Thinking about picking up a new 314 2 shaft from a friend.

[iusedtoberich]

...in addition:





Has anyone tried to avail themselves of the Predator warranty?

In the 314-1 pre cat days, they had a lifetime warranty that said the shaft would not split on the glue lines. I had one split on the glue line (not abuse), and I took it to the Hopkins Expo, probably around 2002 or so. They replaced it for me. I can't remember if they shipped me one, or gave me one there.

5 or 10 years later, I had the same thing happen. They would not replace it this time. I forgot if I took it in person to the Expo again, or if I emailed their support. I might still have that shaft somewhere...

 

[iusedtoberich]

That's also what I thought but was told that once the production of the second generation was stopped, once the third generation began, the price of the second actually went up.

IMO:

That's a tall tail. When the 314-2 came out, people all of a sudden wanted the 314-1, saying it "hit better". (But when the 314-1 was out, people said it hit like crap, and a solid conventional shaft hit way better, but they put up with it due to the low deflection). When the 314-3 came out, I didn't really hear the same about the 314-2. But I wouldn't rule it out.

In any case, the number of people who were of the mindset that the older generations were better, were tiny, tiny, tiny. It was more a case of "I want what I can't have" because the shafts were discontinued.

I've played exclusively Predator shafts since about 1998, having maybe 15 of them in that time. 314-1, 314-2, Z-1, Z-2, BK1 shaft, and both 29" and 30" versions of the playing shafts. They were all interchangeable to my stroke and brain I never tried a 3rd generation. (Now I'm on the Revo bandwagon).

YMMV

 

[hang-the-9]

That's also what I thought but was told that once the production of the second generation was stopped, once the third generation began, the price of the second actually went up.

That happens, but not really the value of the shaft. I have seen sites where they sell 10 yr old video cards for the same prices they were out when new and other out-dated tech. Just because that is the price you can find does not mean it's worth paying it. Get a new 314-3 with a warranty. $200/250 max is more in line for 314 even in great shape.

 

[Nyquil]

If you can play with one the Z3 S tuned shaft from seyberts is really crispy. It's smaller like 11.85-12mm but full pro taper still. The hit is awesome. For what they are asking I would buy a new one if you want a 314. That way no warranty worry.