13d • General discussion
Squirt&Swerve or LowDiflection
This is one of those deceptively simple billiards questions that actually reveals a ton about how you think about cue‑ball physics and shotmaking.
Let’s break it down cleanly so you can choose the right concept for the right moment.
🎱 Squirt & Swerve vs. Low Deflection
Two different approaches to the same underlying problem: cue‑ball deflection.
🔵 Squirt & Swerve (a.k.a. “traditional compensation”)
This is the skill‑based method.
You accept that the cue ball will:
• Squirt (immediate sideways deflection off the tip)
• Swerve (curving back due to spin + friction)
…and you learn to manually compensate with aim adjustments.
Why players choose this:
• You get a deep understanding of cue‑ball physics.
• Works with any cue, any table, any tip.
• Gives you more “feel” and adaptability.
• Essential for extreme spin shots, masse‑ish shots, and slow‑speed finesse.
Why it’s harder:
• Compensation changes with:
• speed
• tip offset
• cloth
• humidity
• cue taper
• You must constantly recalibrate.
This is the “old‑school master” route.
🔵 Low‑Deflection (LD) Shafts
This is the equipment‑based method.
LD shafts reduce squirt by lowering end‑mass, so the cue ball deflects less.
Why players choose this:
• More forgiving
• Aim stays more consistent across speeds
• Reduces the amount of “mental math”
• Helps intermediate players jump levels quickly
• Great for long‑distance spin shots
Why it’s not magic:
• LD doesn’t eliminate squirt; it just reduces it.
• Swerve still exists.
• You still need to learn compensation for extreme spin or slow shots.
This is the “modern efficiency” route
Traditional shaft
LowD shaft
House cue
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Squirt&Swerve or LowDiflection
