Buying a Predator cue ~ Help deciding needed

JimmyWhite

JimmyWhite

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi.

I have been playing pool for 5 years, and I started with a Buffalo Revolution cue. I then took a long break but I have started playing again for the last 7 months, more seriously now. (been playing almost every day for a couple of hours and starting to participate in tournaments)

I have decided to buy a Predator cue, as I have heard many great reviews about its performance. However I do not know which one to buy yet. I am leaning greatly towards the Quiet Roller #2 as I have read some good reviews here and there, performance-wise, and I love the way it looks. I read good stuff about the Sneaky Pete's as well but I can't say I like any of them. Then there are the Ikon series but I don't know any stuff about those in terms of performance. I still think that I will go for the QR2 but I will appreciate more opinions.

Now, I don't know which shaft to choose. A 314-2 or a Z-2? The Z-2 seems like a bigger step forward than the 314 in terms of deflection, accuracy and spin. You think I should go for a 314 at first, to adapt to the new shaft-type (since I have been playing with conventional shafts for years) and then get a Z-2?

Thanks in advance!
 
JimmyWhite said:
Hi.

I have been playing pool for 5 years, and I started with a Buffalo Revolution cue. I then took a long break but I have started playing again for the last 7 months, more seriously now. (been playing almost every day for a couple of hours and starting to participate in tournaments)

I have decided to buy a Predator cue, as I have heard many great reviews about its performance. However I do not know which one to buy yet. I am leaning greatly towards the Quiet Roller #2 as I have read some good reviews here and there, performance-wise, and I love the way it looks. I read good stuff about the Sneaky Pete's as well but I can't say I like any of them. Then there are the Ikon series but I don't know any stuff about those in terms of performance. I still think that I will go for the QR2 but I will appreciate more opinions.

Now, I don't know which shaft to choose. A 314-2 or a Z-2? The Z-2 seems like a bigger step forward than the 314 in terms of deflection, accuracy and spin. You think I should go for a 314 at first, to adapt to the new shaft-type (since I have been playing with conventional shafts for years) and then get a Z-2?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

QR2! Hands down! I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, did I mention NEVER, ;) thought I would own a Predator as opposed to a custom, but man I bought one, and I am really starting to love this cue! You will nOt be sorry! :thumbup:
 
+1 on the QR2! I dont own one at this point in time. My buddy that i shoot with has one we shoot 2-3 times a week. Man that is a great shooting cue with the 314 2 shaft. If i was not having a custom built i would buy one tomorrow.
 
Well it seems that I will get the QR2. But which shaft do you guys think is better (314 or Z)? An opinion from someone who has tried both would be nice.
 
JimmyWhite said:
Hi.

I have been playing pool for 5 years, and I started with a Buffalo Revolution cue. I then took a long break but I have started playing again for the last 7 months, more seriously now. (been playing almost every day for a couple of hours and starting to participate in tournaments)

I have decided to buy a Predator cue, as I have heard many great reviews about its performance. However I do not know which one to buy yet. I am leaning greatly towards the Quiet Roller #2 as I have read some good reviews here and there, performance-wise, and I love the way it looks. I read good stuff about the Sneaky Pete's as well but I can't say I like any of them. Then there are the Ikon series but I don't know any stuff about those in terms of performance. I still think that I will go for the QR2 but I will appreciate more opinions.

Now, I don't know which shaft to choose. A 314-2 or a Z-2? The Z-2 seems like a bigger step forward than the 314 in terms of deflection, accuracy and spin. You think I should go for a 314 at first, to adapt to the new shaft-type (since I have been playing with conventional shafts for years) and then get a Z-2?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...


i'd recommend the black quiet roller or an old school black P2. if you're on a budget get yourself a predator sneaky ss joint and wrap.
 
Don't blame you for wanting the QR. I like that one myself. For the shaft I would choose a 314-2. I've tried one z shaft and didn't like it, taper was way smaller than I like. If you can't seem to come up with a pred. Cue you like i have a few, including a 8 point sneaky. Love that full splice.
Good luck,
DB
 
JimmyWhite said:
Well it seems that I will get the QR2. But which shaft do you guys think is better (314 or Z)? An opinion from someone who has tried both would be nice.
Click to expand...

I have the 314-2, and I like it alot. It seems to do everything that I ask it to do. I'm becoming more impressed, each time I shoot with it! :) I have an Everest tip on mine, and the 314-2/Everest combo really works well!!!
 
I understand exactly where you're coming from! I also took a long break and came back strong. I just purchased a Predator sneaky two weeks ago with a Z2 shaft and sniper tip. I LOVE it!!!! You really cant go wrong with either shaft, both are great shooting shafts. It really comes down to personal preference without getting technical.
 
I just got a predator sneaky no wrap, ss joint with the fat shaft. Super hit. :thumbup:
 
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I have the Z-2 shaft on my 5k2 and love it. It did take me awhile to get used to the pro taper and it sounds like you and I are playing about the same ammount of pool, I just recently got more serious into it.

I have a buddy that has the 314-2 and loves it and is deadly with it, but when he uses my shaft he is even more impressed with the ball control and being able to set up shots far easier. He's also a better player then I so he notices these things more.

I've tried to use his shaft and after getting used to the Z-2 I just don't like his. In the month or so that I've had the cue my game has elevated a lot, and I know a lot has to do with playing more but anyone that tries out my stick loves it.

I suggest that you go to the local dealer and ask to test hit with each of them, and really test them out. Don't hold back, after all you're going to be spending good money so get what you want.

most places are willing to give 15% off predators that are in production right now and 30% of previous models, atleast in my area.
 
Go with the Predator QR2 and 314-2 shaft. I would also recommend changing the stock tip (Everest) to a Kamui Medium (IMHO). Anyway, if I still had the $$$ after Christmas, I would buy it just on the fact that I think it's a very nice looking cue.

Thanks!

Predator IKON 9
Predator BK2
Predator SP4RJL
 
j2pac said:
QR2! Hands down! I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, did I mention NEVER, ;) thought I would own a Predator as opposed to a custom, but man I bought one, and I am really starting to love this cue! You will nOt be sorry! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Update! Got some more table time in last night...4 hours of barbox 8 ball. Cue is supremely balanced, and almost strokes itself! Really, really diggin this thing! Whoddathunk it! Predator QR2 w/314-2! Great cue, great combo! :cool:
 
poolplayer2093 said:
is the qr3 the black stained model?
Click to expand...

The ebony model is the QR1 if I'm not mistaken....The QR2, which I have, is the Cocobolo forearm/BEM handle/Cocobolo Butt Sleeve. To my knowledge, there is no model QR3 in existence. Hope this helps.
Regards.
j2
 
j2pac said:
The ebony model is the QR1 if I'm not mistaken....The QR2, which I have, is the Cocobolo forearm/BEM handle/Cocobolo Butt Sleeve. To my knowledge, there is no model QR3 in existence. Hope this helps.
Regards.
j2
Click to expand...
I think your right,no Quiet Roller3,but the Quiet roller 1 is not ebony,its only maple painted black.If it was ebony they would jack the price up for sure.Takecare:smile:
 
scsuxci said:
I think your right,no Quiet Roller3,but the Quiet roller 1 is not ebony,its only maple painted black.If it was ebony they would jack the price up for sure.Takecare:smile:
Click to expand...

I believe you are right about the QR1.
j2
 
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