The PowerGlide CueClub — We make the cues. We know the game.
You strike the cue ball dead centre, aim exactly where you intend — and it still veers slightly off line. It's not a bad shot. It's physics.
That subtle sideways movement is called deflection, and it happens with almost every shaft to some degree. For years, players simply learned to compensate for it instinctively, without ever fully understanding why it happened.
Low deflection shaft technology changes that equation. In this article we'll explain what deflection actually is, why it occurs, and what low deflection technology is really doing differently — without the marketing jargon.
In this article you'll learn
- ✓ What deflection actually is and why it happens
- ✓ How shaft design influences cue ball movement
- ✓ What "low deflection" technology changes mechanically
- ✓ Whether it's the right choice for your game
01 What Deflection Actually Is
Deflection is the slight sideways movement of the cue ball caused by off-centre contact with the tip, even when your aim feels perfectly straight.
It happens because striking anywhere other than dead centre creates a small sideways force, which the shaft either resists or absorbs depending on its stiffness and construction.
Every player experiences this. The difference lies in how predictable and manageable that movement is, shot after shot.
02 Why Shaft Design Changes the Outcome
A stiffer, denser shaft tends to resist that sideways force less efficiently, which can increase how much the cue ball deflects on certain shots.
Low deflection shafts are typically engineered with a different internal structure — often thinner at the tip end — specifically to reduce that resistance and minimise unwanted movement.
This isn't about magic materials. It's applied physics, using shaft geometry and construction to influence how force travels through the cue at impact.
Aaron Hill on aiming with side on every shot...
"I play side with every shot, so I'm entirely used to how the cue ball throws. I just aim the same way I've been aiming for the last 12 to 15 years."
Aaron Hill is an Irish professional from Cork and a former European Under-21 champion who has beaten both Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump.
03 What This Means for Your Aim
With reduced deflection, the cue ball travels closer to your intended line, even on shots struck slightly off-centre — which is common when applying side spin.
This can make certain shots more forgiving, particularly for players still developing consistency in their cueing action and contact point.
It doesn't remove the need for good technique, but it can reduce how much compensation your instincts need to make under pressure.
Mark Selby on relearning his aim...
"There are probably three or four shots which catch me out a little bit, where I probably just need to try and aim a little bit differently. That's difficult because you've been aiming at a certain place for the last 15 or 20 years, knowing where the cue ball is going, and now you're being told to aim a little bit differently.
But it'll come in time. It was just a matter of getting used to the throw with the tip being a bit bigger."
Mark Selby is a four-time World Champion.
04 Is Low Deflection Right for You?
Low deflection shafts tend to suit players who use a lot of side spin, or who are still refining a consistent contact point on the cue ball.
More experienced players who've already adapted their aim instinctively may notice less benefit, since they've effectively learned to compensate manually over time.
The right choice depends on your game, not on assuming newer technology automatically means better results for everyone.
PowerGlide Insight
Low deflection technology isn't about reinventing the cue — it's about reducing one specific variable so players can focus on the parts of the game that matter most: judgement, touch and consistency.
Myth v Reality
Ali Carter on why throw changes from table to table...
"The table can have so much more throw one day to another because of the cloth. Whether it's titanium or brass, you are still going to have to adjust."
Ali Carter is an English professional with seven ranking titles who has twice reached the World Championship final.
Did you know?
Deflection can vary noticeably even between two shafts of similar diameter, purely due to differences in internal construction and how mass is distributed along the shaft.
How To Decide If You Need Low Deflection
- 01Assess how often you apply side spin during normal play.
- 02Notice whether off-centre shots consistently miss in a predictable direction.
- 03Try a low deflection shaft and compare cue ball paths directly.
- 04Consider your experience level and how much you already compensate instinctively.
- 05Prioritise consistency over chasing the newest specification available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly causes cue ball deflection?
Off-centre contact between the tip and cue ball creates a sideways force, which the shaft either resists or transmits depending on its design.
Does low deflection technology remove deflection completely?
No. It reduces the effect significantly, but some deflection remains present in virtually all cues.
Will a low deflection shaft improve my game immediately?
It may make certain shots more forgiving, but it doesn't replace the need for good fundamentals and practice.
Is low deflection only useful in American Pool?
No, though it's especially relevant there due to the frequency of powerful shots and side spin used in that discipline.
The Final Word
Understanding deflection doesn't just explain a frustrating miss — it explains part of how physics shapes every shot you play, whether you've noticed it or not.
Low deflection technology doesn't change the fundamentals of the game. It simply removes one layer of unpredictability, letting your technique speak more clearly through every shot.
Whether it's right for you depends on your game — but understanding it is useful either way.
