are earlier predator shafts the same as newer ones?

[scottycoyote]

just wondering, ive been wanting to add a 314 to my schon just to see, ran across a guy with a predator from the early days with the 5/16 14 joint pin....is this gonna be the same as the newer pred's, or did they change along the way (other than the joint pin). I realise you can get them made for any stick now, but this was an early predator stick, any help?

 

[1-pocket-player]

just wondering, ive been wanting to add a 314 to my schon just to see, ran across a guy with a predator from the early days with the 5/16 14 joint pin....is this gonna be the same as the newer pred's, or did they change along the way (other than the joint pin). I realise you can get them made for any stick now, but this was an early predator stick, any help?

A friend of my mine had one of the first line Predators (model 314-6) from '96-'97 , and I remember that it had a longer ferrule. I'm not sure when they changed to the shorter ferrules though.

 

[vapoolplayer]

just wondering, ive been wanting to add a 314 to my schon just to see, ran across a guy with a predator from the early days with the 5/16 14 joint pin....is this gonna be the same as the newer pred's, or did they change along the way (other than the joint pin). I realise you can get them made for any stick now, but this was an early predator stick, any help?

i'm sure you can email or call predator and ask them. i didn't hear this directly from them, i can't remember where i was reading/heard it, but i was under the understanding that the earlier shaft had like 14 pieces of wood spliced together and the newer ones have 10. also i'd venture to say the shorter ferrule proabably is cheaper....

again, its always better to hear it from the horse's mouth, call or email them i'm sure they'll be happy to answer.

thanks

 

[buddha162]

also i'd venture to say the shorter ferrule proabably is cheaper....

The shorter ferrules are more effective at reducing deflection/squirt, since it has less mass.

Their first shafts were improved upon through 2 or 3 models, and that includes ferrule (length/material), # of laminated pieces, as well as taper. I would just get a new Predator shaft, if you shop around good deals can be found.

-Roger

 

[Perk]

earlier shaft had like 14 pieces of wood spliced together and the newer ones have 10.

The early version 314 shafts had less spliced pieces. It was a 6. I used to have one. Play between the old and new is comparable. I think the new Z shaft will play different, but the early models had the same make up pretty much. IMO

Edit: Number of slices has been: 6, 10, 12, 1
http://www.predatorcues.com/english/faqs.htm#My 314 shaft is ten piece but my friends is 6???

Just had to make sure I was right after I posted.

 

[predator]

I think the new Z shaft will play different

It plays very very different. Much stiffer than 314 and many regular maple shafts. After a year with a 314, my new Z felt as stiff as a break cue at first. But there is that very solid feel on centre ball strokes whereas 314 would feel little "hollow". After 3 weeks I forgot how 314 feels. I just love that 11.75mm tip and strong taper...

Too bad they only come with uni-loc joints, so not many people can try those things out.

 

[Rod]

just wondering, ive been wanting to add a 314 to my schon just to see, ran across a guy with a predator from the early days with the 5/16 14 joint pin....is this gonna be the same as the newer pred's, or did they change along the way (other than the joint pin). I realise you can get them made for any stick now, but this was an early predator stick, any help?

I thought the first ones was an 8 peice splice. A friend bought one of the first. He ask me to shoot a few shots for my opinion. I didn't like it at all it had way to much flex. If your going to buy I'd just buy a new one. Course I'm not thrilled with them either but that's just my opinion.

Rod

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

It plays very very different. Much stiffer than 314 and many regular maple shafts. After a year with a 314, my new Z felt as stiff as a break cue at first. But there is that very solid feel on centre ball strokes whereas 314 would feel little "hollow". After 3 weeks I forgot how 314 feels. I just love that 11.75mm tip and strong taper...

Too bad they only come with uni-loc joints, so not many people can try those things out.

I've used the z-shaft and although I like it, I find the differences to be much slighter. To put it another way, if I play with a non-predator shaft, I feel very uncomfortable. When I tried the z-shaft, I could still pocket but was getting slightly more action than I expected. I felt as though I could adjust to it within a day.


Jude M. Rosenstock

 

[greenkill]

It plays very very different. Much stiffer than 314 and many regular maple shafts. After a year with a 314, my new Z felt as stiff as a break cue at first. But there is that very solid feel on centre ball strokes whereas 314 would feel little "hollow". After 3 weeks I forgot how 314 feels. I just love that 11.75mm tip and strong taper...

Too bad they only come with uni-loc joints, so not many people can try those things out.

They are probably using the uni-loc joint only as a marketing strategy to make people buy predator cues.

 

[mjantti]

They are probably using the uni-loc joint only as a marketing strategy to make people buy predator cues.

Yep, newer Predators have uni-loc joints instead of the old 5/16-14 joint.