After looking at the different shafts on the market, I wanted to try one that was a little different. I was happy to do a little homework, and came across the Katana Performance Shaft from CueStix International.
It has a conical tapered shaft with an 11.5mm tip. I have shot with a few different shafts with this taper, and I am beginning to get a feel for them. This shaft feels a little different than the others I have tested in the sense that I didn’t have to adjust for squirt as much as I thought.
The Katana Performance Shaft comes standard with a ten piece radial lamination. On a blind test I could not tell the difference between this shaft and, say, the Predator Z2 or the Viking ExactShot shaft. The more and more I play with a conical tapered shaft, the more they’re growing on me.
It’s honestly a stiff hit that is very precise.
When it came to me it had a beautiful sheath (or cue sleeve) over it and, honestly, the company as a whole went out of its way to make sure that this was a wonderful transaction. The shaft compares to the higher end cue companies on the market, and has a incredible price tag of only $209.
For all us struggling pool players, that is a great thing.
I have shot with many shafts this last year and this is one that made the cut. This is the only low deflection shaft that CueStix International offers, and it’s a good one.
I know they make many cues, and they’re based out of Colorado. I feel that they could easily charge more for this shaft, as their entire Katana cue line is in the $400.00 range.
For that price you will not get a better low deflection shaft.
The shaft was designed to have a wood-to-wood joint with a brass insert. I personally like the taper on the shaft and like not having a super long ferrule. I will go on to say that every shaft takes a little getting used to.
The more you play the more you know how the characteristics of that shaft compare and contrast to your playing style. If you have an accurate stroke and you like playing with a shaft that helps maximize your ability to make precise shots, then this shaft is for you.
This is the description CueStix has on their website:
Tip: 11.5mm Katana by Tiger Ferrule: 3/8″ inch proprietary material Shaft: Birdseye maple pro taper 10 piece radial lamination Joint: Brass inserts Rings: Black collar, or black collar with silver ring Joints Available: 3/8 x 8, 3/8 x10, 5/16 x 14, 5/16 x 18, Uni-Loc® Each Shafts comes with a protective sleeve
I have used this shaft to break with a few times and it really has a solid hit — the more I play with it, the more I think it’s a great all around shaft. For those of you who are not aware, I will go on to say that there is a stiffness that comes with a conical tapered shaft which is what takes getting used to.
The only negative thing I have to say about this product is that it is the only one that they make like this, so I have nothing to compare it to. In the Katana line, they also make a bamboo breaking shaft and I would love to try that next. I’m interested to see how it compares to a maple or a purpleheart shaft.
Over all, I give the shaft 4 out of 5 Sneaky Petes because it is a great hitting, solid shaft.
I’m still getting adjusted to it, and the reason I can’t give it that extra star is sometimes it will do something unexpected and I have to go back and rethink what it was that went wrong. Most of the time I sum it up to human error.
Garret Troop is the owner and CEO of Sneaky Pete Mafia. He created this community as a way to being together people that have a love of billiards. He has never had a passion for anything like he has for Sneaky Pete Mafia. He hopes to bring together a group of people that and create a family of those that share his passion. Pictures: Provided by author Editor: Hannah Blue
Sponsored by POV Pool and Jacoby Custom Cues
