What weight pool cue should I choose?

Most players find 19-20 oz ideal for all-around play. Heavier cues (20-21 oz) provide more power for breaking, while lighter cues (18-19 oz) offer more finesse and control. Beginners should start with 19-20 oz as it provides good balance between power and accuracy.

What is low deflection in pool cues and is it worth it?

Low deflection (LD) refers to how much the cue ball squirts sideways when you apply english (sidespin). LD shafts have reduced tip-end mass, causing less cue ball deflection and making aiming more intuitive. They are worth it for players who use a lot of english or are struggling with accuracy on spin shots.

How much should I spend on my first quality pool cue?

For your first quality cue, $150-300 provides excellent options that will last years and support your development. Cues in this range feature straight maple shafts, quality tips, and reliable construction from brands like Action, Athena, and entry-level McDermott.

What tip size is best - 11mm, 12mm, or 13mm?

Standard tips are 12.75-13mm, which are forgiving and great for beginners. Smaller tips (11-12mm) allow more precise cue ball contact and spin generation but require more accuracy. For general play and learning fundamentals, stick with 12.75-13mm until you develop preferences through experience.

Carbon fiber shaft vs wood - which is better?

Carbon fiber shafts never warp, provide consistent hit regardless of humidity, and offer maximum low-deflection. Wood shafts provide traditional feel and feedback many players prefer. Carbon fiber typically costs $500-1500 for the shaft alone. For most recreational players, quality wood shafts perform excellently.

What brands make the best pool cues?

Premium American brands include Predator (low-deflection technology leader), McDermott (Wisconsin craftsmanship, lifetime warranty), and Jacoby (handcrafted customs). Mid-range value leaders include Cuetec, Viking, and Lucasi. Budget-friendly options from Action and Players serve recreational players well.

How do I know if a pool cue shaft is warped?

Roll the cue on a pool table or flat surface - a straight shaft rolls smoothly while a warped one wobbles. Also sight down the shaft like a rifle, rotating it to check for curves. To prevent warping: store cues vertically in a case, avoid car trunks and temperature extremes, and never lean cues against walls.

Do I need separate break and playing cues?

For serious players, yes. Break shots stress equipment significantly - the repeated hard impacts can damage playing cue tips, joints, and even warp shafts over time. Dedicated break cues feature reinforced construction, phenolic tips, and heavier weight optimized for powerful breaks.

What is the difference between 1-piece and 2-piece cues?

Two-piece cues disconnect at the joint (mid-cue) for easy transport and storage in cases. One-piece cues do not come apart. Two-piece is standard for serious players - the joint does not affect playability when properly manufactured. One-piece cues are typically inexpensive house cues.

How often should I replace my cue tip?

Replace tips when they are worn down to 1/8 inch height, become mushroomed (wider than ferrule), harden significantly, or will not hold chalk properly. Typical replacement frequency is every 6-12 months for regular players. Proper tip maintenance (shaping, scuffing, chalking correctly) extends tip life significantly.

Sale!

Katana KATXS2 Shaft

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 25 customer ratings

(25 customer reviews)

Original price was: $299.00.Current price is: $164.45.

Katana KATXS2 Shaft. Precision shaft for improved cue ball control and consistency. Designed for serious players.

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SKU: KATXS2 Categories: Shafts, Standard Shafts Brand: Katana, Katana

Katana KATXS2 Shaft. Precision shaft for improved cue ball control and consistency. Designed for serious players. Shop the Katana KATXS2 Shaft at Quarter King Billiards. Free shipping on orders over $99.

Weight	0.9 lbs
Dimensions	3 × 3 × 3 in
UPC	822114019620
Tip	11.5mm Katana Tip by Tiger
Ferrule	3/8" Fiber linen ferrule
Shaft	29" 10 piece, Maple Shaft , radial lamination, pro taper
Pin	3/8 x 10
Comes with case yes or no	Yes
Warranty	Limited
Select an option	10, 14, 14R, 18, 8, BLANK, CT/SCO, UNIBC, UNINC, UNIR

25 reviews for Katana KATXS2 Shaft

Rated 5 out of 5

Dan H. – January 11, 2020

Pool cue shaft

Honestly, only used it twice since I got it but so far I like
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey R. – January 17, 2020

Well-built Steadily improving my game.

Without a doubt, this is working out to be better than hoped for. Took some getting used to, the tiny 11.5mm tip, and the low-deflection. But it is amazing. I have let my really finicky and experienced teammates shoot with it, and they too have been very impressed as well. I put a Kamui-clear-soft tip on it, I love that combo. Just a great tool. Extremely satisfied.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley T. – January 26, 2020

better feedback than the z3

I’m surprised this shaft isn’t more popular. I upgraded the tip to a Kamui Black SS and it’s just about spot on. I might go to a soft or medium tip though. It has a very solid strike with confidence-inciting feedback. It doesn’t sound hollow like the z3 and it never gets whippy like the z3. The pro-taper with the narrower diameter functions extremely nicely together.
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen R. – March 23, 2020

Really impressed with it. It’s

Really impressed with it. It’s paired with a kamui super soft clear.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jim K. – March 24, 2020

Great Shaft !

