Who makes the best low deflextion shaft???

fullsplicefiend said:
I have a predator Z2 shaft. I can honestly say that I feel no difference between it and the solid maple shaft that came with my cue. I can't really tell if the deflection is any less. I play well with it. I like the taper and the small tip.
Most people do not recognise how much deflection their cue exhibits. Over time, your mind becomes accustomed to the deflection and automatically "corrects" your aim to account for it. I remember playing with my first cue (a Joss) and thought you couldn't make a better playing cue. I changed my mind when I put a Predator 314 on it. I could not believe the difference. The inside english shots I once found impossible were now easy.

This is how I demonstrate cue ball deflection to others. I place the cue ball on the foot spot and place a ball (8 in this case) at the center of the opposite end rail. I aim directly at the 8-ball and then apply a generous portion of english and hit with a firm stroke. The first shot is with my 314 and I take special note that I still hit the 8-ball. I repeat with the other persons cue (same english and firm hit) and I will usually clear the 8-ball by at least an inch.

An example of Schon is on page one and an exmple of my 314 is on page 2.

http://cuetable.com/P/?@2HAWi3PATY3...Deflection_with_Predator_314&ZZ2rHOF&ZZ1uAAR@
 
Drater said:
Do you have a website, Mr. Varney Cues? While Google has heard of you, a website is not showing up. Would like to see some pictures of cues and also hear more about this "jump/break with lifetime tip/ferrule warranty that will jump entire ball from less than 1 inch away". Would also like to know if it'll perform as advertised if I'm holding it!

drater

Sorry I have no website at this time...I can barely keep up with orders as it is now. Just use the "search" function on the main forum to read several reviews. If you'd like to provide me your email address I'll be glad to shoot you some pics.
Thank you for you interest in my cues.
KV
 
Rich93 said:
Fred, what is the Schuler SQ? I don't see it on the Schuler website. If it's new, how do you think it compares squirtwise to a European or Super Constant taper?

The Schuler SQ is available, but not listed on their website. It has very low squirt, in the same ballpark as a Predator 314. I doubt the Euro or Super Constant shaft are anywhere comparable, but I've never tested them either.

Fred
 
OK...big secret here...take notes:
Thinner, bit not too thin consistant taper, secret ferrule knowledge, Sniper tip.
This all adds up to great playability.
Many ways to get there...314, OB-1, Tiger, custom. I can put a Saber T Tiger ferrule & Sniper tip on any shaft and make it play better...and not just a little...like wow! Hear me now...believe me later...;)
 
Ob-1

I just got 2 OB-1 shafts with Talisman tips. One is a standard 29in and the other is a 30in. Let me tell ya, these shafts play so nice.
 
Overall performance has to got to the OB-1. If you haven't hit this shaft , find one play with it & experience the differance.
 
Varney Cues said:
Seriously...if you have a perfect & straight Meucci red dot sneaky pete....I can take it, change the pin, change the shaft insert to phen. or wood, change the ferrule, and tip. Then move the balance weight bolts that are screwed into the butt....and FINALLY you have a cue that will play as good as any cue in the world.;)

I just bought a Sneaky Pete with a Meucci butt that "Woody" Woodworth changed the pin to 3/8-10 and put a collar on. The shaft is a Tiger-X shaft with a Sniper tip.

It ranks up there with any stick I've owned. It is stiff and hard playing and that is exactly what I like and was looking for.

I gotta say I really like the Tiger-X shaft and the Sniper tip. The first time I've used either and I am very pleased.
 
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I do not see any thoughts on the McDermott I shafts...

Has anyone here used one ? I have a couple of McDermott cues that are pretty vintage I am considering replacing the shaft on a D21 and thought about sticking with one of theirs and wondered if it made sense to go to a I shaft??? :confused:
 
soljaime said:
I knew you were a man of good taste.

