X-Shaft into...

[shoutout33]

Ok, first of all, many apologies for asking this again. I tried to search for any posts that I remember seeing in the past, but couldn't find any except for Tate's review of the Tiger cue. What I would like to know is, of those players who use the x-shaft, how is it? Now, I am not asking for any bashing or shaft flame wars of any type. Just some honest opinions from those who have tried the shaft and their take on it. Nothing more and nothing less. Thanks in advance.

 

[tom haney]

Ok, first of all, many apologies for asking this again. I tried to search for any posts that I remember seeing in the past, but couldn't find any except for Tate's review of the Tiger cue. What I would like to know is, of those players who use the x-shaft, how is it? Now, I am not asking for any bashing or shaft flame wars of any type. Just some honest opinions from those who have tried the shaft and their take on it. Nothing more and nothing less. Thanks in advance.

I have one I use with my Mottey & I like it better than
the original Mottey shafts. Incidentally, I have a Z shaft
that I've never gotten used to but I had no trouble with
the Tiger X.

 

[shoutout33]

thanks hondo, your reply means a lot! may I ask how long you've had your x-shaft and what level player are you?

 

[shinobi]

Off the top of my head, I've recently hit and tested the following shafts:
Predator 314 and Z, OB-1, Tiger X Shaft, Dominator (Dominiak), Carmeli, Southwest, JW Petree, ArnotQ T3, some others

The X shaft I tried had a Sniper tip. I liked the hit and could used to it no problem. It deflects quite a bit more than an OB-1, 314 or Z tho. If you like a shaft with medium deflection, it might be good for you

No matter which shaft you pick, the tip will play a major role in how it feels, too.

 

[Pigcarver]

Another one you might try if you have the option is the McDermott ice shafts...I have an I-2 and have been very happy with the way it plays.

I have played with the Tiger on a number of occasions, and I find I have no problem making the adjustment...though, I didn't experience much deflection, I did get a little. I was able to compensate for it rather quickly though.

 

[shinobi]

I am a bit of a deflection nut. I came up with a few test shots that, in person, make it pretty obvious how much a shaft deflects. My results mirror the results seen on the platinum billiards test page, so I take that as a good sign.

Of course, there's more to a shaft than deflection. If deflection was all that mattered everyone would use a Z shaft. My personal fave is the OB-1, second fave is 314. But if I didn't mind more deflection, the X was a good hit.

 

[X Breaker]

Ok, first of all, many apologies for asking this again. I tried to search for any posts that I remember seeing in the past, but couldn't find any except for Tate's review of the Tiger cue. What I would like to know is, of those players who use the x-shaft, how is it? Now, I am not asking for any bashing or shaft flame wars of any type. Just some honest opinions from those who have tried the shaft and their take on it. Nothing more and nothing less. Thanks in advance.

As far as I understand, Tony's X shaft was not intended to be a shaft with low squirt.

When I saw it for the first time about three years ago in the Expo, I tried it, and I still remember Tony explained to me his concept of making a shaft with a certain grain alignment to enhance radial consistency. I think he has recently changed his ferrule configuration, which might offer less squirt. I still, however, believe that the X shaft was not a shaft built to offer low squirt, and in my opinion, should not be judged as such.

Players who enjoy shooting with the X shaft seem to like it for the hit. I have tried varies X shafts with different tapers about two years ago. They felt fine.

In all fairness, I have not tried it long enough to offer a fair comment on the hit. Besides, I think a lot have been changed since last time I tried it so my opinion would not be accurate.

I can tell you this: I talked to Pamela and she told me she sold a lot of X shafts at Tony's booth. I think they were doing quite well in the VF show.

After the Houston show is over, I am sure you can get more info from Cory.

Richard

 

[ribdoner]

Another one you might try if you have the option is the McDermott ice shafts...I have an I-2 and have been very happy with the way it plays.

I have played with the Tiger on a number of occasions, and I find I have no problem making the adjustment...though, I didn't experience much deflection, I did get a little. I was able to compensate for it rather quickly though.

The I-2 is also my favorite of the non-conventional shafts.

 

[tom haney]

thanks hondo, your reply means a lot! may I ask how long you've had your x-shaft and what level player are you?

Shoutout, we have no leagues in my area but I have been
playing for 40 years so I'm not too shabby. I've only
had the x shaft for about a month.

 

[shoutout33]

You guys are the absolute best!!!

Now this is what I call forum customer service! Guys, thanks so much for the replies! I thought that the x-shaft was niche product and shouldn't be compared to the other shafts. Wasn't 100% sure about that though. I have a project in the works that will incorporate the x-shaft and some Talisman tips (med. hard...). I will keep you guys informed as things go along. Thanks again for the honest opinions and replies.

