Who makes the best 5/16x14 piloted shaft?

jdelcue

jdelcue

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
From a list of all the guys who use 5/16x14 piloted shafts...

Independent of butt construction...and all the big boys who's cues you can touch for much less than $2K...who do you think makes the best one?


Say for instance...I had a nondescript production butt with a 5/16x14 SS piloted joint, and I was interested in replacing the production shaft with a better quality, stiffly-tapered 13mm custom shaft, who should I go to...?
(special interest in guys who work with old growth maple shafts)


I'd like to hear answers with and without value as a concern...
Thanks. :)
 
jdelcue@emory.e said:
From a list of all the guys who use 5/16x14 piloted shafts...

Independent of butt construction...and all the big boys who's cues you can touch for much less than $2K...who do you think makes the best one?


Say for instance...I had a nondescript production butt with a 5/16x14 SS piloted joint, and I was interested in replacing the production shaft with a better quality, stiffly-tapered 13mm custom shaft, who should I go to...?
(special interest in guys who work with old growth maple shafts)


I'd like to hear answers with and without value as a concern...
Thanks. :)
Click to expand...
Many cue makers built 5/16X14 piloted joints with just a brass insert. Try to find those that have 1/4" or so of wood for the pilot, with just a brass cap. For example, Mottey, Black, Old Scruggs, etc have them. IMO the wood pilot gives the greatest compression fit and better feel/feedback. I can feel the difference when I substitute a simple brass insert 5/16x14 shaft.

Also, WRT the old growth question: some cue makers won't give you their tightest AAA or old growth shaft wood when you order a just a shaft. They save the best wood for those folks that buy whole cues. You'll should still get a great shaft though.

Here are some examples of the different pilots I've come across:

On this shaft, the insert is rounded, but there isn't alot of brass showing (but there is some wood showing)
Pin2.jpg


On this shaft, the insert is rounded, but there is MORE brass showing (but there is still some wood showing)
Pin4.jpg


On this shaft, there is almost NO wood showing, and only the insert is showing (but it's not rounded)
Pin1.jpg


brass inserts only
joints.jpg


An example of piloted joint:
Pin3.jpg


Again (just the butt)
pin5.jpg


-td <- hope this helps!
 
Last edited:
ribdoner said:
Searing=perfect
Click to expand...

Don't I know it! ;)

But it's sometimes tough to catch Dennis when he's not busy working in his shop and ask about those types of jobs. Regardless, I'm on his waiting list and I'm just gonna wait it out to get one of his full cues at that time. :)


Thanks for the post about the "wood w/ brass end" pilot. Who's still making them like that...? Mottey, Black, who else?
 
I heard petree does a nice fit, gus szamboti gives a tight fit, hercek gives a damn tight fit, and searing looks like he gives a tight fit, mottey and scruggs for sure
 
Last edited:
ribdoner said:
Searing=perfect
Click to expand...

Searing for sure, although you might try Josey's Timeless Timber. Very dense and hard hitting, but its difficult to beat Dennis's shaftwork. As you know well.

Mike
 
Deadon said:
Searing for sure, although you might try Josey's Timeless Timber. Very dense and hard hitting, but its difficult to beat Dennis's shaftwork. As you know well.

Mike
Click to expand...

Absolutely...
As you know well yourself, sir. ;)

I see now that I shoulda asked about guys aside from Dennis. Lol :rolleyes:
No question in my mind that he'd be a top choice of many, including me. Was just wondering what else people thought...

I figured Mottey, Scruggs, and maybe a few others? Was just wondering who those others were that I was missing...



Does Keith make 'em 5/16x14? I wouldn't mind giving him a quick buzz if so...
 
Schon....I have used my Schon shaft on many different cues with basically the same result each time. They make the only shaft I like that doesn't have an ivory ferrule on it.

Gerry
 
I think the fit of the pilot is the most important thing. It should be snug. With that said, the best piloted shafts I ever had came from Ron Haley.
 
There's been a lot of talk around here that Dennis stopped taking orders for shafts. You might have to look elsewhere.
 
Best piloted shaft....bar none.....is a..........



....you know where this is going..........





Black Boar.



Now, seeing as how it's EXTREMLY difficult to get a Black Boar shaft on the open market that ISN'T attached to a 3k-5k dollar cue......

I'm a huge fan of Scruggs, Jim White, and Mike Johnson. All three make a stellar shaft. Excellent fit and finish, and sweet taper. My first choice of the 3 is, most definitely, Tim Scruggs.
 
Gotta chime in for Tim Scruggs, and agree with Mark. If you can find a BB, great...grab it. But if you want a 5/16x14 piloted shaft now, call Tim. :p
 
From personal experience I would say Tim Scruggs makes a great 5/16x14 piloted joint. I would go to him for a custom. I'm on the list for Hercek and I've only seen one in person but didn't get a chance to actually hit more than a ball or two with it, but I do remember the pilot was snug (at least on the one I held)

Since Mr. Searing made you an extra shaft for your Nitti, why don't you try to get a hold of him again? At least it would play close to the one on your Nitti. By the way, if you do get a hold of him, I'm graduating college soon and could afford a nice searing in about a month ;) I haven't had much luck contacting him... some day :)
 
I actually like schons shafts too. Though they won't fit every 5/16x14 cue.

Old joss shafts are hard to beat as well. I've used schon's on scruggs cue's with nice results.
 
Foolurself said:
Mike Johnson of Jensen Cues
Click to expand...

I agree!

Also have one of these shafts possibly for sale with the right offer. Silver ring, milk dud tip, ivory ferrule. Great condition!

Yally
 
yally said:
I agree!

Also have one of these shafts possibly for sale with the right offer. Silver ring, milk dud tip, ivory ferrule. Great condition!

Yally
Click to expand...
What is the weight,size(mm),length,and priceThanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top