Why isn't the Z shaft more popular?

[PKM]

Although I don't know the numbers, it seems that the Predator 314 is more popular than the Z shaft. Is it because people don't like the euro taper and/or small diameter?

Also, I've heard several people say the Z demands more accuracy on the CB to avoid unwanted spin. Is that a result of the smaller diameter?

 

[Maniac]

Also, I've heard several people say the Z demands more accuracy on the CB to avoid unwanted spin. Is that a result of the smaller diameter?

At least in MY case, the Z shaft I play with (on a Lucasi butt) doesn't require more accuracy on the cue ball. Why do I say this? Because at my best, I'm only an average player (APA SL5 in 8 and 9-ball) and of all the cues I've shot with over the years, the aforementioned shaft/butt combination has almost always been in my hands when my absolute best pool was shot. And believe me, on a normal day, I'm not all that accurate!

BTW, I love the taper and the tip diameterof the Z.

Maniac

 

[Russ Chewning]

Although I don't know the numbers, it seems that the Predator 314 is more popular than the Z shaft. Is it because people don't like the euro taper and/or small diameter?

Also, I've heard several people say the Z demands more accuracy on the CB to avoid unwanted spin. Is that a result of the smaller diameter?

I'd figure because most real players understand that it is not the stick, it's the shooter. When I was playing well, I could run out very close to the same percentage of racks with a decent house cue as I could a Meucci.

I think of lot of players see Predators, Z shaft, etc as "gimmicks", and are more marketing than anything that will appreciably improve your game. I know I do.

Yes, if a person's stroke is not straight, using a low deflection shaft will make a big difference in their game. Which will handicap them, because it will give them less incentive to work on their stroke..

Russ

 

[PKM]

To clarify, I meant the popularity of the Z shaft vs. the 314, given that it has lower deflection (although perhaps not by a significant margin according to some tests). I realize there are many people who don't like low-deflection shafts.

 

[Danktrees]

i think its cuz more ppl shoot with a 12.75mm-13mm tip than a 11.75mm tip. since thats the only diameter they come in, many opt for the 12.75mm tip that the 314 offers instead of the z shaft.

 

[jdelcue]

Yes, if a person's stroke is not straight, using a low deflection shaft will make a big difference in their game. Which will handicap them, because it will give them less incentive to work on their stroke..

Russ

This is one of my chief complaints with technology shafts...
And aside from that, I'm just a traditionalist...

I refuse to play with any of the tech shafts out of principle. Lol.


But to answer your question, its definitely the difference in tip diameter. A different tip diameter brings carries different "qualities" (level of spin impacted (although I tend to put more stock in a developed stroke), decreased deflection, comfort in your bridge, etc.). In the end, people will hopefully try both and just play with whichever they personally prefer. That's all there is to it...

 

[McChen]

i use the z shaft as well and i love it. i like smaller diameter tips, 13mm to me just seems way too big. i play snooker as well, and the z shaft has a similar ball/tip size ratio and taper, so maybe that's why i prefer it. i never thought i got a lot of unintentional spin, or that it made my long potting any worse like a lot of people say they experience with the Z.

 

[JoeyA]

I'd figure because most real players understand that it is not the stick, it's the shooter. When I was playing well, I could run out very close to the same percentage of racks with a decent house cue as I could a Meucci.

I think of lot of players see Predators, Z shaft, etc as "gimmicks", and are more marketing than anything that will appreciably improve your game. I know I do.

Yes, if a person's stroke is not straight, using a low deflection shaft will make a big difference in their game. Which will handicap them, because it will give them less incentive to work on their stroke..

Russ

I tried a Predator shaft on a Mark Moore cue that I was playing well with years ago and did not feel comfortable with it and played a little under my good speed.

The last few years I have been playing with Mike Bender cues and I have been playing fairly well for the most part until I start lifting weights. Recently I have been hitting some balls with the low deflection shafts and it seems to be a good idea at least on the surface. I plan to give them another try and possibly buy a 5K3 Predator with a 314-2 and a Z-2, play with them for 6 months and make a decision at that time.

I recently purchased another Bender cue and have been using my old shaft to compete with because it curently plays better than the newer shafts. The old shaft has been sanded down over the years and is tapered differently than the new shafts. The new shafts are taking on a new look week by week. I think for me, the smaller diameter regular maple shafts/ferrules work better but I'm willing to give the low deflection shafts/cues one more go.

