Hundreds of pool players have tried our new Defy Carbon Fiber Shafts at events around the United States, and we’re beginning to see photos pop up on social media from happy new Defy shaft owners.
If you’ve had the chance to try out a Defy shaft, if you’re a proud Defy owner, or if you are anxiously waiting for the delivery truck to bring your new Defy, here’s the place to discuss your thoughts. Let everyone know what you thought of it. How was the hit? How does the deflection compare to your other shafts? Why did you decide to purchase one?
Add your comments to the discussion below! Be sure to check back to see the latest comments.
Am anxiously awaiting for the delivery truck to bring mine. Have heard great things but have not had my chance at trying it yet.
I purchased my Defy shaft a week ago the day they came into Austin billiards. I’d been looking to purchase a carbon fiber shaft for quite a while. The jump I made from a high deflection shaft to a low deflection took some time to adjust to, but ultimately I could not be happier with my purchase. The hit has a soft feel to it, but the cue ball flys off the tip with so much more action than I ever got before! I am able to finesse my shape on the cue so much more, and I’m so happy with how the shaft plays.
Great to hear Joel, as I said I am really looking forward for mine to arrive. I will be using it with the August cue of the month… G210C2 I purchased a couple of months ago. I upgraded the shaft at time of purchase to the I-2 shaft and am anticipating even better results with the Defy.
Shaft feels great, soft tip gives it a soft touch with no vibration. Very lightweight and action seems almost effortless.
I would like to know if this is a solid carbon shaft or cored with a wood shaft inside?
Paul, this is a true carbon fiber shaft, not carbon fiber wrapped around a wood shaft.
That’s why it’s called smacwrap!
Smacwrap is a vibration-dampening material added to the carbon fiber. The same material has been used in aircraft, spacecraft, race cars, and more. There’s no wood in a Defy shaft, period.
Thanks 🙂
What is the hybrid taper spec? Is it closer to a conical or pro-taper?
It’s a low-rise taper, closer to a pro taper. About 5% over the first 12″ of the shaft.
It was suggested to me that Defy should be paired with a steel collar on the butt. Is this a fact or is it just preferred or are there negatives to be aware of
With Defy being carbon fiber, we can only offer it in a couple of joint diameters: 0.843″ and 0.855″. Our steel collar is exactly 0.843″, so Defy matches up perfectly. With a wood joint, it’s much harder to control the diameter, so there may end up being a small difference where the butt and shaft meet. This isn’t generally an issue for most players, but we’re perfectionists.
Just waiting for the shaft to arrive
Tried it out at the BCA National
Felt great
Now anxiously waiting to use it at home
I have had mine about 2 weeks and I love it. I have already order one for my Schon cue. The solid hit is so true. My friends find it amazing how it sticks to the table when you drop it on the tip.
Is there a ferrule on the defy shaft??? How do you go about replacing a tip
Yes, there is a 0.125″ black ferrule. For tip changes, we recommend having us or a professional with carbon fiber experience do it.
I’m looking forward to getting one. I got to try out the Defy at the APA Championships in Vegas a few months ago. It has a softer feel than my Revo. Great action.
The defy cue meets the claims. During my warm ups, I do a very specific set of drills with only the cue ball. I’ve done these drills for such a long time, the performance is extremely consistent. I previously used an i-2 shaft, which has been fantastic. I was curious about the defy cue. There is a difference. It outperforms the i-2 shaft.
I miss the wood finish, but I do like the concept of a more maintenance free shaft. The defy shaft came with a container of ultra lube. I would recommend it be applied right away. I waited about a week. It definately helps and you’ll notice the difference.
I’ve tried these sticks a couple times. Really good, easy to handle.
Are these shafts solid carbon fiber or are they carbon fiber wrapped around a composite material?
They are carbon fiber, not carbon fiber wrapped around anything.
Every other CF shaft I have seen have either a HD foam core or some other material to prevent the hollow sound and to help with vibration. So these shafts are solid carbon fiber?
They are hollow with a sound-dampening material inside.
How long did it take for everyone to receive their new shaft after you ordered it? How long till you got a tracking number or anything besides a emailed receipt?
Sorry for my english.
I speak french.
I buy a Defy shaft from my retailer in Quebec City.
Canada.
After 4 months i have no shaft .
Why?
Problem ?
Sorry for the delay, Jocelyn. Defy has proven far more popular than we predicted. We’re working with our materials supplier to help get production up to demand.
How long is the wait time if I ordered one today?
Right now, we’re at least 90 days out.
Joerackem from Illinois has then in stock. You can order them from his eBay account. I ordered mine Monday last week and got it Friday. It is fantastic. I have the iPro shaft that I love as well. They defy is a great shaft
I am very anxious to try my Defy Shaft that I ordered yesterday. Suppose to be delivered tomorrow. It looks like I may have to wait awhile before using since the Senior Center is closed along with all the pool halls in town. My son has been using his for a couple of months and he says, “dad you are really going to like it”.
I’m a little interested in the Defy, mainly because it has a 12 mm available.
I am wondering about one thing, what EXACTLY is a “hybrid taper”?
