Which Shaft!?!

S.G.B.

Registered
Hey guys,

I have been playing pool for about 3 years, and my cue is lookin a little old/used (as I bought it used, about 6 years old.. lol)

and I think it is time I upgrade since I haven't ever had another shaft.

I was looking at predator 314-2 and Z-2 shafts.

I understand the difference between the two, the taper, and diameter of the tips.

I was more curious as to which shaft would be better for my style of play.
Typically I like to hit the balls slower, with more spin. I have been told I like to draw/stop a little more than I should. and I know I use top/left or top/right A LOT (I find it easier to move around the table).

so if anyone has any insight as to which shaft would be a little better let me know!!! Thanks all!
 
Anwar Shaft

I would suggest that you try an Anwar shaft...this shaft has the power that you couldn't imagine...with a slow touch to the cue ball is more than enough for the cue ball to move around the table. just my 2 cent
 
They are worth Comparing!!

Whats Shameless- His Shafts do play real well. And they are not hundreds of little pieces glued together. You can brake with His too- Which LD shafts get broke with ?? and I don't mean a separate break cues by Pred ,tiger , ob eight er. !! I use tested shaft, and cut it apart to show (prove) the difference's. Mark
 
Hi S.G.B

the discussions about *which shaft is the best* is an endless theme :)
At least it s just about your personal feeling- where you re thinking what s the best for your game. Nothing is better than test it yourself.
Now, that i used to test almost every LD and Laminated Shaft available i m still having (of course) just a subjective point of view.

The biggest difference between the 314² and the z² ist the diameter (11.75 and 12.75). And here i recommend usualy the bigger diameter to players who are not having already really manifested mechanicals and a great stroke-- the reason is simple-it allows you much easier to hit the cb a bit more precisley (margin of error etc.)
With a 11.75 Diameter you need really good fundamentals to hit the CB perfectly *where you want*.

At least i recommend-if you decided to choose the 12.75 Diameter a OB 1 or a OB-1 Classic Shaft- in my opinion a really great laminated shaft with reproducable results.

lg from overseas,

Igo
 
I have never heard of Anwar shafts? I Use a 314 and have used one for a couple years. I wish I wouldnt have gotten addicted to them because now I can not shoot with out the LD. On a downside to the 314 2's is craftsmanship.. I have went through 2 in the last two years and I am not hard on them at all! I had one that had a faulty ferrule crack and the last one warp out of the blue (stored inside). I have recently just bought my third 314 off here from a fellow AZer and I went with the first generation because I have heard all the crappy craftsmanship is with the 2nd generation.

If I were in your shoes (not being addicted to LD), I would not buy an LD shaft and find you a nice custom shaft with a nice stiff hit from a fellow AZer. If you really want to get an LD shaft I would not go with a 314 2nd generation.. go with the first generation.
This is my opinion, and I know a lot of people are gonna hate on me for saying dont shoot with an LD shaft but I HATE having to try and adjust my playing style if I am not shooting with my 314.. I cant get in stroke without it.
 
Hi S.G.B

the discussions about *which shaft is the best* is an endless theme :)
At least it s just about your personal feeling- where you re thinking what s the best for your game. Nothing is better than test it yourself.
Now, that i used to test almost every LD and Laminated Shaft available i m still having (of course) just a subjective point of view.

The biggest difference between the 314² and the z² ist the diameter (11.75 and 12.75). And here i recommend usualy the bigger diameter to players who are not having already really manifested mechanicals and a great stroke-- the reason is simple-it allows you much easier to hit the cb a bit more precisley (margin of error etc.)
With a 11.75 Diameter you need really good fundamentals to hit the CB perfectly *where you want*.

At least i recommend-if you decided to choose the 12.75 Diameter a OB 1 or a OB-1 Classic Shaft- in my opinion a really great laminated shaft with reproducable results.

lg from overseas,

Igo

I have both Predator shafts and seem to like the 314-2 better at the moment since I play less. If my game is sharper, I like the Z-2. One thing to keep in mind is that the 314-2 can be turned down to about 12.25mm.
Karl
 
Stuff like which cue is best for me or which shaft is best for me are way too subjective and honestly it really comes down to personal feel. The 314 would be a little more forgiving given its larger diameter, but with a smaller tip it is easier to put english on the cue ball. Are you able to try these shafts out? That is always the best way to see which one you like. I'm personally not a fan of low deflection cues, but theoretically it is better for your game. But to answer your question, I prefer the 314 over the Z2.
 
I shoot with a Tiger Ultra LD and love it. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the after market LD shafts. They all have a little something different from the other one but would be an upgrade over most stock shafts..(I said most,not all ;) ) JMO
 
I play with a McDermott I-3 because I like the 11.75 tip diameter. I get a sense of geometric precision when I shoot with a small tip. I avoided the Predator because I've read too many threads about quality issues. I borrowed an OB-2 shaft for 2 weeks but the stripped ferrule distracted me. The McDermott Warranty and the free Maintenace Program was a factor in my decision. Have been playing with the I-3 for about 3 years now and am completely satisfied with it's performance. Service by McDermott has been outstanding. But as others have stated, it's subjective. So what I like is not neccessarily what you or someone else would like. It would narrow your search if you could borrow or try the shaft before buying. Good luck Pilgrim in your quest for the perfect shaft.
 
I think, based on your description of playing style, you should try to rethink your playing style. Not permanently if you don't want to, but at least for a little while. What I mean is you should try and play closer to the center of the cueball. See if you can learn to get around the table using the minimal amount of English (keeping your cue at most 1 tip from center in any direction, 1/2 tip really). You will learn some cool things about how the ball travels and it will really help your game. You don't have to do it forever, but it helps to switch it up for a while.

As far as the shaft, I don't really like either one. Predator shafts don't feel solid enough to me. If I had to pick I would go with the 314 (I have a Z2 and the diameter is too small for me). You should look into Mezz or the OB Classic line. They both make very nice shafts.

-Brandon
 
Hey guys,

I have been playing pool for about 3 years, and my cue is lookin a little old/used (as I bought it used, about 6 years old.. lol)

and I think it is time I upgrade since I haven't ever had another shaft.

I was looking at predator 314-2 and Z-2 shafts.

I understand the difference between the two, the taper, and diameter of the tips.

I was more curious as to which shaft would be better for my style of play.
Typically I like to hit the balls slower, with more spin. I have been told I like to draw/stop a little more than I should. and I know I use top/left or top/right A LOT (I find it easier to move around the table).

so if anyone has any insight as to which shaft would be a little better let me know!!! Thanks all!

I've played with a few different shafts and have settled nicely with the 314x2. I hatted the Z because the if feels like a pencil. Also, if your stroke is not perfect it is not forgiving at all. I would suggest playing with as many as you can before deciding, but from my personal experience I wouldn't give my 314x2 up for anything.
 
Whats Shameless- His Shafts do play real well. And they are not hundreds of little pieces glued together. You can brake with His too- Which LD shafts get broke with ?? and I don't mean a separate break cues by Pred ,tiger , ob eight er. !! I use tested shaft, and cut it apart to show (prove) the difference's. Mark

Thanks Mark I really appreciate your honesty...

I also don;t like a person saying stuff that he does not understand...

to be exact, the preds 314 2 damp the deflect up to 15% +/-...anwar shaft damp the deflect up to 5-7%...and thats is the fact...Anwar shaft's technology is also patented around the globe...
 
Last edited:
Back
Top