
I'd say that if one wants precision go with a smaller shaft. If one wants forgiveness, go with a larger shaft. But go with an LD shaft.
Unless you are a very very good player then of course you will go with whatever you like.
While I agree you still have to hit the proper spot on the object ball. My point is with a larger diameter tip you don't have be as exact on the cue ball. Lets say you hit center ball or try to anyway. With a 12.25 tip you have to more exacting. With a 13 mm tip you might be slightly off center ball and still hit center ball more or less. I think the forgiveness is in cue ball hit.
I could be totally off base but if you have a 16 mm tip and I hit center ball you have to be getting some spin right or left. The tip is in contact with the cue ball in a larger spot. No different than hitting a baseball with a bat with a Huge Oversized Barrel..VS a Skinny Barrel larger contact point and forgiveness.
