Project: New Shaft (Final Summary, 21 Practice Days Later)

Published Monday, January 28, 2008 By . Under Competing, My Training, Practicing, Product Review, Project: New Shaft, Random / Misc    

Before I begin, I would just like to mention that I “fixed” the problem from Days 20 & 21 when I was experiencing some unexplainable ugly pool. I couldn’t figure out at the time why the cue and cue ball weren’t doing what I thought they were supposed to do when as it turns out, somehow, my stroke hand had inched itself a little too far back and I was no longer perpendicular at point of contact. Once I identified and corrected the problem, I was back to normal and able to just pick up from where I was. Whew! Thank goodness.

Next, I’d like to thank everyone that’s been following the progress with my new shaft from Day 1. It wasn’t pure torture, but it definitely hasn’t been the easiest journey and I truly appreciate all the support I’ve received.

This adventure began on December 2 with what I thought was an open mind. I realized half way into it I was fighting the change and naturally, the resistance hindered my progress. It wasn’t until I truly embraced the change and accepted the outcomes did I finally allow myself to freely succeed or fail with the new shaft.

Here is my final professional summary on the Predator Z2 Shaft:

( + )

( – )
  • With less effort, I’m able to get much more action on the cue ball.
  • Since the taper/tip is more narrow, I don’t need to aim as close to the edge of the cue ball when needed, to avoid miscues (even though I haven’t completely grasped this concept yet).
  • I used to think that I knew my shaft so well and was able to compensate accordingly when using inside english. However, honestly, this was true if the object ball was near a rail or pocket, but when it was in the middle of the table, sometimes it was a crap shoot. I can usually nail these shots with my Predator shaft.
  • It still amazes me how far I can draw the cue ball with very little energy exerted.
  • On the same token, I can stroke just about any shot so much more accurately and with much less effort.
  • More accuracy on jacked up shots.
  • Bottom Line: Better Results with Less Effort
  • I’m getting much more action than I’m used to with the cue ball so my speed control had to be relearned.
  • I’m still aiming too close to the edge of whitey and miscuing when I need spin.
  • Waiting for my blanks to be done to go with my new CB cue so I’m not mis-matched anymore.
  • I wish the Z2 shafts weren’t tapered like they are with that little ferrule, but I guess that’s what makes them work.
  • I wish over-the-counter Predator shafts didn’t come with that giant, obnoxious, big, black, distracting logo at the joint. I’m so glad the blanks don’t have that.
  • Still reminding myself to not compensate my aim for deflection.
  • Still miscuing more than I did with my other shaft, but it’s because I’m trying to use it the same way as my other shaft.

So, overall, I guess it wasn’t quite as dreadful as I thought it would be. In fact, I guess you could now add me to the list of Predator shaft users. Yeah. Yeah. I’m on the predator bandwagon. Having the option, which I do, between my Z2 shaft and my original shaft, I choose the Z2. Though I still have more to learn about the shaft itself and how certain shots react with it, I’m now looking forward to it.

I FINALLY feel like I’m able to just focus on my training now. No more new stance or new shaft or new stroke. Things will evolve over time, but I’m ready to kick off 2008! 0-8 is great!

First Hunter stop of the year: Fast Eddie’s in Austin, TX on February 16-17

I’ll also be in Florida for the Regional Tour Championships. Top 6 players from each regional tour are qualified and I barely made the cut.

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2 Responses to “Project: New Shaft (Final Summary, 21 Practice Days Later)”

  1. Bob Johnson says:
    January 29, 2008 at 11:31 am

    Samm,
    I like how you gave the pros and cons. I am still trying to figure out my stroke & aim and compare my Z2 with regular shafts.
    –Bob

  2. Joost de Poel says:
    September 13, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    Hello Samm and everyone,

    Quite interesting stuff!
    I got a (2nd hand) Z2 for my Meucci’s after having seen and spoken to two Pool-acquaintances playing with a 314 and a Z2. One plays a Meucci and he said he didn’t like his org. shaft because it was to ‘whippy’. The other one said she’s just crazy about her Z2!
    I regard both highly because they are both very good players who stood high in our (Dutch) rankings.
    The guy I got my Z2 from ‘warned’ me that it would take a few weeks of getting used to, much like your own experience! I have almost gone through my iniciation..
    What do I think? I do like it. I have a BIG choice in shafts that I can use, e.g. Meucci: BD and Original. Bushka: Regular and ‘juiced’. The juiced shaft came with the 2nd hand Bushka and has the same tip-dia. as the Z2. This one is however completely different then the Z2 regarding stiffness. It’s like ready to serve Spaghetti! This is my favorite shaft.. I really think the Z2 is VERY stiff. I do like the taper. I allways want a shaft that’s like up to about 1/3 from the tip down the same overall dia. It just feels better in my bridge-hand. I will continue playing with the Z2, but if it will ever become my favorite?

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