Difference between Predator butt and Others.

Hustlin-Felice

Hustlin-Felice

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hi Folks !

I'm new here, but I playing pool from a little while...

But let's get to the point, I playing with Lucasi LE-09 cue, with original shaft.

In future, I gonna buy something different, and here is a question:
Is there any difference in playing between Predator's butt ( for example P3) and butts from: Mezz, Meucci, Joss, Schon, etc. ? I don't mean the look of it, but things to do with playing conditions like for ex.: deflection, accuracy, etc..

I know, that mainly shaft is responsible for deflection, but has butt to do anything with it, or not at all ?

Also, with P3 and 314 shaft accuracy will be better then if I would just buy a 314 shaft for my Lucasi ?


And another small question: I got a small problem with my hands, they like to sweat, thats why I have to use glove while I playing. On my lucasi I've got linen wrap which works pretty cool for me, but what if I would buy a butt with leather (like P3 or others) - How does it work for folks with sweaty hands ? What's better wrap or leather ?

Thanks guys!
 
Hustlin-Felice said:
Hi Folks !

I'm new here, but I playing pool from a little while...

But let's get to the point, I playing with Lucasi LE-09 cue, with original shaft.

In future, I gonna buy something different, and here is a question:
Is there any difference in playing between Predator's butt ( for example P3) and butts from: Mezz, Meucci, Joss, Schon, etc. ? I don't mean the look of it, but things to do with playing conditions like for ex.: deflection, accuracy, etc..

I know, that mainly shaft is responsible for deflection, but has butt to do anything with it, or not at all ?

Also, with P3 and 314 shaft accuracy will be better then if I would just buy a 314 shaft for my Lucasi ?


And another small question: I got a small problem with my hands, they like to sweat, thats why I have to use glove while I playing. On my lucasi I've got linen wrap which works pretty cool for me, but what if I would buy a butt with leather (like P3 or others) - How does it work for folks with sweaty hands ? What's better wrap or leather ?

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

Well according to Predator the P3 & P2 cues are going to offer better feel and feedback then other cues even other Predators. Now with that being said and I am a Predator Fan Big Time so I'm a little biased. But, any LD (Low Deflection) shaft is going to play more accurately than a standard shaft when using any degree of side spin or English. More or less so depending on the user.

The difference between LD shaft one manufacturer to anther is a matter of personal choice. I started with a Predator 314 12 years ago, progressed to a Z, then a Z2. So since then I haven't found a need to do anything different.

So, with all that being said I say start with a Shaft alone 314^2 or, Z^2 on your Lucasi that is exactly what I did. When I got some free money a couple of years later I got my Predator SE-3 which what I'm still shooting with today.

Good Luck with your decision I don't think you'll be wrong with either route. As for the wrap I don't use one on my Player or, my BK2. The wraps that Predator use aren't actually leather unless I'm mistaken but the material looks and feels like leather and actually wicks away moisture. If you go to http://www.predatorcues.com you will be able to find out for sure.

Black Cat :cool:
 
If you end up using Predator shafts, they are more likely to match up with Predator butts without the need for turning down (or building up) the joint collar, compared to other butts.

If that sort of thing matters to you.
 
Hustlin-Felice said:
Hi Folks !

I'm new here, but I playing pool from a little while...

But let's get to the point, I playing with Lucasi LE-09 cue, with original shaft.

In future, I gonna buy something different, and here is a question:
Is there any difference in playing between Predator's butt ( for example P3) and butts from: Mezz, Meucci, Joss, Schon, etc. ? I don't mean the look of it, but things to do with playing conditions like for ex.: deflection, accuracy, etc..

I know, that mainly shaft is responsible for deflection, but has butt to do anything with it, or not at all ?

Also, with P3 and 314 shaft accuracy will be better then if I would just buy a 314 shaft for my Lucasi ?


And another small question: I got a small problem with my hands, they like to sweat, thats why I have to use glove while I playing. On my lucasi I've got linen wrap which works pretty cool for me, but what if I would buy a butt with leather (like P3 or others) - How does it work for folks with sweaty hands ? What's better wrap or leather ?

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...


I can answer the second question.The leather wrap solved the sweat problem for me.
 
Try a Custom Cue Maker!

