Anyone playing with the Predator Centro Shaft?

Matt_24

Matt_24

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I just picked up a nice little Lucasi cue with a Predator Centro shaft. I haven't done much more than hit, maybe, 5 shots with it. You know me, I'm always trying new stuff. I don't play enough for it to make a difference but it is fun. So, that leads to my question. Anyone been playing with a Centro for any length of time? Just curious how you like it.
 
I wasn't a fan of wood when that's all we had. Wood dents too easy and i would have to fix dents weekly with my wood shafts. With carbon I've never had to fix a dent. I've had to fix a few scratches, but that's easier then fixing wood dents.
 
Saw this: c/o @Flakeandrun
Screenshot_20261028-112258.jpg
 
Yeah, Predator shafts definitely dent a bit easier than other wood shafts. Always happened with my 314s.

Pro Tip - instead of trying to steam out the dent, etc - just fill it with gel super glue, lightly sand over, and wholah...you're good to go.

This brand new Centro already has a dent as well LOL.
 
I got one about 3 weeks ago.
I’ve been primarily using it since.
I really like it. Very low deflection, pretty much up to par with the SMO.
Well balanced and feels really nice with good feedback.
I don’t know if it’s the shaft or just me paying more attention to a new equipment, but my game went back up after a few months of playing really bad…

The ferrule looks like being made of a very soft material as they were a couple of warnings labels on the shaft regarding tip replacement and pad removal.

Centro-Ferrule-Tip.jpeg


It does have a tiny dent that I have no idea how it got there… it’s not in a position that bothers me so I’m in no rush to fix it.
I used to fix those with a drop of water and let it rise a bit and then use a glass rod.

The Victory medium tip also plays really nice (first time using it), it feels a bit harder than standard medium, doesn’t mushroom and hold chalk well.

Now I really want a Revo 12.4mm to compare them.. I have the 12.9mm but it’s a different creature.
 
skor said:
I got one about 3 weeks ago.
I’ve been primarily using it since.
I really like it. Very low deflection, pretty much up to par with the SMO.
Well balanced and feels really nice with good feedback.
I don’t know if it’s the shaft or just me paying more attention to a new equipment, but my game went back up after a few months of playing really bad…

The ferrule looks like being made of a very soft material as they were a couple of warnings labels on the shaft regarding tip replacement and pad removal.

View attachment 940030

It does have a tiny dent that I have no idea how it got there… it’s not in a position that bothers me so I’m in no rush to fix it.
I used to fix those with a drop of water and let it rise a bit and then use a glass rod.

The Victory medium tip also plays really nice (first time using it), it feels a bit harder than standard medium, doesn’t mushroom and hold chalk well.

Now I really want a Revo 12.4mm to compare them.. I have the 12.9mm but it’s a different creature.
Click to expand...

Does Predator use that soft ferrule on all of their shafts?
 
Zerksies said:
I wasn't a fan of wood when that's all we had. Wood dents too easy and i would have to fix dents weekly with my wood shafts. With carbon I've never had to fix a dent. I've had to fix a few scratches, but that's easier then fixing wood dents.
Click to expand...

weekly? are you striking the cue ball with the shaft, sideways? or get in a lot of brawls
 
As to the dents…. I’m not perfect and I’ve had dents, but I also find I can avoid beating up my equipment for the most part. I saw a younger player experimenting with a wood shaft after playing only carbon fiber before. I was shocked how he was abusing it by how he smacked/raked balls and that kind of thing. CF will take it but I had a feeling that shaft would get dented up. I refrained from commenting as i could come off as a get off my lawn old man. 😝
 
JPB2 said:
As to the dents…. I’m not perfect and I’ve had dents, but I also find I can avoid beating up my equipment for the most part. I saw a younger player experimenting with a wood shaft after playing only carbon fiber before. I was shocked how he was abusing it by how he smacked/raked balls and that kind of thing. CF will take it but I had a feeling that shaft would get dented up. I refrained from commenting as i could come off as a get off my lawn old man. 😝
Click to expand...
I have 40+ year old shafts with no dents.

YMMV but why are people smacking the side of the shaft against anything at all?

Hey, the cue can get knocked over or whatever. But on purpose?
 
skor said:
I got one about 3 weeks ago.
I’ve been primarily using it since.
I really like it. Very low deflection, pretty much up to par with the SMO.
Well balanced and feels really nice with good feedback.
I don’t know if it’s the shaft or just me paying more attention to a new equipment, but my game went back up after a few months of playing really bad…

The ferrule looks like being made of a very soft material as they were a couple of warnings labels on the shaft regarding tip replacement and pad removal.

View attachment 940030

It does have a tiny dent that I have no idea how it got there… it’s not in a position that bothers me so I’m in no rush to fix it.
I used to fix those with a drop of water and let it rise a bit and then use a glass rod.

The Victory medium tip also plays really nice (first time using it), it feels a bit harder than standard medium, doesn’t mushroom and hold chalk well.

Now I really want a Revo 12.4mm to compare them.. I have the 12.9mm but it’s a different creature.
Click to expand...
Looks linen.
 
Trying the Centro today. It’s on the left cue. It’s not bad….but there is nothing like that Joss hit, and the shaft on the Joss was especially tapered for me by Stephen Janes.
 

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Matt_24 said:
Trying the Centro today. It’s on the left cue. It’s not bad….but there is nothing like that Joss hit, and the shaft on the Joss was especially tapered for me by Stephen Janes.
Click to expand...
Does the “hit” more important than consistency and accuracy?
I like to spin the CB, more than I probably should… a good low deflection shaft for me is more important, and there aren’t many shafts out there that could beat the Centro, the feel is pretty good as well.
 
skor said:
Does the “hit” more important than consistency and accuracy?
I like to spin the CB, more than I probably should… a good low deflection shaft for me is more important, and there aren’t many shafts out there that could beat the Centro, the feel is pretty good as well.
Click to expand...
I am a feel player. The hit and feel is very important to me. Every cue deflects different. Adjusting for it isn’t a big deal if your fundamentals are good and consistent. With that said, I like the shaft. I might get one for my Joss.
 
Matt_24 said:
I am a feel player. The hit and feel is very important to me. Every cue deflects different. Adjusting for it isn’t a big deal if your fundamentals are good and consistent. With that said, I like the shaft. I might get one for my Joss.
Click to expand...
feel is something that you get used to, measured performance is constant.

How would you fit it to a Joss?
As far as I know it is only available in Uni-Loc and Radial. I wish it was available in 5/16x14 and 3/8x10.
 
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