1st Gen Predator on Schon STL9

[ben]

Hi KJ,

I bought a Schon STL9 from Seyberts last year with a Predator 2nd Gen 314 shaft. Your workmanship in fitting the Predator shaft was perfect and I think I forgot to thank for it, so thank you.

I'd like to buy one of the 1st Gen Z shafts that are now on sale. I was wondering if the 5/16 x 14 jointed version will match my STL9 out of the box? I know you have said that matched Schon/Predator shafts are a stock item now, but does that extend to the older 1st Gen shafts as well?

Also the 1st Gen shaft doesn't say that it's piloted. Do you know if it is?

Thanks again,

Ben

[KJ]

Hi Ben,
Thank You for the kind words regarding my work. It's always nice to hear that the client is happy because of my efforts.

The Gen1 shafts that are currently being offered should fit your Schon 'as is' but without the Schon type pilot that you're used to with your orig. shaft.
I build the Schon/Predator shafts from partial blank, one at a time.
The Gen1 shafts that are now available were built by Predator. They incorporate a generic type pilot that allows them to fit a wide variety of cues and will fit your Schon also. The Schon type pilot is a special modification.

[Lionhart]

However, what is the advantage of the piloted joint? Is it important? I also wanna buy a gen 1 shaft and a schon

[ben]

The piloted shaft has a slight interference fit into the joint. Which I find improves the feel of the shot. Feel is obviously very subjective, but nothing else I've used handles like my Schon with the Schon piloted shaft. The only thing I really want is a smaller tip and a Euro style taper. Hence I'm looking at the Predator Z or Z2. If the Schon shaft was Euro taper I wouldn't change a thing.

[KJ]

A true piloted joint should be considered a premium feature. This applies to Schon in this case.

There is tolerance btwn. the pin & insert on any threaded pin. This tolerance will allow the shaft to seat to the handle anywhere within that tolerance range. Usually this is very minor. A true piloted joint centers the shaft on the pin by centering via the pilot into the joint collar. We're only talking a couple of thousandths or so but the 'slight interference fit' that was mentioned regarding the Schon gives the player a sense & feel of a quality connection every time he assembles his cue.
Some players are particular about that, particularly owners of Schon cues.