Why so many shafts?

S

Still_Learning

Shortstop in Training
Silver Member
I understand why a player might carry two shafts around for his or her main playing cue...a tip might fall off, etc. (Though I've never seen that happen...)

But I was re-reading Playing Off the Rail, where it's stated that Tony Annigoni traveled with a Southwest cue with four shafts. Then I remembered going to pro tournaments and seeing players like Jim Rempe bring along about five cues and maybe 12 shafts total, and wondering...why?

Wouldn't it make more sense to play with the same shaft all the time, and just have an emergency backup? Is there some strategic advantage to carrying around that many shafts that I'm missing?
 
I can't speak for anyone else, but I wouldn't be without multiple shafts. Current inventory includes 4 shafts that interchange with 2 butts, and a J/B with 2. Mostly it's just to have some tip choices. Sometimes I just feel like a tip's not working tonite and it's time for a change. Current inventory includes 3 -13mm shafts, one each Sniper, Moori Med., Sumo, and 1-12.5 with a Sniper. I'll usually stay with the same tip through a match or league night, but may try switching around on a practice night just for a change. J / B has a White Diamond on one shaft for head ball breaks, and a Sumo on the other for 2nd ball breaks in 8-ball. Maybe some day I'll find that perfect tip and never change again, but 'till then I usually leave the house with two in the case. It's probably more an Indian issue more than arrow issue, but 2 arrows can't hurt.

Bill
 
Sometimes you want to use a hard tip on slow tables to get more cue ball action. Sometimes you want to use a soft tip on fast tables to slow down the cue ball, while getting more spin on the cue ball.

If you want to reduce the number of shafts you use, get Universal shafts that will fit all your different cues. Or get cues with the same joint thread.

If you are a pro, then you may have a lot of cues/shafts due to sponsorship and/or product testing. Or maybe they are cues they won from tournaments and/or local champs that got busted.
 
plus you just accumulate stuff, especially if you get a stick you like and keep it for awhile. Although my new starkey might take over my number 1 cue spot, ive shot with an old schon for years. Got 2 shafts with it when i bought it. Then wanted to try a longer stick, so found a deal on a 31" shaft on ebay.....then i wanted to try out a z2.....then i bought an ob-1. I might have another shaft somewhere too.....it just happens, especially if you tinker with your game like i do
 
even thought you've never seen it happen tips do pop off. I've had two come of in a couple months. Both were installed on a lathe by well known cuemakers. One was during a mini in vegas and the other was on league night shortly after returning from vegas.
 
scottycoyote said:
plus you just accumulate stuff, especially if you get a stick you like and keep it for awhile. Although my new starkey might take over my number 1 cue spot, ive shot with an old schon for years. Got 2 shafts with it when i bought it. Then wanted to try a longer stick, so found a deal on a 31" shaft on ebay.....then i wanted to try out a z2.....then i bought an ob-1. I might have another shaft somewhere too.....it just happens, especially if you tinker with your game like i do
Click to expand...
I should have my Starkey in a couple of weeks, I cant wait. With regards to multiple shafts, I think it is most due to having options, tip, shaft taper, type of shaft(ob-1, predator, tiger X, Original), ferrule material, all for different playing conditions, such as slower cloth, faster cloth, even game, one pocket, nine ball, straight pool, 8 ball, three cushion billiards, golf on a snooker table. Just my two cents.
 
What shaft configurations are best for specific conditions and games?

Thanks,
JW
 
different tables and cueballs react differently. on a given table you might draw the ball an inch whereas on a different table using the same stroke you might draw it 3 feet. changing the shaft of a cue is much better than having to adjust your stroke... you want your stroke to remain as consistent as possible. in golf if you want to hit the ball farther you don't change your stroke, you club up. i think shawn putnam has like 10 shafts for his josey. :eek:
 
I agree with you Branpureza... but what shaft configurations are best for specific conditions and games?

For instance, lets say I have a Predator Z-2 and 314-2 in my case? when would the Z-2 shaft be more advantageous than playing with the 314-2 due to table conditions or game being played?

Just curious,
JW
 
JMW said:
What shaft configurations are best for specific conditions and games?

