So many shafts and so many choices. I have shot a lot with a Meucci Black Dot and am very pleased with it. No, I seldom remember to put the dot up. I tried a 314-2 on my new Diveney Custom ebony Hustler and could not warm up to it. Ya got me as some love them. The Lakesalvage shaft on my Diveney cue is my favorite. For some reason it just hits well for me and potting balls with it is easy if I do my part. So I just reached the conclusion we are all different and have to find what works best for our selves. Besides, Mosconi, Hoppe and Reyes used a regular shaft and if I can shoot half as good as them I should win most of my games around here!