 

[shoutout33]

I-2: looking into already

Another one you might try if you have the option is the McDermott ice shafts...I have an I-2 and have been very happy with the way it plays.

I have played with the Tiger on a number of occasions, and I find I have no problem making the adjustment...though, I didn't experience much deflection, I did get a little. I was able to compensate for it rather quickly though.

Already ahead of you on that Pigcarver. I've heard good things about the I-shafts and hear that they play well too. Right now, I needed to get some feedback on the X-shaft because of this experiment I have in mind. Thanks for reply though.

 

[tom haney]

Off the top of my head, I've recently hit and tested the following shafts:
Predator 314 and Z, OB-1, Tiger X Shaft, Dominator (Dominiak), Carmeli, Southwest, JW Petree, ArnotQ T3, some others

The X shaft I tried had a Sniper tip. I liked the hit and could used to it no problem. It deflects quite a bit more than an OB-1, 314 or Z tho. If you like a shaft with medium deflection, it might be good for you

No matter which shaft you pick, the tip will play a major role in how it feels, too.

How did you like the Dominator shaft? I can't make a ball
with it.

 

[shinobi]

How did you like the Dominator shaft? I can't make a ball
with it.

I found it very average, and certainly wouldn't go out of my way to get one again.

 

[shinobi]

As far as I understand, Tony's X shaft was not intended to be a shaft with low squirt.

Richard,

See Tiger's poster promoting the X-Shaft here:

http://www.tigerproducts.com/store/posts/X-Poster.jpg

It says:
"Tiger ferrules minimize tip end weight deflection!! Far more accurate than conventional ferrules..."

In any case I mentioned it mainly for those that are reading this thread (about the X-Shaft) and might be curious about how much it deflects.

 

[X Breaker]

Already ahead of you on that Pigcarver. I've heard good things about the I-shafts and hear that they play well too. Right now, I needed to get some feedback on the X-shaft because of this experiment I have in mind. Thanks for reply though.

May I suggest you drop a message/email to Shawn Putnam, he plays with a X shaft. I think no one is more qualified to offer a professional opinion on the X shaft than Shawn and Cory.

Richard

 

[CrownCityCorey]

CCC X-Shaft Reply (long)

May I suggest you drop a message/email to Shawn Putnam, he plays with a X shaft. I think no one is more qualified to offer a professional opinion on the X shaft than Shawn and Cory.

Richard

Just a few more X-Shaft users:

George "Ginky" SanSouci
Josh Brothers
Stefano Pelinga
Jamison Neu
Danny Harriman
Louis Ulrich
Melissa Morris
Jose Parica
Chris Szuter
Troy Frank
Mike Gulyassy
Jamie Baraks
Jimmy M. has one (though I do not know if he uses it full time)

and many more.........

Deflection wise, it is somewhere in between a conventional shaft and a 314. Consistency is equal to or better than most radially laminated shafts on the market. Hit/Feel, we got em all beat!

Most low deflection shafts are so, because they have been hollowed out (drilled) and that way changes the hit. You start getting a goofy "thunk" sound and feel in your hand.

We reduced deflection with our tip, ferrule & taper combo and left the core solid.

All them other guys have fantastic products, but they are not for everybody.

I used a 314 for about 6 months and my game went in the toilet. Some of the worst pool ever! There was way too much that I had to change in my position play patterns & aim. I put the shaft away, went back to my original JossWest shaft and beat Rodney Morris at the Capital City Classic in 03' (my 1st event off of the 314).

That was it with the 314 for me.

I started using the X-Laminated Shaft shortly thereafter. There was some adjustment (the taper was different back then), but I was able to play "right" very quickly. Tony at Tiger and I had many, many conversations about the development of the shaft. I told him that it needed improvment. The folks at Tiger listened and got to work.

Many changes were made including, a taper change (4-5 taper differnces were made before the current one), ferrule materials & size specs, laquer finishes and ring/joint materials. We even changed wood sources!

I personally did most of the testing and R & D. The shafts that are coming out today are spot on!

Since I personally made the change to the Tiger X-Shaft I have posted tournament wins vs. such notables as Corey Deuel, Robb Saez, Santos Sambajon, Mike Davis, Ernesto Dominguez, Morro Paez, Tony Chohan, Shane VanBoening, Wade Crane, Luc Salvas, Max Eberle and many more.

Since Shawn Putnam has switched, he has posted 2 major pro tournament victories and is an odds on favorite to get in the top 4 of any pro event field.

Due to the consistency of the shaft my practice time has gone down from 30 hours a week 3 years ago to about 3 hours a week now and as every tournament passes I keep racking up wins vs. top notchers.