What Is the McDermott i-2 Shaft?
The McDermott i-2 belongs to the Intimidator i-Series, McDermott's premium performance shaft lineup built for players who demand more from their equipment. This variant features a Silver Ring collar: a black collar accented with a silver ring designed to match the butt collar aesthetics of specific McDermott cue models. It is a cosmetic compatibility feature that ensures your shaft and butt look like they were made for each other.
A critical note on compatibility: this shaft uses a 3/8"-10 joint and will not fit any cue with a different joint type.
Within the Intimidator line, the i-2 is classified as the "Super Control" option. It sits between the G-Core and the more spin-focused i-3, delivering an all-around balance of control, power, and finesse. The i-2 comes standard on McDermott G-Series cues priced at $1,100 and above, which tells you exactly where it sits in the hierarchy. Billiard City carries this exact variant as an authorized McDermott dealer, so every shaft ships with full factory warranty backing.
Full-Length Carbon Fiber Core: The Key Differentiator
The defining feature of the i-2 is its Triple-Layer Carbon Fiber Core, which runs the full length of the shaft from ferrule to joint. If you are familiar with the G-Core, its carbon fiber extends only about 7 inches from the tip. That front-loaded design increases shaft stability by roughly 65%, which is impressive on its own. The i-2 takes a fundamentally different approach.
By extending the carbon core through the entire shaft body, the i-2 delivers radial consistency from end to end. Every point along the shaft responds the same way, regardless of how the shaft is oriented in your bridge hand. You will not get subtle variations in stiffness or flex depending on grain direction. Shot after shot, the feedback stays uniform.
Carbon fiber shafts generally reduce deflection by up to 30% compared to traditional all-wood shafts. They also resist moisture-related warping, a real concern for players who travel to tournaments or play in venues with inconsistent climate control. The i-2 does not abandon wood entirely: it is built on a maple body with the carbon core running inside. This hybrid construction delivers low-deflection performance while preserving much of the tactile feedback that wood-shaft players appreciate.
This hybrid wood-carbon category has been gaining serious traction among competitive and league players through 2025 and into 2026. With the global billiard cues market valued at approximately $246.82 million in 2025 and continuing to grow, manufacturers are investing heavily in this middle ground between pure wood and full carbon. The i-2 was ahead of that curve and remains one of the strongest options in the category.
Tenon Tip Technology and the 12mm Tip Advantage
McDermott's patented Tenon Tip Technology is engineered to transfer energy from the tip directly into the carbon fiber core. Instead of dispersing through layers of wood and adhesive, energy channels into the core structure. The result is a larger effective sweet spot and a more solid, accurate hit. Shots that would have felt slightly off-center on a conventional shaft still produce clean, predictable cue ball behavior on the i-2.
This variant ships with a 12mm tip diameter, smaller than the 12.75mm found on most competing shafts and other i-2 configurations. That smaller contact area increases precision on finesse shots, giving you tighter control over english placement and cue ball positioning. If your game relies on accuracy and touch rather than raw power, the 12mm spec deserves your attention. Most competitors do not explain why this difference matters; they simply default to 12.75mm.
The tip itself is a Navigator Blue Impact Pro, which sits on the harder end of the Navigator scale. Its lower compression minimizes grip force on the cue ball, resulting in increased cue ball speed and acceleration. The tip is made from 100% Japanese pigskin leather, laminated with a proprietary adhesive that prevents oxidation. That anti-oxidation property means the tip will not harden prematurely after a few weeks of play, a common frustration with lesser tips.
The shaft uses a Pro Taper profile, providing a longer, more gradual taper compared to the European taper found on the i-3. Players who prefer a traditional feel in their bridge hand will find the Pro Taper natural and familiar. Those transitioning from a standard maple shaft will adapt quickly.
