Shafts

The shaft is the part of the cue that decides how it plays, which is why it is bought on its own more often than a whole cue. Low-deflection shafts such as Predator Revo and Z-3, Mezz Ignite and WX Sigma, Cuetec Cynergy or Jacoby Black reduce cue-ball squirt with side spin and turn an old butt into a cue that plays like new. A used premium shaft usually costs 200–600 EUR, half the new price.

One condition: a matching joint. Check in the listing whether the shaft is 3/8×10, 3/8×14, Uni-Loc or radial and whether the diameter fits your butt. Note the tip diameter (11.8–13 mm) and length. Butts are in the separate butts category, and the differences between maple and carbon shafts are explained in the guide which billiard cue to buy.