Does anyone have a 5K3 with 314-2 and Z-2 for sale? I would even be willing to rent it for a few months. Does anyone rent cues?
JoeyA

 

[JimS]

I was under the impression that a Z shaft had a taper built more for 3 cushion... i.e. not a pro taper. True?

If so maybe that is the reason for lack of popularity.

 

[daytonajoe]

I have switched exclussively to z-2 shafts and use one on all of my Jensens... in fact i will be buying one soon in 5/16 x 14 for the other cues i have ie. Wayne and Jacoby... Have tried ob-1 and 314's and the z just feels better as I prefer the smaller tipp and the taper gives me the action i really like

 

[DoomCue]

I was under the impression that a Z shaft had a taper built more for 3 cushion... i.e. not a pro taper. True?

If so maybe that is the reason for lack of popularity.

It's true that the Z does not have a pro taper - it has a conical taper. While billiard cues typically have a conical taper, they don't usually have 11.75 mm tips. The more common comparison is to snooker cues, which are often SMALLER than 11.75 mm, but still have the conical taper.

Even though the Z has a small tip, it is a very stiff-hitting cue (which I personally like). I think that the small tip is the reason it's not more popular. When other players see my cue and try to use it, a lot of them are thrown off by the size of the tip, even though most of them say they really like the way it hits.

-djb

 

[Sprite]

The shaft of Z shaft is too thin imo.

 

[Snapshot9]

It would seem

like they would offer another size in it then, like 12.25 or 12.50 mm to help increase sales of it?

 

[DoomCue]

I'd figure because most real players understand that it is not the stick, it's the shooter. When I was playing well, I could run out very close to the same percentage of racks with a decent house cue as I could a Meucci.

I wonder why there are so many "real players" (read: professionals) using Predator shafts? Go to any pro event, male or female, and you'll see tons of Predator logos on cues.

I think of lot of players see Predators, Z shaft, etc as "gimmicks", and are more marketing than anything that will appreciably improve your game. I know I do.

I used to think the same thing, until I actually researched, tested, and played with "gimmick" shafts. Until I got over my own ignorance, I wasn't willing to give those shafts a chance. However, researching, testing, and playing with an open mind showed me that these are not "gimmicks."

To a certain extent, it's always going to be the Indian, not the arrow, but there's no denying that low-deflection shafts help lessen the adjustment associated with sidespin. That increases the margin for error. That can't be a bad thing, as long as the player is willing and can adjust to the characteristics of the shaft.

One of the things I used to say was that I'd rather learn new things with my old shaft than learn old things with a new shaft. Well, through experience, I've found that the old things I did are a lot easier with the new shaft. I've increased my percentages with the new shaft, so the proof is in the pudding.

Yes, if a person's stroke is not straight, using a low deflection shaft will make a big difference in their game. Which will handicap them, because it will give them less incentive to work on their stroke..

Russ

So if a person's stroke IS straight, using a low deflection shaft won't make a big difference? I submit that you can have the straightest stroke in the world, but if you don't know how to aim, you can miss the side of a barn....

Technology, in all walks of life, whether it's sports or cars or air-conditioning, seeks to make the things we do easier. Some cars will now parallel park for you. Does that mean you don't have to know how to drive anymore?

The incentive to work on stroke is independent of the shaft - that's a matter of desire, willpower, and pride.

-djb

 

[worriedbeef]

i don't like the z shaft because of the taper, and the smaller tip. a tip too small seems out of proportion to pool balls to me.

 

[tom haney]

Although I don't know the numbers, it seems that the Predator 314 is more popular than the Z shaft. Is it because people don't like the euro taper and/or small diameter?

Also, I've heard several people say the Z demands more accuracy on the CB to avoid unwanted spin. Is that a result of the smaller diameter?

It's not popular with me cause I can't make a ball with it.
I bought a Predator SP w/Zshaft new a while back for $320
shipped. Waste of money. Sits in my closet. Everybody in my
pool room wants a Predator but they're all too cheap to pay
over a hundred dollars for a cue.

 

[desert1pocket]

like they would offer another size in it then, like 12.25 or 12.50 mm to help increase sales of it?

The thin diameter of the shaft is part of the reason it has such low deflection. A z shaft with a 12.5 mm tip wouldn't be much different from a 314.

 

[JoeyA]

The thin diameter of the shaft is part of the reason it has such low deflection. A z shaft with a 12.5 mm tip wouldn't be much different from a 314.

That's kind of true except for the monumental difference between the tapers of the two shafts.
JoeyA