Bought this shaft an my game instantly inproved. Can go wrong with this Shaft, feels good an shoots solid.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan D. – March 28, 2020

Katana shaft

I just got this new Katana shaft and plays truly properly. The craftsmanship is wonderful and the deflection is low. The cost was decent and the only thing I would change is to put a softer tip on it.
Rated 5 out of 5

Chris W. – April 12, 2020

Table Carver

Picked up this shaft to fit my Action cue stick so I could play around outside of league play and haven’t put it down since. The 11.5mm tip makes my old 13mm seem like shooting with a tree.
Rated 5 out of 5

Kate D. – May 2, 2020

Katana low deflection shaft

I have several pool cue but non of them were low deflection one’s. I have been shooting pool for a while and I make pretty decent shots but the cue ball deflection was a little problem will I was shooting then I came came across low deflection cue’s and wanted to try them so I got a new shaft from pooldawg and if was very easy to find the right fit for you pool stick. It hardly took 15 shots to fix my game and now my game is on a another level I see the cue stick ball finally want the way I wanna go. Thanks if a good shaft people who are good in pool it’s and enhancement to your pool cue and with a soft tip. You can see it in action.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dave H. – July 1, 2020

Changed my game

Changed my game
Rated 5 out of 5

Sue K. – July 25, 2020

Happy Customer

Truthfully, construction product love the 11.5 shaft. Strike on this stick is stellar excellent feel. Upgraded tip to Kamui Clear soft. Great draw with this combo.
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley M. – July 31, 2020

Katana KATXS2 Slim 11.5 Low Deflection Pool Cue Shaft

Honestly, i have had the chance to purchase a LD Katana cue stick from PoolDawg. After answering several questions I had in a timely manner I purchased the new shaft. It was perfectly what I was hoping for and with links to track the product the whole experience was very straight forward. I look forward to playing with the new equipment and using PoolDawg again. Greg C New Zealand
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen N. – August 7, 2020

Stellar

My first slim shaft. Stepped up my game ..shoots robust. Doesn’t flex like the z shaft. I don’t know if that’s decent or bad but I love it. I feel more confident with the laminated radial consistency. Long hard draw shots feel straight and true. Great customer service also. Ordered the katana 1 and ups lost it. Pooldawg immediately mailed me another. I received both the same day. I wanted the slim katana 2 instead. Pooldawg immediately exchanged it for me. Speedy shipment Highly recommend!
Rated 5 out of 5

Riley S. – August 15, 2020

Excellent Shaft

Plays very well. Ferrell had crack. Wonderful Customer Service. Michelle.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve R. – October 7, 2020

Great Customer Service

I have not had a lot of time to work with the new LD shaft, but so far the contact is durable and the low deflection is just as stated. I am so far very happy with this product. It will, however, take some time getting used to the 11.5MM tip. I am giving it 5 stars on customer service alone, but I think when I get more used to this shaft, it will help me greatly in the long run.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan P. – October 15, 2020

Hits well, dig the taper

I ordered this shaft with a Kamui Black soft tip. It’s straight, I like the taper and I hit nicely with it, so not much more to say there. Shaft feels the same if not better than my Lucasi Hybrid zero flex shaft.
Rated 5 out of 5

Sam P. – November 16, 2020

Katana

i purchased the Kantana 11.5 mm shaft as a complement to my snooker stick that has a 10 mm tip. They play very similar and I am very content with the Katana shaft.
Rated 5 out of 5

Steve C. – November 30, 2020

Great shaft!!

This is my first low deflection shaft ever and I can say for certain that it has raised my skill level. I have owned it now for about 2 months while playing several hours on a daily basis and I have no true complaints. The english is tremendous, the contact feedback is crisp, deflection requires little compensation and despite how slim it is, it doesn’t miscue as much as you’d expect. The only things I will say against it is that when you DO miscue, it’ll feel like nails on a chalk board and give you some real harsh feedback. Although I highly suggest this shaft, I do believe there is only a certain demographic of players that can effectively use this shaft. If you use this shaft and it contrasts to your play style, it will poorly impact your consistency. I endorse this for players who have a precise stroke on the cue ball, that like to use a lot of english, and just play with more finesse. If you are more of a power player that commonly uses center ball and relies more on speed control, I wouldn’t recommend this one. This is not a shaft that is satisfactory for letting your stoke loose. Other than that, if this shaft suits you and you decide to buy it, get ready to have some fun 🙂
Rated 5 out of 5

Mike F. – December 16, 2020

Katana XS2 Low deflection shaft

Without a doubt, amazing ! Quite solid hit, shipping was also timely. My overall performance has increased substantially!!! Would recommend to anyone who’s interested!
Rated 5 out of 5

Rick F. – January 29, 2021

Fast service on my order!

Truthfully, fast service on my order! Really pleased with the katana shaft.
Rated 5 out of 5

Lisa D. – September 12, 2021

Courteous personnel, expedient deliveries, quality

Courteous personnel, expedient deliveries, make products, and top notch service and deliveries is what you’ll become used to with PoolDawg. My new Katana low deflection shaft took some getting used to at first (which is normal) and this is going to be a total game changer for me.
Rated 5 out of 5

Dan D. – March 11, 2022

Love it

love it
Rated 5 out of 5

Alex N. – April 11, 2022

Excellent response to all input

Without a doubt, excellent response to all input with this cue stick.
Rated 5 out of 5

Mary N. – February 28, 2023

Superb cue shaft. Love how

Great cue stick shaft. Love how if you are not in stroke this shaft will show you right away. Love the deflection of this shaft and love how much I can make the cue stick ball due with it
Rated 5 out of 5

Karen C. – November 15, 2024

Fantastic

Amazing
Rated 5 out of 5

Tom F. – May 21, 2025

shaft

Honestly, extremely reliable shaft control is great. adore this shaft