Predator Factory Repair Story

[Wolven]

Bought a Predator 314^2 after 2 weeks it developed internal rattle.
Had to send it for repairs to Predator, cost was 25$. They accepted it as a warranty issue.
It took a couple of weeks longer than was supposed to.

I was told that they wanted to make sure the shaft was functioning properly etc.

So, I get the shaft back from Predator.

There is glue between ferrule and shaft resulting in separation.
The ferrule is thicker than shaft and gets a little bigger away from the wood.
They cut off 2 layers of my brand new tip and glued it back!

Of course the shaft is unusable so I got the local repair guy to fix it, all is good.

So, I call Predator to let them know about it.
While the guy on the other end did apologize, he also said at one point that it was just my word and there was no way to verify it.

Considering I wasn’t asking for anything that’s $#@$#$ insulting!!!

Just venting!

 

[geocheren]

lesson learned....next time take pictures of both the re-glued layered tip and the ferrule...just to show them you werent lying.

 

[CocoboloCowboy]

I would call that a BAD Experience with Predator Factory Repair based upon your report.

 

[ratnip]

Thanks for the post Wolven. Sorry to hear the bad news and insulting response. I contacted them via e-mail and did get a response but don't remember that it was too timely. Also though they were pricy and decided not to have it done.

Anybody else have any pros and cons to sending Predator cue to factory to be fixed?

Thanks all

Jay P.

 

[Wolven]

Thanks guys.

I didn’t think of taking a picture before I sent the shaft or after, who would.

I know of few people who had a problem with Predator repair service.
A friend of mine had a rattle like mine but took the shaft locally.
Since the shaft was opened and someone could not fix it, Predator didn't want to honor the warranty.

I like Predator products just fine and have recommended their stuff on many occasions.

However, my experience with OB service was much, much, much better.

 

[johnqbs]

Happend to me at viking cue

This was over 12 or so years ago. I sent a cue back to viking to have an extra shaft made this was a good break cue and I wanted a thicker shaft
made. My request was a 13.5. It to took more time than what I was told.
When I got it back it was a copy of original shaft a 13mm. The work was just ok and no more. I gave viking a call and told about the wrong dia.
was told I would need that in writing, ask to speak to person that took my order. they could not answer phone calls I was told. I guess I just called them up to lie and pull some kind of a prank. as that was the way they made me feel. I own a few cues but no vikings. We may not hear these stories offten. I would say this kind of stuff happens all of the time. take care, john

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

I delt with them once and it was fine. I had an old shaft that came apart so I emailed Predator. I talked to a lady (Maggie was her name) at the factory and told her I was going to be in Vegas for a tournament and she said go the the Predator booth and she would inform them ahead of time. I went to the booth and took the old shaft and they looked it over and gave me a brand new one.

 

[GoldCrown]

So, I call Predator to let them know about it.
While the guy on the other end did apologize, he also said at one point that it was just my word and there was no way to verify it.

Considering I wasn’t asking for anything that’s $#@$#$ insulting!!!

Just venting!

Reviews like this keep a guy like me from buying their products. I was thinking about a shaft for my daily player. Also was considering a SP.

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

Also was considering a SP.

These cues are great, best ones they make imo.....for the money. I have had at least 6 or 8 and not had a problem with one of them. The full splice butts are good quality and can easily be taylored to ones liking. Here are a few 3/8x11 conversions I have done on a 4 and 8 point SP. Both of these cues are Predators, not seconds or the spliced blanks that look like them. The 8 point still has the logo on the buttcap but I removed the one on the 4 pointer. For those that like the hit and feel of a big pin cue these are really sweet. The 8 pointer originally had a radial pin like the Roadline series cues and the 4 point cue was a uniloc. I have also done this with steel joint cues.

 

[Medalist]

My ob-1 split open. They sent me a bran new shaft after I returned the old one. I paid shipping.

 

[J-Flo]

I didnt want to heat that!

My ob-1 split open. They sent me a bran new shaft after I returned the old one. I paid shipping.

I just sent my daily player in for a custom O B-2 and sucks, thay said 3 weeks. Oh well Ill be hoping and praying.

 

[cuejo]

I've had a couple experiances with predator.
I sent a customers shaft in for a ferrule replacement....they did a fantastic job, even repairing all the nicks and dents in the shaft, a very nice job...

I then sent in my own shaft for a ferrule and got a so so job back.....

I guess it depends on who is running the lathe....sort of like all us cue repair guys

 

[SKILLZELITE]

Cant say Ive ever had any bad experiences with any of my many dealings with Predator, but being Im fond of there products this is discouraging to hear....

 

[manwon]

Bought a Predator 314^2 after 2 weeks it developed internal rattle.
Had to send it for repairs to Predator, cost was 25$. They accepted it as a warranty issue.
It took a couple of weeks longer than was supposed to.

I was told that they wanted to make sure the shaft was functioning properly etc.

So, I get the shaft back from Predator.

There is glue between ferrule and shaft resulting in separation.
The ferrule is thicker than shaft and gets a little bigger away from the wood.
They cut off 2 layers of my brand new tip and glued it back!

