I have been thinking of getting a LD shaft it's just a lot of money for me right now so I am wondering if it is worth the investment? Will it help with draw or just with deflection? It seems logical to me that if the shaft deflects less upon contact with the cue ball that more of the energy would be transferred to the ball resulting in greater spin. That's just a theory though.
BE CAREFUL with this. Many players confuse deflection. I thought I mentioned this in my first reply to you, but I will go over it again as there has been a a lot of static on this channel lately...
Something has to give when you hit the ball. So, if your shaft is very stiff (thick, straight taper, laminated, pie sectioned, cored WHATEVER), then the
cue ball will deflect. I personally like a stiffer (solid wood) shaft with an ivory ferrule these days, and the cue ball deflects (often called squirt) but I deal with it. I miss a lot too...
The other option is to have what is called a 'whippy' shaft. In this case, the SHAFT deflects, and the cue ball stays truer to the aim line (it will still deflect a bit, but not a ton). Some feel that due to this, the tip stays in contact with the ball longer too. I don't know about all that. In the old days, you went with a longer pro taper, and thinner section. the trend lately seems to be stiffer shafts (I prefer a 13-13.25 myself) but I think the trend will change back to 12.5 or maybe even less here pretty soon. My personal opinion is that a stiff shaft is more difficult to shoot with, because the cue ball is deflected of the aim line which seems counter-intuitive to someone who doesn't study the mechanics closely...
I shoot with a Mcdermott Double Diamond 21 oz, 2 years old, stock shaft with a elkmaster soft tip.
What is your tip diameter? What is the tip radius? I believe you can pull the weight bolt out of all the McDermotts, and I
strongly suggest doing that. a 21 oz cue is quite heavy! If you can get that down to 19 or so, you will be happy with its performance and the control you will have. The balance point is also moved forward in the cue when you do this. Some think this is good; others think this is bad. I think it is a good thing personally.
My old Joss East was 17.5 oz and had a 12.5 shaft with ivory ferrules and I played some damn good pool with that cue back then. (this was after I cut it back down to the 29 inches I ordered, from the 30 inches they gave me for some reason, and I pulled the weight bolt out completely.)
So, pull the weight bolt
Radius the tip at a dime
See how that does before you buy another shaft. As long as your tip is thick enough right now, these are basically free trial items for you (you will need a new tip if it is not thick enough to radius at a dime- I suggest a medium tip if you replce it). And give it an honest try- not an hour and give up... A few weeks to get acclimated to the new cue weight.
Then let us know how you make out.:thumbup: