What are the benefits of a predator z2 shaft versus the traditional 318?

Question

billiards question

Answer 1

The major advantage of the Z2 over the 314 is a greater reduction in deflection. The Z2 has the lowest deflection rating of any cue currently on the market. In fact, no cue from any other brand even comes close, as you can see in the link I provided below.

Whether or not this will have a significant affect on your game is up to the individual. The biggest negative to the Z2 is the stronger, slimmer taper which many people do not like. It will feel different than a typical 13mm pro taper cue. Some people also say that you must be more precise when applying a stroke to the cue ball, because the smaller tip makes it very easy to accidentally apply spin to the cue ball if you do not stroke it dead center.

If you've never shot with a Z or Z2 shaft, I strongly suggest you hunt one down to test out before making a purchase.

Answer 2

The differences between the first and second generation shafts can be found at the Predator site below.  If you want the differences between the 314 and Z, it's just the taper and tip size. The tip on the 314s are 12.75mm diameter and on the Zs the tips are 11.75mm, which means it has a stronger taper. This is true for both the first and second generations (314^2 vs Z^2).