Of course the shaft is unusable so I got the local repair guy to fix it, all is good.

So, I call Predator to let them know about it.
While the guy on the other end did apologize, he also said at one point that it was just my word and there was no way to verify it.

Considering I wasn’t asking for anything that’s $#@$#$ insulting!!!

Just venting!

I think you have every reason to vent considering the cost of these shafts and the manner in which you were treated. I know there are two sides to every story however, I have had many customers also complain about Predators customer service for the following reasons:

1) If an item meets the warranty requirements Predator should reimburse the customers shipping costs. These cost are built into any product that offers a warranty.

2) For the price of these products and considering that they are made in China, items that fall under the warranty as a defect should be replaced not repaired. Then if Predator made the decision to they could have the defective shafts repaired and sold at a discount like other import manufactures do.

I know that some will disagree with my comments, and that is OK we all have a right to our own opinion.

Oh and by the way, I think the OP made a mistake taking the shaft to a local repair person to correct Predator's poor craftsmanship. If anyone else has a similar problem I would recommend sending your shaft to KJ a forum member, he is an authorized repair person for Predator Products / Shafts. The KJ is a straight shooter and if this would have been done no one would have questioned the OP's integrity or word because I believe without a doubt KJ would have taken care of the report back to Predator.

JIMO

 

[Wolven]

Thanks Manwon.

I agree shipping should be free on warranty work in general.
Their profit margin must be huge considering those things are made in China.

In this case I didn’t want a different shaft because this one is 4.4oz and I haven’t seen any like that.

The repairman who fixed the shaft does a great job and charge was very minimal, sort of symbolic and it only took a few minutes.

Cheers

 

[manwon]

Thanks Manwon.

I agree shipping should be free on warranty work in general.
Their profit margin must be huge considering those things are made in China.

In this case I didn’t want a different shaft because this one is 4.4oz and I haven’t seen any like that.

The repairman who fixed the shaft does a great job and charge was very minimal, sort of symbolic and it only took a few minutes.

Cheers

You are welcome, but also keep KJ in mind in the future he also does great work that maintains the original warranty.

Take care

 

[poolplayer2093]

Bought a Predator 314^2 after 2 weeks it developed internal rattle.
Had to send it for repairs to Predator, cost was 25$. They accepted it as a warranty issue.
It took a couple of weeks longer than was supposed to.

I was told that they wanted to make sure the shaft was functioning properly etc.

So, I get the shaft back from Predator.

There is glue between ferrule and shaft resulting in separation.
The ferrule is thicker than shaft and gets a little bigger away from the wood.
They cut off 2 layers of my brand new tip and glued it back!

Of course the shaft is unusable so I got the local repair guy to fix it, all is good.

So, I call Predator to let them know about it.
While the guy on the other end did apologize, he also said at one point that it was just my word and there was no way to verify it.

Considering I wasn’t asking for anything that’s $#@$#$ insulting!!!

Just venting!

This isn't the first story like this i've heard about predators bad customer service.

i like the way their shafts hit but i think i'll go with OB the next time i buy a shaft. I haven't heard anyone complain about ob ever!!!!

i've heard of people having issues with OB products sure. but they're always resolved quickly and professionally.

i assume you guys have all seen the video an az'r posted on here of him breaking with his BK2 and it explodes! it could have taken his eye out

 

[sk8ordie]

That sucks. Sorry you had a bad experience. I contacted Predator about buying some extra shaft socks to have for my customers shafts while I was transporting them in the case(extra touch) without hesitation, he sent me a few with no payment required. I had to send in my Z2 shaft in once because it delaminated near the tip. I told them I didn't have a reciept anymore but told them the vendors name I bought it from at the Open and they sent me back a.new shaft pretty quick. Ron.

 

[Jaden]

One of the best playing cues I've ever owned....

Thanks guys.

I didn’t think of taking a picture before I sent the shaft or after, who would.

I know of few people who had a problem with Predator repair service.
A friend of mine had a rattle like mine but took the shaft locally.
Since the shaft was opened and someone could not fix it, Predator didn't want to honor the warranty.

I like Predator products just fine and have recommended their stuff on many occasions.

However, my experience with OB service was much, much, much better.

Was a converted predator sneaky that I cut off the ferule, drilled out the foam core. Added a tenon and a new ferule...

I actually am now offering converted predator sneakies in various converted forms. I'll be posting one for sale with either a standard shaft (good for using BHE) a predator shaft or my own LD shaft that has much better response and feedback while still maintaining most of the LD characteristics.

The price points with each will be posted in the wanted/for sale section here in a week or two. Also, nothing stopping anyone from getting it with multiple different shafts...

Jaden

p.s. The conversions I will do in custom formats with your choice of woods and styles and wraps if you want...

 

[Chi2dxa]

OB2 Story

Man I am sorry to here that. My OB2 ferrule crumbled like termites had been eating it. I sent it back to OB Cues with my old tip and David Reyes of OB Cues kept me in the loop every step of the way and put my old tip back on with a new ferrule (it was a almost new sterling tip). Now my OB2 handles like a sports car.:smile: Man those guys are Top Flight.