Is it a taper that starts like a pro taper then gradually transitions to a conical taper?
Thanks for any info.
Steve,
The Defy is a hybrid taper because it has a very gentle rise over the first 12″. It’s not flat like a pro taper, but it’s not a straight/European taper either.
Where is the Defy shaft made? I am in the middle of the Corona Virus shut down so expect it will take quite a while to get one once ordered. Do you have a lot of back orders or are you still around 3 months once the mandatory shut down is lifted?
Robert,
Defy is assembled in our Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA factory from parts made in various locations. As of right now (May 19th, 2020), our best estimate for an order placed today is a ship date sometime in September/October. That’s assuming there are no new developments in the Coronavirus pandemic.
I’m trying to order a carbon shaft. I have a G516 butt. Do I go with .843 or .855 joint diameter?
Todd,
Joint diameter can vary by individual cue. You’ll want to measure the joint of your G516 cue with a caliper to find out which option will fit your cue the best.
I love my 12.5 DEFY Carbon Fiber Shaft.
I matched it up with my Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman DCHOF Cue.
http://www.mcdermottcue.com/tom-dr-cue-rossman-2017-bca-hall-of-fame-cue.php
Any experiences on Urethane Joint vs Stainless steel joint, matched with a 12mm Defy carbon fiber shaft. As I understand the defy shaft is exactly .843 and so is the stainless steel joint .843. The Urethane joint comes close but not exact. Beside’s the sound am I compromising feel using the stainless steel joint? Some other reviews suggest that the stainless steel joint has a harder hit feel to it then the urethane joint…Yes I know” it’s the Indain not the arrow” All comments welcome!!
I have a G205 and am looking to upgrade to the defy shaft from the g-core standard shaft. I don’t know the joint diameter. How do I go about making sure that I purchase the right joint diameter defy CF shaft?
Andrew,
Joint diameter can vary by individual cue. You’ll want to measure the joint of your G205 cue with a caliper to find out which option will fit your cue the best.
Whats the difference in the .843 and .855 joint diameter. I cant find out what size the joint on my original shaft is. how important is it to get the exact right size? thanks in advance
Nate, in order to find the size you’ll need a caliper to measure the joint. It’s not a big deal if it doesn’t match, there will just be a “lip” where the butt meets the shaft.
No reason for 3 cushions players? :((
Would like to buy one for my G901, but I did not find a distributor in Switzerland or Germany. Thank you for your help.
I’ve had my Defy shaft for a couple of weeks, so, not a ton of time at the table with it so far, but my accuracy has improved probably 10-15 %. Position play has improved dramatically because I can achieve better results with significantly less effort. Overall, very pleased so far.
Two questions:
Can anything be done about micro scratches near the tip end from chalk on the table, etc? I always try to chalk the cue – not cue the chalk, but I’ve noticed a few small scratches.
Secondly, I never break with my playing cue, but can the Defy shaft be used for breaking? Just curious.
Hal,
You can try our Ultra-glide shaft conditioner. Your local dealer should have it or you can purchase it here: http://www.mcdermottcue.com/billiard_accessories.php
Defy is designed as a normal play shaft, but it can be used occasionally for breaking. Try to avoid bending the shaft during your follow-through.
Andrew
Hi is my name on the list of orders, when is shipping available?
Hi William,
If you ordered through a McDermott Authorized Dealer, contact them for an update. If you ordered directly through us, contact sales@mcdermottcue.com.
Just bought a new Defy shaft #12. Something inside the shaft moves, like a damper. Is this normal?
Hello David,
No, this is not normal. As you suspected, there is a dampener inside that may have come loose. You’ll need to send it in to us so we can perform a warranty repair. Our warranty page has instructions for filing a claim: http://www.mcdermottcue.com/mcdermott_pool_cue_warranty.php
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Andrew
I can’t wait to order this new carbon shaft, My question is I own a Lucasi Hybrid LH-10 blue and not sure what Joint diameter needed i have a uni lock system.
Walter,
To determine which joint diameter is right for you, use a caliper to measure the joint of the cue you plan on fitting the Defy to.
Andrew
Here is what someone just posted on one of the facebook forums which I believe to be incorrect and very misleading:
Shaft plays really great I really love what McDermott has don’t with the inner sound damping tube inside the shaft to get rid of the ting you get from cf shafts the raddle is a little weird at first but after talking to McDermott it’s Normal.
They are offering this shaft for sale telling folks it is normal to have a rattle in the defy shaft.
Steve,
You are correct, the poster is mistaken. It is not normal, and the shaft should be returned to us for warranty repair.
Andrew
Are there 2 different design on the shaft? I purchased one with a gray join and ferrule. I’ve seen picture where the shaft is all black and the ferrule is also black.
Hi Ruel,
I assume you mean the Defy shaft. The Grey joint and ferrule are recent additions to improve sighting. All-black models were made before August of this year or thereabouts.
Andrew
Thank you. Very satisfied with the shaft. Soft hits and smooth. I compared the sound with cuetech cb shaft and the sound of the defy is wood like.