You will get the best weighted cue. They give every single cue the attention for balancing weight evenly. Production cue companies can't give every cue the attention it deserves. Wood weights vary among the same species. They use various systems to quickly put it to near 0.5 oz increments. An low deflection shaft will weigh less than most solid cues, especially at the tip end. Custom cue makers will figure this into the equation when building your cue. It will feel more natural. And it will also retain it's value, if you choose the right CM.
 
cues

welcome to azb.

A dish towel for your sweaty hands............................................
You will enjoy the game more once you figure out its no big deal to wipe your hands off as often as you please.
It only takes a few seconds to wipe your hands off and focus on your game.
Then you have more options on what kind of wrap you prefer.
My hands get sweaty too and I carry a towel and alcohol hand cleaner.
And I dont have to glove up as much depending on the time of year and where I am playing.
And very seldom do I use my glove any more.
Shaft condition goes a long ways towards a smooth and even stroke.
10 dollar can of (Carnuaba wax) will last you and 5 of your buddies a life time.

As far as I know every shaft has some kind of deflection.

Good luck
MMike
 
Strongly recommend just buying a used 314 or Z shaft and sticking it on your lucasi butt. If you don't like it, you'll sell it for similar money.

I'd also recommend not getting bogged down with this - you're more likely to end up with further puzzling questions rather than useful answers. Everyone has an opinion and everything is subjective. For example, the ranking of the Preds i've owned goes 1. Blak 2. discontinued SP 3. Ikon 4. P3 - but others will have different experiences. What is 'best' is only what is best to you.
 
Thank you very much guys !! This is the answers which I was looking for ;)

But analysing your answers I made a point then basically butt of the cue is just a individual thing, and is more about look of the cue then about specials technology inside, cause the most (of tech.) is in shaft. //(I know about regulation weight in P3, but my Lucasi is 19 oz, and I finding it very comfortable)

-So, Am I correct about it, then the only things which are diffrent between let's say: Predator Butt ( or either Schon, Joss, Mezz) and my Lucasi is the feeling, and look of it ? Or it is something which I miss ?
 
reply

Thank you very much guys !! This is the answers which I was looking for ;)

But analysing your answers I made a point then basically butt of the cue is just a individual thing, and is more about look of the cue then about specials technology inside, cause the most (of tech.) is in shaft. //(I know about regulation weight in P3, but my Lucasi is 19 oz, and I finding it very comfortable)

-So, Am I correct about it, then the only things which are diffrent between let's say: Predator Butt ( or either Schon, Joss, Mezz) and my Lucasi is the feeling, and look of it ? Or it is something which I miss ?
 
Thank you very much guys !! This is the answers which I was looking for ;)

But analysing your answers I made a point then basically butt of the cue is just a individual thing, and is more about look of the cue then about specials technology inside, cause the most (of tech.) is in shaft. //(I know about regulation weight in P3, but my Lucasi is 19 oz, and I finding it very comfortable)

-So, Am I correct about it, then the only things which are diffrent between let's say: Predator Butt ( or either Schon, Joss, Mezz) and my Lucasi is the feeling, and look of it ? Or it is something which I miss ?
 
reply

Thank you very much guys !
This is the answers which I was looking for ;)

But analysing your answers I made a point then basically butt of the cue is just a individual thing, and is more about look of the cue then about specials technology inside, cause the most (of tech.) is in shaft. //(I know about regulation weight in P3, but my Lucasi is 19 oz, and I finding it very comfortable)

-So, Am I correct about it, then the only things which are diffrent between let's say: Predator Butt ( or either Schon, Joss, Mezz) and my Lucasi is the feeling, and look of it ? Or it is something which I miss ?
 
Thank you very much guys !
This is the answers which I was looking for ;)

But analysing your answers I made a point then basically butt of the cue is just a individual thing, and is more about look of the cue then about specials technology inside, cause the most (of tech.) is in shaft. //(I know about regulation weight in P3, but my Lucasi is 19 oz, and I finding it very comfortable)

-So, Am I correct about it, then the only things which are diffrent between let's say: Predator Butt ( or either Schon, Joss, Mezz) and my Lucasi is the feeling, and look of it ? Or it is something which I miss ?
 
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I'm playing with a Joss butt (with Irish Linen wrap) and a Predator 314/2 shaft - Price ~ 450$-500$.
I met with a friend, he is playing for almost 3-4 years with a Predator Ikon 8 (with leather wrap) and a Z2 shaft - Price ~1100$-1300$

We switched the cues for couple racks, to see how other cue performs. He said that he liked how my cue is playing and how it feels.

When i tried the Predator, i noticed that the Ikon 8 butt is much thiner than my Joss. The leather wrap was somehow OK, but I think that for sweaty hands linen is better, and I'm a sweaty hands player too:)
However, I liked the way Predator Ikon 8 plays, but I don't think that he plays twice better than my Joss, so he could justify the price difference.

In my opinion get a Joss butt and a LD shaft and enjoy your game. I like more fancier butts, and the Predator fancy cue are too expensive.
 
Hustlin-Felice said:
Thank you very much guys !
This is the answers which I was looking for ;)

But analysing your answers I made a point then basically butt of the cue is just a individual thing, and is more about look of the cue then about specials technology inside, cause the most (of tech.) is in shaft. //(I know about regulation weight in P3, but my Lucasi is 19 oz, and I finding it very comfortable)

-So, Am I correct about it, then the only things which are diffrent between let's say: Predator Butt ( or either Schon, Joss, Mezz) and my Lucasi is the feeling, and look of it ? Or it is something which I miss ?
Click to expand...

All cues will play differently. Weight distribution is important when it comes to how a cue hits - and what you like there is very subjective.

Most of the cost of a butt is in the decoration, but they undoubtedly have an effect on how the cue plays. All will play slightly difference but the price difference between an Ikon 1 and an Ikon 8, which is huge, will have minimal effect on performance between the two cues.

My advice: always try before you buy and don't take too much notice of advice from people on here.
 
AlexandruM said:
I'm playing with a Joss butt (with Irish Linen wrap) and a Predator 314/2 shaft - Price ~ 450$-500$.
I met with a friend, he is playing for almost 3-4 years with a Predator Ikon 8 (with leather wrap) and a Z2 shaft - Price ~1100$-1300$

We switched the cues for couple racks, to see how other cue performs. He said that he liked how my cue is playing and how it feels.

When i tried the Predator, i noticed that the Ikon 8 butt is much thiner than my Joss. The leather wrap was somehow OK, but I think that for sweaty hands linen is better, and I'm a sweaty hands player too:)
However, I liked the way Predator Ikon 8 plays, but I don't think that he plays twice better than my Joss, so he could justify the price difference.

In my opinion get a Joss butt and a LD shaft and enjoy your game. I like more fancier butts, and the Predator fancy cue are too expensive.
Click to expand...

&

Pathetic Shark said:
All cues will play differently. Weight distribution is important when it comes to how a cue hits - and what you like there is very subjective.

Most of the cost of a butt is in the decoration, but they undoubtedly have an effect on how the cue plays. All will play slightly difference but the price difference between an Ikon 1 and an Ikon 8, which is huge, will have minimal effect on performance between the two cues.

My advice: always try before you buy and don't take too much notice of advice from people on here.
Click to expand...


Guys now I can smile ;) I will definitely fallow your advice :D

Right, now my knowledge about butts get wider. But I wanna ask you about shafts...

I was thinking to buy 314(2), but I done some research yesterday and I started seriously thinking about buying Z(2). Many people been recomending that over a heaven.
Cause it spins more, it is more accurate, BUT is no forgiving...
But I've got that feeling then when you want LD shaft is like buying super quick car, you will go for the best and get use to it, instead buying 60/70 % of acceleration... Am I right ?


I know that is best to try it, play with it... but unfortunately no one who I know got them :angry:
 
Hustlin-Felice said:
Am I right ?
Click to expand...

No. It doesn't really matter either way - pick one and play with it, that's my advice. If you currently have a 13mm shaft and you like it, get a 314. If you have a shaft that's been turned down, get a Z. Most pros play with a 314, FWIW.

It's purely personal preference.

Where do you live?
 
Pathetic Shark said:
No. It doesn't really matter either way - pick one and play with it, that's my advice. If you currently have a 13mm shaft and you like it, get a 314. If you have a shaft that's been turned down, get a Z. Most pros play with a 314, FWIW.

It's purely personal preference.

Where do you live?
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I've got 12,75 mm at my original Lucasi shaft.

I agree that is very personal choice. But isn't Z(2) better [you can get more out of it] then 314(2), but slightly more difficult to play with ?

I do live in north-west italy, and in my local pool hall, no one got them :angry:. I asked them, dude

And I don't think pool shop would be happy to send it to me for testing :grin-square:
 
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Hustlin-Felice said:
I've got 12,75 mm at my original Lucasi shaft.

I agree that is very personal choice. But isn't Z(2) better [you can get more out of it] then 314(2), but slightly more difficult to play with ?

