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Picking up the right cue shaft is as important as refining your skills. The variation in the construction of the shafts offers advantages over the different cue games. In addition, the shafts can enhance the gameplay of individuals and allow you to put up unique strokes and carry out a special playing style.
Predator is the best in the business, and we’re here to break down two of the most popular shafts they make.
Predator Z2 vs Z3
Predator Z2 and Predator Z3 shafts are the best in the lot. The second and third-generation Predator shafts come with unique ferrule and vault plates to aggregate the gameplay outcomes. In addition, both have different perks and tactical benefits for the pool and billiards games.
Follow this article on Predator Z2 vs. Z3 to know about all of those differences.
Predator Z2 Specifications
The Predator Z2 is the 2nd generation shaft of the brand, guides beginners to learn how to play pool, billiards, or snooker. In addition, this shaft allows the players to learn deflection and master the throw effect on balls.
The Predator Z2 has enough bending power that makes it different from other cue shafts available in the market. In addition, Z2 supports quite a lot of shot varieties and has very little room for players to make errors. Thus, it is a good guiding shaft for beginners to utilize their cues for playing these table games.
Predator Z3 Specifications
Compared with the 2nd generation Predator Z3 shafts, the third generation is an upgrade with modern technology. It has gained importance in the market for being the best low deflection shaft that also consists of an efficient front-end construction. The vault player of Predator Z3 also got a patent award for its extravagant innovation.
The materials in the Predator Z3 shafts are high-tech and are meant for putting up game-changing performances. So it is because these shafts come with the thinnest of all tips, with a diameter of around 11.85mm. The best part is that it offers convenience for pinpoint placement of the tip.
It offers the lowest deflection amongst all of the wooden cue shafts available currently in the market. In addition, the predator has put up its best splice Maple shaft for adding an extra spin to the cue balls, with less effort implementation. High spin & accurate pinpointing tactics are what make it an ideal shaft to pick for intermediate and expert players.
People who prefer to play 8-ball pool, One Pocket, Banks, or other high-spin and low-speed games can choose this shaft on priority. Moreover, if you intend to play pool or billiards over smaller tables, then the Predator Z3 shaft can be your best mate.
Some of the advanced features of Predator Z3 include:
- Enhanced accuracy
- Effortless spin
- Consistent performance
Predator Z2 vs Z3
Similarities
- Shaft length is nearly the same for both Z2 and Z3, i.e., 29″ to 30″.
- Both these shafts are embedded with V-Tek construction.
- In addition, both have 10-piece splice construction.
Differences
- Z2 shaft is probably for beginners, whereas Z3 is for intermediate and expert players.
- Z3 shaft is thicker than that of Z2 shaft.
- Z3 has a stronger Vault plate than that of Z2, which makes it stronger.
- The tip diameter for Z2 is 11.75mm, whereas for Z3 is 11.85mm. The difference is next to negligible.
Major Distinguishing Factors
- The deflection is lower in Z3 than that of Z2. It is due to the strong & light front-end in Z3.
- In addition, Z3 supports high-velocity rotation for more effortless spinning of the cue ball.
When To Use Predator Z2?
Predator Z2 is a beginner-level shaft that might be low on spins but is accurate on pocketing shots. The deflection potential is nominal with Z2, which makes it preferable for games over small pool tables. It has a high-end throw effect to give dead-accurate shots when used at the right time and angles.
It is a better alternative than that of the 314-2 shaft. Also, it is easy to draw, follow or move the cue ball with this cue shaft. Hence, it allows beginners to learn their shots with it. Professionals also prefer Z2 as their primary cue shaft for making their break and pocketing shots.
When To Use Predator Z3?
Predator Z3 is a professional-level shaft that comes with a conical-hybrid taper and a premium 8-layer tip. Intermediate or expert level players can prefer it for adding an effortless spin to their shots to ensure tactical pocketing.
The front-end is light, flexible, and strong to push aside the shaft to hit the cue ball, reducing the deflection to the lowest possible measure. Naturally, therefore, big tournaments demand Predator Z3.
Final Verdict
Both Z2 and Z3 have their proficient specifications to make the pool, billiards, and snooker games outstanding. But there are subtle differences that make one better than the other.
Z3 being the latest generation, has more advanced features that make it stand out in the crowd. But, the Z2 lovers are still holding up to their shafts for years because of the precision and accuracy. Therefore, it depends on your budget and requirement to choose a better cue shaft for your game!