Cuetec Shafts and Cuetec vs. McDermott I-n series shafts.

[Jimb]

I have a question about the vortex vs. the python and sst shafts. I now own one of each. The vortex has a very flat hard tip, while the python and all the other cuetec shafts (LePro)are more rounded and I assume, softer. Is the vortex intended to be primarily or only used for breaking and jumping ?

I also am considering buying a McDermott with an I-2 shaft. Both the I-n series shafts and the cuetec python and vortex use full length graphite in the core. Does anyone have experience with I-x shafts vs. the cuetec internal graphite types?

[nathar]

Someone posted that their graphite core had broken inside the shaft. I don't know if this is a common occurance or not. I have a cuetec which I no longer use. At one time I was planning to upgrade my cuetec with the Vortex until I priced the shaft. At which time I just decided to buy a higher quality cue. Before I bought my other cue I was completely happy with my cuetec. But I can say that there was an immediate improvement when I got away from the fiberglass coated shaft.

I haven't heard anything about the vortex being specifically for jumping or breaking. I wouldn't think that to be the case. I also have the cuetec j/b cue which I recently retired due to my acquisition of the new Predator BK2. (The BK2 completely stomps the ct j/b) The cuetec j/b comes with the sst shaft. As far as the tip goes, it is possible that when it was shipped that either someone forgot to shape it, someone shaped it improperly, or due to being played with it the tip has flattened somewhat. Regardless, shaping your tip is a fairly easy task with the proper tool. The Lepro tip, just so you know, is rated as a hard tip. Although I have also heard them described as medium hard when compared to other tips. It also appears that Cuetec is either using or is starting to use their own tip called tiptec. I know nothing about this tip.

Hope this helps. 8)

[txplshrk]

I don't really care for cuetec at all. Especially after trying to put tips on cutecs. They use a plastic ferreull instead of an ivorene. Anyway I own all three of the I-shafts from McDermott, and I absolutely love them. They shoot wonderful. It is your choice, but I like the I shafts.

[JimB]

First, I didn't know the LePro was considered hard or medium-hard. Thanks.

I'm pretty new to billiards/pool. I started a weekly game about 3 months ago with a group of guys I worked with since I couldn't get anyone to commit to a regular league day and time. Anywhere from 3-8 of us show up and play on Thursday nights at Billiard City in Fridley, MN. The last few weeks some of them don't seem too happy if I win most of the games.

Mostly I was looking for a way to smoke cigars and hang out without just spending all my time just drinking. I had to quit hanging out in Minneapolis since they banned smoking in public gathering places.

I now have the Cuetec 99385 which has a nice looking normal wood butt instead of the plastic looking ones, along with a Python and a Vortex shaft. I've been getting better and better with the Python shaft.

The Python and Vortex both have graphite cores like the I- series from McDermott and I'm trying all of them to see how I like them. Cuetec seems to get bashed quite regularly by many of the posters in billiard forums like Seybert and AZbilliards, but I decided to try them anyway.

I did buy a McDermott M33E with leather wrap, regular and I-2 shaft for 350.00 this week from a player who decided to go all Predator recently.

I spent about an hour and a half tonight shooting 14.1 by myself to check out the McDermott and went back to the Cuetec with Python before the guys showed up because I wasn't hitting well with the McDermott. I'll have to spend some time practicing with it more, I suppose.

I don't even know most of the rules yet for 9-ball, 8-ball, or 14.1, but it's sure fun to pocket balls!