Weight, Balance, and Shaft Specs at a Glance
The i-2 weighs approximately 3.3 to 3.4 oz without an insert, lighter than many competing performance shafts. This shifts the overall balance point slightly toward the butt, which some players prefer for a more controlled stroke. McDermott's compatible half-inch adjustable weight bolt system lets you add or remove weight from the butt end until the cue feels exactly right.
Beyond the 3/8"-10 joint on this variant, the i-2 is also available with Uni-Loc, Radial, and McDermott Quick Release joints, so it can pair with a wide range of cue butt configurations.
Quick spec summary:
- Tip diameter: 12mm
- Joint: 3/8"-10
- Collar: Silver Ring (black with silver ring accent)
- Taper: Pro Taper
- Core: Triple-Layer Carbon Fiber, full length
- Weight: ~3.3–3.4 oz (without insert)
- Tip: Navigator Blue Impact Pro
Every i-2 shaft is handmade in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, a genuine Made in USA product that aligns with the domestic craftsmanship standards highlighted in our curated Made in USA category at Billiard City.
McDermott Lifetime Warranty: What You Need to Know
McDermott backs the i-2 with a lifetime warranty against warpage and defects. This warranty program was introduced in 2004 and applies to cues and shafts manufactured from that year forward. Older McDermott products do not qualify.
There are specific conditions to be aware of before any tip work or modifications:
- Shafts turned below 11.75mm in diameter will void the warranty.
- Removal of the tip pad, or reducing its thickness below .015" (.381mm), will compromise performance and void coverage.
These limits protect the structural integrity of the carbon core and the Tenon Tip Technology system. Make sure your cue technician knows them before any lathe work.
The most important warranty detail: the lifetime warranty is only valid when the shaft is purchased from an authorized McDermott dealer. Buying from an unauthorized source, a gray-market seller, or an unverified marketplace listing means McDermott will not honor the warranty. Counterfeit and gray-market billiard products have become a growing concern through 2025 and 2026, making dealer verification more critical than ever.
Billiard City is an authorized McDermott dealer. Every i-2 shaft purchased through our store carries full factory warranty coverage.
Who Should Upgrade to the McDermott i-2?
If you currently own a McDermott G-Series cue in the $420 to $1,090 range, you are playing with a G-Core shaft. It is a solid performer, but the i-2 represents the natural next step as your game advances. The jump from a 7-inch carbon core to a full-length core is not incremental; it is a meaningful upgrade in consistency and deflection control.
The ideal i-2 player competes in leagues or tournaments and wants maximum control without sacrificing power. They prefer a traditional Pro Taper feel in the bridge hand and value shot-to-shot consistency across varying playing environments, from dry, air-conditioned rooms to humid pool halls.
The 12mm tip on this variant suits players focused on precision shot-making and cue ball control. If you are placing english with surgical intent rather than muscling through power breaks, this is your spec.
The i-2 also addresses the dual demand visible across the market in 2026: recreational players get the classic wood feel they are comfortable with, while competitive players get the full-length carbon low-deflection technology they need to stay sharp.
This shaft is available at Billiard City with free shipping on US orders over $99. McDermott cue purchases also include a free cue case, adding real value to a full cue-and-shaft setup.
Final Verdict: Is the McDermott i-2 Silver Ring Worth It?
The McDermott i-2 Silver Ring combines a full-length carbon core, patented Tenon Tip Technology, a precision 12mm tip, Pro Taper profile, and a lifetime warranty in one premium shaft. The Silver Ring collar ensures a consistent, matched aesthetic with compatible McDermott cue butts, so your setup looks as intentional as it performs.
Purchasing from an authorized dealer matters. At Billiard City, every i-2 shaft ships as a genuine McDermott product with full factory warranty coverage. Our customers have recognized this commitment with a 4.7-star rating across 97 reviews, and we take that trust seriously.
Visit billiard.city to pick up the i-2 Silver Ring, or reach out to our team for personalized guidance on shaft compatibility with your specific McDermott cue.