This is my first post since on AZ. Please be gentle. I will review the Aspire 1-1 cue. For reference, previous cues I have owned/played with extensively. Custom Mike Erwin (1996 cue), Predator with 314-2, Meucci w/black dot, Jacoby with Edge Hybrid, Meucci with Pro Shaft, Joss with maple shaft and also 314-3, multiple Schmelke cues with regular maple shafts. Current player is Schmelke M081 Ebony cue with 1/2 inch Juma ferrule at 12.7 mm and 20 Oz.
The fit and finish and overall construction of the Aspire really impressed me. Really flawless. After using the 314-3 I swore I would never buy another Predator product. Because the shaft felt so dead and lifeless. Just like my 9 ball break. The purpleheart wood is beautiful and the black maple has little specks in it that give it some nice flair. The cue came at 19.08 Oz. It was perfectly balanced. I got some weight bolts and raised it to 20.08 Oz. Still perfectly balanced. Not front or butt feeling at all.
I was concerned about the mini radial. However it locks in nice and tight. I've played around 20 hours with it on multiple occasions and has never come loose in the least bit. The shaft is all maple with no lamination. Looking on Predators website it appears they might have done exactly what Meucci did with the Pro Shaft. Putting foam in the front. The hit of the cue/shaft is very solid. It has a Victory medium tip. Not to soft, not to hard and with excellent feedback. It does not feel hollow and dead like the 314-3. It is hard for me to compare to the feel of the Pro Shaft because the Pro Shaft had an Ultra Skin medium. Those tips have a totally different feel. I did set up some deflection shots, 3/4 table length into head rail as well as regular ball pocketing with English. I last had my Meucci with the Pro about a year ago. I honestly feel the low deflection is about on par with the Pro Shaft. However, my Schmelke only deflects slightly more. I don't need any adjustment really switching between the two. Maybe a little. (I still feel Schmelke makes the best cues out there, period).
Overall I am very impressed with the cue and don't think anyone could go wrong with an Aspire cue. Especially for the money. I ordered mine from Seyberts. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Thank you. Forgot.....the rubber butt bumper is screw in. So don't try to just pull it off.
The fit and finish and overall construction of the Aspire really impressed me. Really flawless. After using the 314-3 I swore I would never buy another Predator product. Because the shaft felt so dead and lifeless. Just like my 9 ball break. The purpleheart wood is beautiful and the black maple has little specks in it that give it some nice flair. The cue came at 19.08 Oz. It was perfectly balanced. I got some weight bolts and raised it to 20.08 Oz. Still perfectly balanced. Not front or butt feeling at all.
I was concerned about the mini radial. However it locks in nice and tight. I've played around 20 hours with it on multiple occasions and has never come loose in the least bit. The shaft is all maple with no lamination. Looking on Predators website it appears they might have done exactly what Meucci did with the Pro Shaft. Putting foam in the front. The hit of the cue/shaft is very solid. It has a Victory medium tip. Not to soft, not to hard and with excellent feedback. It does not feel hollow and dead like the 314-3. It is hard for me to compare to the feel of the Pro Shaft because the Pro Shaft had an Ultra Skin medium. Those tips have a totally different feel. I did set up some deflection shots, 3/4 table length into head rail as well as regular ball pocketing with English. I last had my Meucci with the Pro about a year ago. I honestly feel the low deflection is about on par with the Pro Shaft. However, my Schmelke only deflects slightly more. I don't need any adjustment really switching between the two. Maybe a little. (I still feel Schmelke makes the best cues out there, period).
Overall I am very impressed with the cue and don't think anyone could go wrong with an Aspire cue. Especially for the money. I ordered mine from Seyberts. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Thank you. Forgot.....the rubber butt bumper is screw in. So don't try to just pull it off.
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