Have you played with the OB-1? If so, what is your opinion?
I have played with them. The one I spent the most time with only had the factory ferrule & a Triangle...it was a bit deadish hitting...but played nice. Since then I've tricked up a couple with Saber T ferrules & Snipers...WOW...they play exceptional.;)
 
duke@neo.rr.com said:
all you are going to get here is opinions really. good effort though! I have come to the realization that if you know what you're doing, you can play with ANYTHING! I have used every one of the "low deflection" shafts, and weren't that impressed by any of them. my favorite shafts of all, are the normal ones I get with my DZ cues...but this is only my opinion also, so take it with a grain of salt. ;)
I think the majority of the posters understood the question differenty. That is, the original poster seemed to be asking about low deflection shafts only. Not whether or not anyone liked low deflection shafts vs. regular shafts.

IMO, there's no coincidence how many people who understood the question responded with the OB-1.

Fred
 
Cornerman said:
I think the majority of the posters understood the question differenty. That is, the original poster seemed to be asking about low deflection shafts only. Not whether or not anyone liked low deflection shafts vs. regular shafts.

IMO, there's no coincidence how many people who understood the question responded with the OB-1.

Fred
Well said.

-Doc
 
I like the Judd shaft, if you shoot smoothly, there is hardly any adjustment necessary.

Actually, I like the Meucci shaft as well.

I think a lot of players are hitting the ball really hard now so they are looking for a shaft which will not curve the cue ball upon impact. More player are now trying to keep their elbow up, without using their upper arm, and shoot the ball with sort of a snooker stroke.

In the old days, or even now if you watch the pinoy players, they shoot the ball with a very smooth stroke, and the cue ball curves back nicely to make up for the adjustment of squirt when shooting at medium speed.

I think that is why in the old days, lots of players swore that the Meucci shaft had no deflection.

I remember seeing Bustamenta trying the 314 and he could not make a ball.:D

So, the answer to this question is subjected to how the questioner shoots, and what kind of stroke he uses.

Richard
 
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I just came back from the Tiger factory with several hand-selected and inspected (rolled) first quality Tiger-X shafts. I have excellent selection and 2 pairs of 3/8-10 shafts perfectly matched for weight. They list for 199.00 and 209.00 with silver ring. I am not able to publish the discounted price. PM if interested.

Martin



Jeff said:
I just bought a Sneaky Pete with a Meucci butt that "Woody" Woodworth changed the pin to 3/8-10 and put a collar on. The shaft is a Tiger-X shaft with a Sniper tip.

It ranks up there with any stick I've owned. It is stiff and hard playing and that is exactly what I like and was looking for.

I gotta say I really like the Tiger-X shaft and the Sniper tip. The first time I've used either and I am very pleased.
 
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These OB-1's

I've seen so many of you compliment these OB-1 shafts, that you've peaked my interest. I have an older cue in my collection that needs new shafts, and the original cue maker is dead. I might give these shafts a try.

I went on their website, and it seems that they come standard in 12.75mm, but I like a shaft a hair over 13mm. Do they offer shafts thicker than 12.75mm? Also, what's the taper like? I prefer a straight pro taper throughout the stroking area, not a gradual "European type" taper. Any feedback would be a GREAT help!:D
Thanks!!!:D :D :D
 
14oneman said:
I've seen so many of you compliment these OB-1 shafts, that you've peaked my interest. I have an older cue in my collection that needs new shafts, and the original cue maker is dead. I might give these shafts a try.

I went on their website, and it seems that they come standard in 12.75mm, but I like a shaft a hair over 13mm. Do they offer shafts thicker than 12.75mm? Also, what's the taper like? I prefer a straight pro taper throughout the stroking area, not a gradual "European type" taper. Any feedback would be a GREAT help!:D
Thanks!!!:D :D :D

Last time I checked, they were willing to make a slightly thicker shaft but recommended the 12.75 mm diameter. I believe the taper is a 11" modified pro taper, but I could be wrong. Regardless, the best person to go to with all these questions is Royce at OB Cues; he is really easy to deal with and stands behind his product 100%.
 
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