How to differentiate Predator 314 Pre Cat when logo is gone?

[Jive]

I just measured the Ferrule length and it's 0.72".
So what does that mean? I have a 314-1 shaft?

And between 314-1's there's the Pre Cat and Post Cat? How can i differentiate them? I'm assuming during the 314-1 production period it was moved to China?

I would love to be able to tell from the wood BUT i don't have any benchmark laid side by side to determine what's what.

Here's some pictures of the Shaft i took with them 26-28yrs old franklin SW shafts. Left shaft is Predator.

 

[iusedtoberich]

The pre and post cat 314's are all considered first generation 314's by Predator. They were all made in USA in Florida.

The 314-2 is when the design of the shaft changed and production moved to China.

You definitely have a 314-1, since the ferrule is .7 inches. Whether it is pre cat or post cat I don't believe is possible to know. The "partials" sold at the time included a sticker that was separate. The cuemaker matching the partial shaft (that had no joint) to your cue, could leave the sticker off the shaft if he chose, or he could put it on.

I personally believe there is absolutely no difference in any aspect of pre and post cat 314's, before the production moved to China and they became 314-2. Its just like pre and post flag Master chalk. No difference to the product, except to the labeling. As mentioned earlier, however, KJ Cues would know better than anyone. He's probably seen the insides of dozens of Predator shafts over the years, and had thousands come through his fingers.

 

[Jive]

The pre and post cat 314's are all considered first generation 314's by Predator. They were all made in USA in Florida.

The 314-2 is when the design of the shaft changed and production moved to China.

You definitely have a 314-1, since the ferrule is .7 inches. Whether it is pre cat or post cat I don't believe is possible to know. The "partials" sold at the time included a sticker that was separate. The cuemaker matching the partial shaft (that had no joint) to your cue, could leave the sticker off the shaft if he chose, or he could put it on.

I personally believe there is absolutely no difference in any aspect of pre and post cat 314's, before the production moved to China and they became 314-2. Its just like pre and post flag Master chalk. No difference to the product, except to the labeling. As mentioned earlier, however, KJ Cues would know better than anyone. He's probably seen the insides of dozens of Predator shafts over the years, and had thousands come through his fingers.

Thanks so much for the insight. I now know i have a 314-1 that's made in the USA and is worth a gazillion bucks! Now i can dump the SW that came with the shaft :thumbup:

 

[8onthebreak]

pics of cat, pre cat, and 314-2

Here are some pics - the lightest one is a 314-2...
the inside 2 are 314 cat, gen 1
the last one, the darkest one, is a pre-cat 314

 

[8onthebreak]

Here are some pics - the lightest one is a 314-2...
the inside 2 are 314 cat, gen 1
the last one, the darkest one, is a pre-cat 314

I'm starting to think that shaft #2 with benders island ringwork , is a pre-cat too, it had no markings when I bought it - it has that darker yellow tint to the wood

 

[Jive]

Well my shaft is definitely darker than regular shafts but it could just be aging. In any case I now know I have a 314-1 (half cat).