I do live in north-west italy, and in my local pool hall, no one got them :angry:. I asked them, dude

And I don't think pool shop would be happy to send it to me for testing :grin-square:
Click to expand...

There are a few Italians around these forums - I know slh has a 314, for one, but I'm not sure where he lives.

Some of the big retailers offer a 90 money back guarantee if you're not happy with your purchase. You could buy both shafts and return the one you don't like. Seyberts are excellent generally, and great for international buyers specifically.
 
Hustlin-Felice said:
Hi Folks !

I'm new here, but I playing pool from a little while...

But let's get to the point, I playing with Lucasi LE-09 cue, with original shaft.

In future, I gonna buy something different, and here is a question:
Is there any difference in playing between Predator's butt ( for example P3) and butts from: Mezz, Meucci, Joss, Schon, etc. ? I don't mean the look of it, but things to do with playing conditions like for ex.: deflection, accuracy, etc..

I know, that mainly shaft is responsible for deflection, but has butt to do anything with it, or not at all ?


Also, with P3 and 314 shaft accuracy will be better then if I would just buy a 314 shaft for my Lucasi ?


And another small question: I got a small problem with my hands, they like to sweat, thats why I have to use glove while I playing. On my lucasi I've got linen wrap which works pretty cool for me, but what if I would buy a butt with leather (like P3 or others) - How does it work for folks with sweaty hands ? What's better wrap or leather ?

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

I have owned a variety of cues and after market shafts. In my experience, the principle impact the butt has on play is the *feel* of the hit, and the balance. The material of the joint and the pin itself can have quite an impact on balance and hit. My personal preference is a flat faced wood to wood joint with a large pin. For me I really love the feel of a G10 pin, and I guess 3/8-10 is my favorite. I have had cues with the Uni-Loc joint (which your Lucasi almost certainly has). I must say that I am not a big fan. I find that joint to feel "clanky", for lack of a better word. That being said, I took one of my cues out of retirement...a 2000 "Sneaky Sam" by Samsara. It is basically one of their early plain jane, all black cues. Not cored. It has a Uni-Loc joint. I lent the cue to a good friend of mine. She is using the 314-2 shaft I had for it. I must say that might be one of the best hitting cues I've ever tried. I simply can't believe how good it plays. However, I really think this is the exception to the rule. I currently play with an Andy Gilbert wrapless, amboynia burl handle and points on ebony. I use a 4" extension made by Mike Webb, which is basically a maple piece with a thin phenolic sleeve over it, and a G10 pin. I use an OB Classic shaft, 3/8-10 joint. I LOVE my cue so much. It is perfect for me. Now this is the part that might interest you:

When I first got my Gilbert, I had been playing with a different Samsara butt with that 314-2 shaft my friend is using now. The cue played nice for sure. When I got the Gilbert, which I bought with a 314-2 shaft that Andy put the joint in, OMG my game seriously went up. That cue played so much better...it just gave me such a clearer feel for the cue ball. The *deflection* was pretty much exactly the same. The difference was all about the hit and the feel. Plus, my cue is so gorgeous, and it didn't hurt owning something beautiful that I loved and designed myself. All those factors contributed to a better overall result for me.

So shorter answer: You may gain some benefit by trying a butt with a different kind of joint...it simply may suit your style and preferences in hit and feel. Your Lucasi butt is made with good enough quality that it should work just as well as any Predator butt. Honestly I doubt the difference in feel would be anywhere near the difference of changing joints. I would grab a 314-2 (if your thinking Predator..for me I'm VERY happy with OB, I'd do the OB Classic pro), and just put it on your Lucasi butt. The accuracy and deflection will be as good as any Predator. So yes, select your shaft based on how it plays, how much deflection you want. For LD shafts, they are generally very consistent in play from one to the next of the same brand and model. Solid wood shafts vary much more, and each one will be unique. Select the butt based on looks, feel (wrap or no, balance, joint type), and HIT (kinda the same as feel). Don't worry that you will get more or less. Generally this is NOT the case.

Hope this helps,

KMRUNOUT
 
Slow Eddie said:
If you end up using Predator shafts, they are more likely to match up with Predator butts without the need for turning down (or building up) the joint collar, compared to other butts.

If that sort of thing matters to you.
Click to expand...

I believe Predator and OB both use the very standard 0.840" joint collar diameter. This will match up just fine to the majority of cues.

KMRUNOUT
 
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