Dominate with Defy: McDermott's Carbon Fiber Shaft Guide - The Cue Cave (2024)

In this article, we’re going to go over one of the most popular carbon fiber shafts in pool – the McDermott Defy. Loaded with revolutionary technology and strength that lasts, the Defy shaft remains one of the best shaft options on the market, and we’re going to help explain why. We’ll discuss the features, product offering, and how to take care of your Defy shaft.

Why Play a Carbon Fiber Shaft?

There are multiple reasons some of the best professional and amateur players in the world choose to play pool with a carbon fiber shaft. Carbon fiber has a low degree of deflection, it’s light, and it won’t warp in response to atmospheric changes. They’re also much harder to scratch or damage due to the strength of the material.

While more expensive, carbon fiber will almost certainly have a longer playing life for anyone who games them. For many newer players, carbon fiber may be easier to get used to because there are less variables that can influence how the shaft performs when compared to wood shafts

When was the Defy shaft invented?

The Defy shaft first hit the market in 2019 and has been improved ever since. Recently, McDermott has added a gray ferrule and joint collar for better sighting and overall aesthetics.

Defy Technology

With Defy carbon fiber, you can expect a shaft that offers superior accuracy and control as well as enhanced SmacWrap technology. Designed for the AeroSpace industry, SmacWrap provides vibration absorption with a softer feel and quieter sound than most carbon fiber cue shafts on the market.

McDermott’s self proclaimed “most advanced carbon fiber shaft ever” comes standard with a navigator soft tip. This premium tip features Japanese pigskin leather that offers a soft, consistent hit in a tip that is extremely resistant to deformity. This tip is softer than most carbon fiber shaft offerings and creates effortless spin when compared to other CF shafts.

Defy Shaft Sizing and Profile

The Defy comes in 3 different shaft sizes – 12mm, 12.5mm, and 13mm. All Defy shafts feature a hybrid taper that is more conical near the butt of the shaft and then becomes less extreme towards the tip. This helps provide increased control no matter what shaft size you choose. You can order the Defy shaft in lengths of 29, 30, or 31-inches.

The Defy carbon fiber shaft is available in all major joint sizes:

  • McDermott ⅜”-10
  • McDermott Quick Release
  • 5/16”-14
  • 5/16”-18
  • Radial
  • Uni-Loc

Does Pool Cue Shaft Size Matter?

Cue shaft diameter definitely matters. A larger shaft and tip diameter is going to mean more surface area during contact, which lessens the chance for a mis-cue and provides more forgiveness after bad contact.

The bigger shaft size will be a better option for a beginner, or someone who doesn’t rely that much on english (spin). The smaller shaft size will create more spin on a cue ball, allow for more precise strikes, but will be less forgiving.

Does Pool Cue Joint Size Matter?

To a certain extent, yes. But when it comes to the joint, it’s mostly personal preference. Usually, someone who prefers a heavier cue will opt for a larger joint, and vice versa.

If you don’t have the ability to customize the joint and you already have a cue butt you want to use, you will need to make sure you buy a shaft that will match that cue. For example, a 3/8” 10-thread joint will not match a shaft that is made for a 5/16” 14-thread joint.

All joint sizes can be chosen in the cart at places where you can order the shaft. The Defy is in stock at McDermott’s site.

In order to avoid confusion, it’s always best to order your pool equipment from a trusted dealer. See where you can order the Defy at the bottom of this article!

How to Clean Your Defy Carbon Fiber Shaft

The Defy shaft is formulated to include a special slip agent that helps maintain the shaft slickness and resist chalk, dirt and oils from building up. An occasional wipe down with a hand towel and some water will be sufficient, but for a few bucks, you can also follow that up with application of McDermott’s Ultra-Glide Shaft Conditioner to help restore the slick feel of the shaft.

Defy Shaft Tip Replacement

The Defy shaft comes with a 0.125” ferrule, and since the shaft should not be sanded, you should send in your shaft to McDermott so it can be professionally repaired. If you sand the surface of your shaft, it will void McDermott’s lifetime warranty.

How Much Does a Defy Shaft Cost?

After shipping, you will pay just over $400 for a standard Defy carbon fiber shaft when bought directly from McDermott.

You will likely be able to find a better deal on eBay if you are patient, and many people take great care of their equipment. Make sure you choose wisely if this is the route you want to take.

Where to Buy a Defy Shaft

We hope you’ve learned enough to decide whether or not the McDermott Defy is the shaft for you, or is at least one that you want to try.

Here are the best places to buy your Defy shaft:

*Note: Stay away from Amazon when considering the Defy shaft. There are no reputable dealers at Amazon offering the Defy, and you don’t want to end up with a fake.

Dominate with Defy: McDermott's Carbon Fiber Shaft Guide - The Cue Cave (2024)

FAQs

How do you clean a McDermott defy shaft? ›

Cleaning Instructions

For peak performance, you may periodically clean the shaft by wiping it down with an alcohol wipe. Our Silky Smooth Hand Spray also works great with the Defy shaft. Apply spray to your bridge hand and rub briskly until dry for a friction-free stroke.

What is the length of the McDermott shaft? ›

Standard length is 29 inches.

What is best to clean carbon fiber billiard cue shaft? ›

If you use a carbon-fiber shaft, it doesn't need much care. You can just wipe it down with a damp towel. If that doesn't get it completely clean and smooth, you can use a little dishwashing liquid. Just be sure to wipe off all the soap residue with a clean and damp towel.

What joint does McDermott use? ›

Most all of the McDermott line of pool cues use a fat 3/8-10 joint screw, meaning it is 3/8's of an inch wide and has only 10 threads per inch that screws directly into the wood of the shaft for a secure snug fit.

What is the most expensive cue stick? ›

What are the most expensive pool sticks? The McDermott Intimidator Masterpiece Cue: This one-of-a-kind cue is made from solid stainless steel. It also has a Genuine Italian Obsidian Gemstone Sphere at the base. The cue is priced at $150,000.

What is the best shaft length? ›

The standard these days is 45”, and some manufacturers have even gone to 45 1/2” as their norm. The extra two inches of shaft help create additional clubhead speed and can help players hit longer drives.

How do you clean the shaft? ›

How To Clean Pool Cue Shaft In 6 Steps?
  1. Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Supplies. ...
  2. Step 2: Wipe Down The Shaft. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply Cue Cleaner Or Rubbing Alcohol. ...
  4. Step 4: Lightly Sand The Shaft. ...
  5. Step 5: Wipe Down And Inspect. ...
  6. Step 6: Apply Cue Wax Or Conditioner.
Jun 20, 2023

How do you clean a defy machine? ›

Cleaning Cycle

There is usually some form of maintenance or 'clean washer' cycle that can be run on a monthly basis – or after 30 washes – to keep the interior clean. You can also wipe down with a cloth and some form of detergent (or bleach) if allowed, alternatively two cups of white vinegar will also do the trick.

How do you clean bearing shafts? ›

If you can find a spray-on degreaser, you can blast all the crap out of your bearings to great effect. Lemon juice works well too! Soak your bearings in your chosen liquid try putting the bearings in a jam jar and shake the bejeezus out of them for about 2 minutes, then rinse them with some more clean solvent.

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