I use an SP8RW (gen 1) as my play cue for the last two years.
Seeing these prices drop so significantly in the past 3 months leads me to believe that a third generation of shafts or a new generation of butts or both are on the way. This in no way detracts from the quality of the stuff on the shelves today.
I suspect the same thing. Or, the SP's are being used as a "loss leader" ...they price them as such to get people into using the Predator. Once hooked, more shafts will be bought or possibly a more fancy Ikon series cue. The 8-pointers came down a little, but not much.
Figure this, the 4 point wood joint Predator Sneaky has been going for $279 shipped.
Considering that the regular price for just the shaft is $232...you get the butt for less than $50.
Thing is, it's not a cheap butt. The Predator sneaky has the following qualities:
1. Excellent finish.
2. Uniloc quick release joint.
3. Full splice with SHARP points (not CNC rounded ones).
4. Veneers.
5. Pretty good pieces of wood.
6. Nice creme colored butt cap, thin and stylish.
7. Predator logo bumper that screws in (won't fall out and get lost). It's not just a plug.
8. Phenolic insert in the joint where the uniloc pin is installed, makes joint more solid, stable.
Without a doubt, it's the highest quality cue you can get for under $300. Nothing come close. It is even higher quality than many production cues costing $600 or more. And you get the maximum playability of the Predator shaft, with a Everest layered tip. They look good, play consistently. All for $279. Impossible to beat. Price performance king. If you want better, you have to go custom.
It's the absolute best starter cue IMO. Can't go wrong. In fact, it's a starter cue you never need to replace. I still play with mine. :thumbup: