Why would one choose a 314 over a Z? or vice versa....

[skor]

surely you would agree that although a closed bridge is possible with a Z shaft, the taper isn't ideal for it? the width isn't consistent along the bridge area of the shaft.

The closed bridge does not have to be the "grip of death" the looping finger simply needs to keep the shaft in place.
BTW if you put your chin on the cue then you can go ahead and use an open bridge on power shots as well because the chin will keep the cue in place (just watch pro snooker players)

as for the first part of your post, can you suggest a reason why it'd be better for an amateur to go for a Z shaft over a 314 or an OB-1?

1. It will bring discipline to the amateur stroke. it has to be straight or you'll miss the pocket by a mile... it will frustrating at first but in time the pocketing ability will improve. From watching some beginner players in my area that started to use the Z shaft, their pocketing ability and position play has increased dramatically.

2. The use of side spin has never been so easy... 1/4 tip off center will give you all the spin that you'll ever need. By staying closer to the center less energy is lost and even less deflection will be generated.

 

[Kyotee]

314^2 for fast cloth (Simonis 860 etc)
Z2 for super slow cloth (Gorina and the like)

Z2 needs a really good consistent stroke, only a handful of pros use it.

IMHO... this is the reason more people do not use Z shafts... the 314 series is more forgiving if you happen to have even a minor inconsistency in your stroke.

 

[kingwang]

I've used both 314, 314-2, and Z2 shaft on my Joss.

I didn't notice much difference between the 314 and 314-2.

I started with 314, sold it and got a Z2 shaft. With the smaller shaft, it was harder for me to be accurate, and ended up getting a 314, and that helped my game (I'm not very consistent with my game for only playing a few years). I really only use the Z2 shaft when playing snooker now.

You can use a Z shaft to play snooker? I always thought it might be too big, but I always wanted to give it a shot.

 

[Impact Blue]

So what it sounds like is that I'll end up getting a 314, unless I decide to warm up my golf game, and then get a Z2...lol

Thanks again

 

[OneArmed]

You can use a Z shaft to play snooker? I always thought it might be too big, but I always wanted to give it a shot.

I use it to play snooker because I don't have a real snooker cue Works better than my larger shafts

 

[kingwang]

How does it play? Like, can you actually do everything (esp. draw the ball) that you should be able to do with a normal snooker cue?

 

[JimS]

I play with the Z2 on my Sailor cues and I like it. There are no problems with it being too big for snooker or too little for pool. There are no problems with a closed bridge.

Just play with one and see if you like it.

 

[Steve Ellis]

Great advice! Personally, I don't know why people use either one! I prefer the "good wood" feel of my custom cue's shafts...but that's just me! I have many friends, pro and amateur, that swear by Predator shafts!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Me too.
When I bought my first custom cue I had been shooting with a 314 on a McDermott. The cuemaker asked me if I wanted 314's or his own shaft. I didn't know so he gave me one of each and said when I make up my mind trade in the one I didn't want to keep. After about a month of shooting with both off and on, I decided I just enjoyed playing with the his standard shaft more and turned in the 314. I liked the feel better and could find no manner in which the 314 played superior. IMO.

 

[StevenPWaldon]

I don't quite agree with this. I play with a Z shaft, and a predominantly closed bridge. I don't find any problem with the taper going through my bridge.

One of the misconceptions about the Z shaft is its taper; it actually grows quite dramatically the first 4-5 inches, and then only grows slightly there after. Thus, the area around where one's bridge is placed is fairly comfortable for me.

the number one reason to choose a 314 over a Z shaft is the taper. That is the difference between the two shafts.

the Z shaft has a conical taper and a much smaller tip. It's particularly suited for snooker players or english pool players getting into american pool because the taper is the same.

the 314 has a standard pool/pro taper. which i personally prefer - there's absolutely no reason imo to use a tip that much smaller.

plus the Z shaft is much less ideal for a closed bridge because of the taper.

so basically to sum up you wouldn't make a decision on which shaft to choose over the deflection characteristics because they are both extremely low. the important difference between the two are the tapers.

 

[snookerish]

its a general rule of thumb that the 314 is easier for closed bridge, and the Z is for open bridge. to be honest, you'll just need to try both.
i have both shafts, i prefer the Z. i really don't know why. the small tip? maybe. the taper? probably.
One thing i definitely noticed about the Z, with the small tip and taper, it will stress any inconsistencies you have in your cue-delivery. its a great shaft to use if you want your delivery to straighten up as the Z shaft is a lot less forgiving. it can be brutal on long shots.
Oh, and i don't think snooker players use their chin to keep the cue in place necessarily. its more to do with getting your eye line as close to the cue as possible. a bit like shooting a rifle i suppose.

 

[skor]

Oh, and i don't think snooker players use their chin to keep the cue in place necessarily. its more to do with getting your eye line as close to the cue as possible. a bit like shooting a rifle i suppose.

Better aiming is the main reason for putting the chin on the cue (unless you have a dominating eye) keeping the cue in place is a welcomed side-effect...

 

[snookerish]

agreed. i play with my chin on the cue. maybe because i played snooker years ago and thats just my stance.
whatever way my stance is, the cue is resting right against my chest. i feel this keeps the cue straight more than my chin, but i totally agree, its probably a welcomed side effect that i dont even realise.