Upgrading shafts

H

Hircine

Larry Byrd
Silver Member
Okay so I'm looking to step up my game a bit, I currently have a lucky mcdermott cue, plain honey color with no wrap. I haven't even been able to play with it much lately since the tip came off the first day (had an aftermarket tip installed by the website), and I've been waiting for it to be replaced since.

I plan on saving up enough money to invest in a better shaft as I'm sure the shafts on these cues aren't very too high quality considering the price range, and I plan on playing heavily over the summer and visiting the local pool hall often.

I've been thinking about getting a McDermott I3 due to the fact that is McDermott (US made) and should match almost perfectly to the shaft, and due to the fact that it is most similar to the Predator Z shaft which I have used before on a friend's cue (along with the 314). I'm not sure if the Z shaft is worth the extra money. I like the smaller tip size and european taper.

I'm wondering if anybody has any input or advice.
 
upgrading..

IMO the I2 or I3 shaft is a better buy than the predator.. If you want to really save $$ a Lucasi hybrid shaft is about $80 lower than predator and the performance is almost equal.. Lucasi's warranty covers warpage too.
 
Yes I am liking the price, but if I were to add a kamui super soft (i3 already has it it) and taper down even more the price would be around the same as the i3.

Anybody else know any other runner ups? I haven't been able to find anything similar to the I3 or Z shaft (euro taper, 11.75mm)
 
Yes, if you get the "LH slim" and add Kamui then the price is pretty close to the I3. If that I3 comes with the tip you want standard I would just go with it.. It is a good shaft. Really the best thing is to hit with all the shafts your interested in within a fairly small time frame and decide what YOU like the best.
 
Yes that seems perfect and is significantly cheaper, I still have a lot of time to think (and save money lol)

Is there really any advantage of the i3 over it? I think Lucasi's are made in China or some other asian country. I just commonly associate that with lower quality (but predator is made in china also). It also is not european taper, which isn't a big deal, I just thought it was better gliding through my closed bridge.

I wish I had the opportunity to test out each shaft in person, but this is not likely.
 
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The I3 shaft gives a more solid feel than the Z and it doesn't throw off the object ball angle ( when object ball leaves the cue ball after impact) quite as much as the Z does. I actually have seen fewer quality issues with Lucasi and more often with predator, but that's just my experience. I have seen more than one predator shaft de-laminate and have not seen this happen to Lucasi hybrid YET.. They are both made overseas.. just so you know.
Another great shaft that has the "euro" taper is TIGER PRO X.. It is not very forgiving, but it is REALLY REALLY acccurate. If you have an "off day" you will know it. It comes with a great tip on it too.. If you get PRO X try the stock tip before you change.. it will suprise you with tons of spin and a solid hit.
 
I play with Predator Z2, and my best friend plays with a Mcdermott cue with the I3 shaft.

I love the solid feel of the I3, however, I honestly think that it is inaccurate to say that I3 has lesser deflections as compared to the Predator Z2 shaft.

If you like the hit of a Kamui Soft tip, I am assuming that you are a player who also likes to put spin the the cue ball. The I3's hit, totally IMO, is for players who are looking for a more "custom cue" kinda hit, which is more solid.

I would strongly suggest the Predator Z2 shaft, and my best buddy who is sitting right beside me now also thinks the same.

By the way, joerackem com has very good prices on both these shafts, and if you actually call them to make the order, he can give you additional discounts for not paying via paypal. :p So far the cheapest I can find online.


Brian M
 
I've heard of predator shafts becoming damaged and not being covered under warranty. If I were to pay that much for something I'd like to know that it would be fixed if something happened due to a defective product.


I had another question about the joint, are there ever minor differences in joints? I just want to know if I buy a non-McDermott shaft if it will still match up to a McD 3/8 by 10 pin.
 
I actually knew of 2 different guys that had shafts de-laminate (one was a 314-2 the other a Z-2) and neither one was able to get predator to cover the damage under warranty. It's a big loss to be out that much cash over one shaft I think.
From what I know it's best to at least tell the dealer your ordering from what cue model and maker the shaft is for. It's better to measure the diameter of the joint collar on the cue butt with digital calipers. But the best fit is to have the shaft custom fit by a dealer or cue maker with a good rep.
 
Hircine said:
I've heard of predator shafts becoming damaged and not being covered under warranty. If I were to pay that much for something I'd like to know that it would be fixed if something happened due to a defective product.


I had another question about the joint, are there ever minor differences in joints? I just want to know if I buy a non-McDermott shaft if it will still match up to a McD 3/8 by 10 pin.
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My school's pool team pretty much plays with predator shafts. All 8 of us. Only 4 of us have predator cues, 1 has a McDermott, 1 has an action cue, the other two are using custom cues with predator shafts. None of us has yet to have problems with pins not matching, and if it would definitely help if you talked to the dealer before you bought the shaft.

As for the prior post about the shafts de-laminating, I'm pretty sure this is not a common occurrence, and in fact, something that should not wen happen if the shaft and cue is well taken care of. Wiping down the shaft with wet cloth and not drying it off with a dry cloth immediately may be one reason; leaving it in your car in the heat or the cold may be yet another huge factor. These shafts are held together by glue and anything that weakens the bond is no good!

With that said, I always wipe my shaft with a damp cloth, and then immediately after, I wipe it down with a dry cloth; and burnish it to top it off. My shaft stays smooth and very well seasoned with no problems.

Like i have mentioned. Try joerackemdotcom. They are the 2nd largest predator dealer in the US and they provide 1st class service.
 
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