Better investment for beginner: Predator shaft or $200 worth of training products?

pmata814

pmata814

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THAT I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN AND THERE ARE NO CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS IN MY AREA, WHICH IS WHY I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY LESSONS.

I recently purchased a Pechauer cue. And it was only after I had purchased it that I received Tucker's "guaranteed improvement" book and in it he highly recommends Predator cues and he even says it will take years off the learning process for beginners. [This totally contradicts what I was told at pechauer BTW. I asked about Predator shafts for their cues and he said that at my level (beginner) those shafts were not recommended.] Anyways, I've done quite a bit of research since then and not having to compensate for 'squirt' sounds like it would simplify things A LOT for someone at my level.

So what do you think? Is it worth shelling out an extra $215 for the Predator shaft or would I be better off spending that on instructional materials. ( I currently own Capelle's PYBP and Martin's 99 critical... as well as Byrnes "power pool wrkout dvd and Tucker's GI Book.)

I'll admit that it is kinda tough for me to spend any more money right now but I'll do it if it will improve my game.

About my game: I am a beginner. I played quite a bit in the past and am now getting back into it after purchasing my own table. When I play equal offense I average 3/4 ball runs. My highest run has been 8 balls. I know the principles of position play because I read a lot but obviously have problems executing them. I practice 1-2 hrs. a day. I know ideally I should take some lessons but I live in a small town in S. Texas and there are no certified instructors in my area.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)
 
I think the instructional DVD's, if anything. The shaft is nice but you need to understand a lot about english and how it will effect shots before you will really appreciate it. You are used to the shaft you have. The predator shaft will play much different in my experience. While you are gaining sound fundamentals, I wouldn't change up anything that would interfere with that. If you have 99 critical shots, most if not all, of the fundamentals you need can be gained from practice and that book. I would spend the $200 on table time at the local room playing some good competition.
 
pmata814 said:
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THAT I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN AND THERE ARE NO CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS IN MY AREA, WHICH IS WHY I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY LESSONS.

I recently purchased a Pechauer cue. And it was only after I had purchased it that I received Tucker's "guaranteed improvement" book and in it he highly recommends Predator cues and he even says it will take years off the learning process for beginners. [This totally contradicts what I was told at pechauer BTW. I asked about Predator shafts for their cues and he said that at my level (beginner) those shafts were not recommended.] Anyways, I've done quite a bit of research since then and not having to compensate for 'squirt' sounds like it would simplify things A LOT for someone at my level.

So what do you think? Is it worth shelling out an extra $215 for the Predator shaft or would I be better off spending that on instructional materials. ( I currently own Capelle's PYBP and Martin's 99 critical... as well as Byrnes "power pool wrkout dvd and Tucker's GI Book.)

I'll admit that it is kinda tough for me to spend any more money right now but I'll do it if it will improve my game.

About my game: I am a beginner. I played quite a bit in the past and am now getting back into it after purchasing my own table. When I play equal offense I average 3/4 ball runs. My highest run has been 8 balls. I know the principles of position play because I read a lot but obviously have problems executing them. I practice 1-2 hrs. a day. I know ideally I should take some lessons but I live in a small town in S. Texas and there are no certified instructors in my area.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)
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I say take the $200, go to AzB Marketplace, and by the IPAT parts 1, 2, & 3.
 
I would vote a 3rd way, $200 worth of books and lessons. OK, so there's no "certified" instructors, it's not flying an airplane or shooting guns, it's POOL!!! Find a solid local player they connect with and get them to help!

Don't get a new enthusiast hung up on gear, gimmicks and snake oil. Give them solid fundamentals, stance, stroke, and aiming system.

if they get the bug, some DVD's to learn patterns and safety basics.
 
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pmata814 said:
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THAT I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN AND THERE ARE NO CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS IN MY AREA, WHICH IS WHY I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY LESSONS....
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You might be surprised where Scott Lee will show up. I'd check with him if I were you.
<edit> Just saw Randy's post, certainly instruction from Randy would be a very good investment too.

If that doesn't work out, instructional videos. Jimmy Reids are a good start. I think books are a better investment than either if you're willing to read and comprehend. "Play Your Best Pool" is a real good book to start with.
 
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randyg said:
My Mother lives in a small town in S Texas. I visit her several times a year. Maybe we can get together for a day of instruction.....SPF=randyg

randyg@poolschool.com
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This is your best bet. I know Texas is HUGE, but hopefully it is not that big. I know Scott Lee lives in the midwest but I caught him coming through Baltimore a few years ago and it was better than any book or DVD.
 
randyg said:
My Mother lives in a small town in S Texas. I visit her several times a year. Maybe we can get together for a day of instruction.....SPF=randyg

randyg@poolschool.com
Click to expand...

I would do everything I could and take a lesson with Randy, or Scott Lee for that matter.

Scott travels all over the country giving lessons and I'm sure he would be happy to stop by, when he's in your area. Heck, I think Scott would be willing to give a lesson in a tree, just to help someone out.
 
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I would go for the lessons and or training DVD's.

