The differences between 1st and 2nd gen predators are listed on their website. They are as follows- insert now set into a phenolic core rather than in the wood, shorter ferrule made of new harder material (also more scratch and stain resistant), everest tip now standard, new graphic. Everything else stayed the same. I don't use the standard tips, but IMO the everest is a better tip. The ferrule being shorter reduces front end mass minutely, which in theory further reduces deflection. In reality the differences are almost unoticeable. I don't care for the phenolic core at the joint myself. It feels softer than the phenolics I have dealt with before, and seems to deaden the feedback slightly.