McDermott High-Performance Shaft Comparison Guide

Optimized for Player Style & Skill Level

1. i-1 Big Boy Shaft ($249+)

Best For: Power breakers & jump shots
⚡ Key Features:

• 13.25mm Samsara Ultra-Hard Tip

  • 9-layer laminated calfskin

  • Extended cue ball contact time

• Short Jump Break Taper for explosive energy transfer
  🎯 Ideal Cue Pairing: McDermott’s high-end break cues

2. i-2 Shaft ($249+)

Best For: All-around control
🎨 Signature Tech:

• 12.75mm Kamui Black Soft Tip

  • High elasticity reduces miscues

  • Balanced spin/control ratio

• Pro Taper for smooth stroke consistency
  📊 Player Profile: Competitive league players (standard on $700+ McDermott cues)

3. i-3 Shaft ($249+)

Best For: Advanced spin specialists
🌀 Precision Engineering:

• 11.75mm Kamui Black Super Soft Tip

  • Maximum dwell time for extreme english

• European Taper for finesse shots
  ⚠️ Requires: Expert stroke mechanics

4. G-Core Shaft ($149+)

Best For: Tech-meets-tradition players
🔬 Hybrid Design:

• Carbon fiber core wrapped in Grade AA maple

• 13mm Everest Medium Tip (VACULAM™ process)

• Customizable diameters (11.75-13.25mm)
  💰 Value: Standard on G-Series cues ($255-$699)

5. Classic All-Maple Shaft ($80+)

Best For: Purists & beginners
🪵 Timeless Build:

• Solid North American hard rock maple

• 13mm Everest Medium Tip

• Pro taper for consistent performance

6. Stinger Break/Jump Shaft ($110+)

💥 Patented Impact Technology:

• Phenolic tip with “stinger tenon” core

• 13.25mm sweet spot for energy focus

• Flatter tip profile for controlled smashes

Tip Technology Breakdown

Key Considerations When Choosing

1. Skill Level: Beginners → Classic/G-Core; Pros → i-Series

2. Play Style: Power vs. finesse needs

3. Maintenance: Softer tips require more frequent shaping

Pro Tip:

*”The i-3’s European taper reduces deflection by 15% vs. pro taper.”*