Let me touch a little bit on your cue. I too, have a Pechauer and I bought a Z2 shaft for it. A year later realized I hated the Z2 (not that its a bad product just not for me) and went back to the stock shaft. I am playing so much better and much more comfortable with it now. You have fine equipment and do not "need" a Z shaft to improve your game. But instruction will go a long way.
 
Cleary the predator shaft is not the best bang for your buck.
I really did not care for Joe Tuckers guaranteed improvement book either.
I LOVE his aiming system. His system alone has helped me become a shot maker. I bought the improvement book after I bought the aiming system.
The system comes with 2 DVD’s (part 1&2) and it has a work book.
Don’t let it fool you this is a very serious work out. If you have a TV where your table is, then set it up with a player and play the shots with him. That is what I do. Before I never placed in the money before I trained with the video. Now it is expected that I will place. You will like the 8 line and when he talks about deflection on disc 2. He purposely sets up shots that deflect so you will understand it better. It will open up a whole new world.
Other than that my next favorite book is the eight ball bible. Then you can pocket the other $150.00 or send it to me :)
 
you can get a used pred 314/Z for 150 all day here in the for sale forums, that leaves 50 of your budget for DVDs.
 
The shaft isn't going to make you any better. Get some lessons or buy a DVD. 3 that will really help are the Mika, Max and Little Joe. Also the 60 Minute workout by Kinister. There is enough there to really help and should be with in your $200 budget.

If you can master the 60 minute workout that is all you really need to shoot a decent 9 ball game. Little Joe's will help with position in 8 ball and the others will give you just about everything else you need to know.
 
There's no such thing as a shaft that will make you a better player. Your mind will compensate correctly regardless of the equipment you use. In fact, many GOOD players who have been playing for years think LD shafts hurt their game. It's a preference thing.

Guys like Sigel, Hopkins, Miz, Varner, Mosconi, etc.... none of them played with Predator shafts and they did OK.

Invest the $ in a lesson, imo.

The same way buying a $1000 set of golf clubs won't help me beat my brother on the course, a $200 Predator won't make the ball for you.
 
pmata814 said:
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THAT I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN AND THERE ARE NO CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS IN MY AREA, WHICH IS WHY I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY LESSONS.

I recently purchased a Pechauer cue. And it was only after I had purchased it that I received Tucker's "guaranteed improvement" book and in it he highly recommends Predator cues and he even says it will take years off the learning process for beginners. [This totally contradicts what I was told at pechauer BTW. I asked about Predator shafts for their cues and he said that at my level (beginner) those shafts were not recommended.] Anyways, I've done quite a bit of research since then and not having to compensate for 'squirt' sounds like it would simplify things A LOT for someone at my level.

So what do you think? Is it worth shelling out an extra $215 for the Predator shaft or would I be better off spending that on instructional materials. ( I currently own Capelle's PYBP and Martin's 99 critical... as well as Byrnes "power pool wrkout dvd and Tucker's GI Book.)

I'll admit that it is kinda tough for me to spend any more money right now but I'll do it if it will improve my game.

About my game: I am a beginner. I played quite a bit in the past and am now getting back into it after purchasing my own table. When I play equal offense I average 3/4 ball runs. My highest run has been 8 balls. I know the principles of position play because I read a lot but obviously have problems executing them. I practice 1-2 hrs. a day. I know ideally I should take some lessons but I live in a small town in S. Texas and there are no certified instructors in my area.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)
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You average 3-4 balls everytime at the table and you want to get a predator???

I can run an open table of 8 ball 60-70% of the time and I own a $13 sneaky pete.

Hope that helps.
 
Just to be clear though, I would shoot with a z shaft all day long if I had the option.

I love LD shafts.
 
Buy a used 314 for $75 like I did years ago & buy $125 worth of products. Maybe you'll have to split it at $100 each.

I spent the first 2 years of my pool playing life with Joss, Schon, & custom shafts. I wish I had the 314 the day I started...but they didn't come out until ~1995.
 
IMO, until you can learn to have a consistent STROKE, nothing else matters.

It takes a long time to develop a consistent STROKE.

Instruction will help shorten that time, but you'll have to practice and practice means drills and drills mean you need to find out from someone that can provide the guidance to show you how these drills will get you that STROKE you need for everything else to fall into place.

When you can hit the cue ball with a repeatable, reliable, and consistent stroke, your game will improve immensely.

IMO you don't need a LD shaft or a high end cue to learn your STROKE. A good qualified instructor is a great beginning.

Randy G and Scott Lee are two of the best.
 
randyg said:
My Mother lives in a small town in S Texas. I visit her several times a year. Maybe we can get together for a day of instruction.....SPF=randyg

randyg@poolschool.com
Click to expand...

An hour or two with Randy will outlast any book or shaft your purchase. I owe my entire pool rejuvenation to him and his school. Best part is, it's only getting better. :)
 
Wow, thanks for all the responses. I see it's a unanimous vote for Instructional materials. I was kinda hoping for that :)

Thanks again.
 
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