Thanks,
JW
Click to expand...
I think it is a matter of preference, usually found through trial and error, but for instance, on a billliards table, the balls are bigger and heavier, the cloth is faster, and typically the ferrule will be very short, with a stiff taper and a hard tip, at least that is my preference. I personally have found what works best for me, and that is an ivory jointed birdseye Rauenzahn, with an ob-1 shaft with a Sniper tip. I also have a predator 314-2 with a Sniper, that I dont use that often, and the original shaft with Ivory ferrule which I never use. After I get my Starkey, I will probably have Chuck make me a billiard shaft, and possibly have him fit an ob-1 to it. I used to have different shafts with different tips, and I only use the Sniper now, they just feel perfect to me. I would be curious to see what other people like and why.
Regards,
Ian
 
Multiple shafts, multiple options

Okay, thanks folks, I think your answers make sense. Different tips for a playing cue didn't occur to me. I'm finally getting used to the extra spin from my Sniper tip, but I can imagine situations where I'd rather not have it.
 
Still_Learning said:
Okay, thanks folks, I think your answers make sense. Different tips for a playing cue didn't occur to me. I'm finally getting used to the extra spin from my Sniper tip, but I can imagine situations where I'd rather not have it.
Click to expand...

try a red circle cue ball...
 
Multiple shafts also allow you to change the weight of your cue, change the balance point, and give you different taper options, along with tip choices. I have four shafts for one butt that range in weight from 3.26 oz to 5.08 oz., two different tapers, so I can play my cue with weight ranging from around 17.75 oz. to 19.30 oz. depending on the game, tables/cloth, weather, my mood, etc. Only way to go.
:p
 
Hmmm, interesting, Never thought of that. I'm always using the same stick on all the table. But it's really annoying switching from fast to slow, and from slow to fast tables.
 
There is

a 12 step program for shaft addicts. It is called '12 steps to better shaft usuage'..... :D :D :D
 
Personally I don't look at a cue case like a golf bag... I believe that a cue is a personal item.. like a toothbrush...

knowing your cue is at least as valuable, as a tool, as leaning to stroke correctly or learning follow or draw. its all about mastering the instrument.

take the cue you have, as long as its well made ..its all you need, and make it BE all you need. let it meld with your game.

it doesn't matter how X shaft changes your game, it does matter if Y shaft that you've had for years knows your game as well as you do.

Constantly making changes and swapping this for that will force your game to be inconsistent (not the cure)..

get a decent cue.. pay more than $100 and get a wood shaft... get one you like and don't play with anything else..... give it a year.... and you won't ever want anything else.
 
JMW said:
I agree with you Branpureza... but what shaft configurations are best for specific conditions and games?

For instance, lets say I have a Predator Z-2 and 314-2 in my case? when would the Z-2 shaft be more advantageous than playing with the 314-2 due to table conditions or game being played?

Just curious,
JW
Click to expand...

I'm not trying to be rude, or a smart a$$, but it seems to me that if someone had $500 worth of shafts in their case, they should be aware enough of the different playing characteristics of them that it that the question would not be necessary.
Unless a player can tell the difference just by using them, there probably isn't a need for them to be carrying that much wood in their case.
Steve
 
I persoally carry three shafts. I carry the two newer ones, which I use the most, and one of the original two. I tend to use the original on days when my fingers feel bloated. My wife says it's water retention, I don't know;(
I've always had at least two shafts on almost every cue I've owned. I play with the two shafts pretty equally. That way the tips wear about the same and the patina on both shafts is about the same. I've never been one to play exclusively with one shaft or the other, as I feel it limits my ability to play whatever game I'm playing with either shaft. I use one on odd days and the other on even days. And yes, I've had tiips come off in competition. The last time was in a tournament not long after moving to South Carolina.
As far as into the mid 1970s, I knew players who ordered cues with one shaft smaller than the other and used that shaft for 9 ball and the larger one for Straight pool and One Pocket.
 
pooltchr said:
I'm not trying to be rude, or a smart a$$, but it seems to me that if someone had $500 worth of shafts in their case, they should be aware enough of the different playing characteristics of them that it that the question would not be necessary.
Unless a player can tell the difference just by using them, there probably isn't a need for them to be carrying that much wood in their case.
Steve
Click to expand...

Actually Steve, it was me trying to be a smart a$$. I do not have a 314-2 and a Z-2. And I also don't think there any reason to carry so many shafts. However, others do and I would like to hear exactlly why.

JW
 
I carry a bags worth.
Playing Cue:
1- Primary Shaft 314 w/Moori
1- Secondary Shaft 314 x/Moori
1- Ash 10mm Snooker Shaft
1- OB1, Don't know if I'll keep this (work in progress)

Break-Jump with Phenolic

Old Break Cue with Hard Leather (lighter than my other break cue)

That leaves my 3x6 full. Maybe SVB is on to something. Break and Play with one cue.:rolleyes:

Nick
 
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