I purchased a predator cue and now I understand why they are loved

[billiardthought]

I ended up purchasing a black predator p3 with the wrap, a 314-3 shaft, and the predator extension. I am not new to buying cues, but new to predator. To truly understand whether I like certain styles of cues, I have to get them in my hand. No amount of reading helps me, so I pulled the trigger and bought this lightly used cue from one our own here at AZ just a few days ago (thanks again KTMrider for such a seamless transaction, the cue was exactly as described and perfect). I spent about 4 hours with it last night when it was delivered and here are my thoughts.

Marketing -
The predator cat is etched in the metal buttcap, etched in the bumper that accepts the extension, and is lightly printed onto the wrap. Counting the cat on the 314-3 shaft, that's 4 cats on this cue. I think the cue says "P3" just as many times.

Looks can be deceiving -
A generous amount of phenolic, or some other like material coats the entire cue except for the fake leather wrap and it appears to have some kind of glitter or sparkle to it. The uniloc joint is not very inspiring, and I felt myself continually checking it's tightness. I had been reading up on the P3 prior to it's delivery, and it's "30 piece construction" technology to deliver a superb hit. The hit I experience was a very definite ping or even a thud. The kind of thud that awakens the novice player "that's what they mean by dead hit".

Is this a cutting edge cue?
I ended the night wondering where all the money goes into predator. The unsatisfying uniloc joint, a lot of composite materials, and some fancy videos on their website that make you feel good about the cue? Sure the cue was straight and hit the balls, but where was the 700 dollar value at?

In the end- I get it. The warm fuzzies from all that predator goodness are enough to brainwash someone into loving their products. The cue doesn't walk the walk however.

I will have this cue up for sale soon. I have a cue being finished in a few weeks from Pat Diveney that I will be sure to share the pictures of. I can only hope his cue has half as much "technology" as the predator

 

[Celophanewrap]

Just curious, what do you think of the wrap? I believe they call it Leather-Luxe.
The Uniloc joint? Eh...? I can take it or leave it, but to me it's just like any other joint, you just have to learn to trust it. My personal fav is the 5/16 X 14 that was on the original Predators.
I really like my P3, it takes some getting used to, but I don't see it replacing my Original Predator SP as my player.
I also have one of the Predator LE 2 with a Radial joint. To me that is so different it's kind of uncomfortable, but again, nothing like my Pred SP.

 

[billiardthought]

Just curious, what do you think of the wrap? I believe they call it Leather-Luxe.

The wrap was alright actually in terms of how it felt. But I would always choose linen or real leather. I didn't see any advantage except for predator to save some bucks and still use the word "leather" somewhere in their description.

 

[Celophanewrap]

The wrap was alright actually in terms of how it felt. But I would always choose linen or real leather. I didn't see any advantage except for predator to save some bucks and still use the word "leather" somewhere in their description.

I'm sure that was many years in R & D and many millions or dollars to develop. or at least that's what Predator would say

 

[Shawn Armstrong]

I ended up purchasing a black predator p3 with the wrap, a 314-3 shaft, and the predator extension. I am not new to buying cues, but new to predator. To truly understand whether I like certain styles of cues, I have to get them in my hand. No amount of reading helps me, so I pulled the trigger and bought this lightly used cue from one our own here at AZ just a few days ago (thanks again KTMrider for such a seamless transaction, the cue was exactly as described and perfect). I spent about 4 hours with it last night when it was delivered and here are my thoughts.

Marketing -
The predator cat is etched in the metal buttcap, etched in the bumper that accepts the extension, and is lightly printed onto the wrap. Counting the cat on the 314-3 shaft, that's 4 cats on this cue. I think the cue says "P3" just as many times.

Looks can be deceiving -
A generous amount of phenolic, or some other like material coats the entire cue except for the fake leather wrap and it appears to have some kind of glitter or sparkle to it. The uniloc joint is not very inspiring, and I felt myself continually checking it's tightness. I had been reading up on the P3 prior to it's delivery, and it's "30 piece construction" technology to deliver a superb hit. The hit I experience was a very definite ping or even a thud. The kind of thud that awakens the novice player "that's what they mean by dead hit".

Is this a cutting edge cue?
I ended the night wondering where all the money goes into predator. The unsatisfying uniloc joint, a lot of composite materials, and some fancy videos on their website that make you feel good about the cue? Sure the cue was straight and hit the balls, but where was the 700 dollar value at?

In the end- I get it. The warm fuzzies from all that predator goodness are enough to brainwash someone into loving their products. The cue doesn't walk the walk however.

I will have this cue up for sale soon. I have a cue being finished in a few weeks from Pat Diveney that I will be sure to share the pictures of. I can only hope his cue has half as much "technology" as the predator

A few things to try. First, change the tip. Most of the Predator shafts are tipped with an Everest tip, and I find them very "pingy". I cut them off every shaft I get, and replace them. Anything will be an improvement. They come on most aftermarket shafts.

Regarding the Uniloc pin, I have yet to have a problem with them coming loose. Maybe I have excellent grip strength, but they've never come loose on me.

It still may not be for you. But I would try the tip replacement first, unless you had it tipped with a tip of your choice.

Edit: I see that the 314-3 has the Predator tip. I have no experience with these. So it may not be the tip.

 

[tonyboy59]

I ended up purchasing a black predator p3 with the wrap, a 314-3 shaft, and the predator extension. I am not new to buying cues, but new to predator. To truly understand whether I like certain styles of cues, I have to get them in my hand. No amount of reading helps me, so I pulled the trigger and bought this lightly used cue from one our own here at AZ just a few days ago (thanks again KTMrider for such a seamless transaction, the cue was exactly as described and perfect). I spent about 4 hours with it last night when it was delivered and here are my thoughts.

Marketing -
The predator cat is etched in the metal buttcap, etched in the bumper that accepts the extension, and is lightly printed onto the wrap. Counting the cat on the 314-3 shaft, that's 4 cats on this cue. I think the cue says "P3" just as many times.

Looks can be deceiving -
A generous amount of phenolic, or some other like material coats the entire cue except for the fake leather wrap and it appears to have some kind of glitter or sparkle to it. The uniloc joint is not very inspiring, and I felt myself continually checking it's tightness. I had been reading up on the P3 prior to it's delivery, and it's "30 piece construction" technology to deliver a superb hit. The hit I experience was a very definite ping or even a thud. The kind of thud that awakens the novice player "that's what they mean by dead hit".

Is this a cutting edge cue?
I ended the night wondering where all the money goes into predator. The unsatisfying uniloc joint, a lot of composite materials, and some fancy videos on their website that make you feel good about the cue? Sure the cue was straight and hit the balls, but where was the 700 dollar value at?

In the end- I get it. The warm fuzzies from all that predator goodness are enough to brainwash someone into loving their products. The cue doesn't walk the walk however.

I will have this cue up for sale soon. I have a cue being finished in a few weeks from Pat Diveney that I will be sure to share the pictures of. I can only hope his cue has half as much "technology" as the predator

Your subject belies your evaluation of the cue...thought you were going to brag on it but that's not the case. You would have been better off buying a pre-cat shaft and using that on your playing cue. Did that with a TS sneaky and the cue played fantastic.

 

[TATE]

Looks can be deceiving -
- A generous amount of phenolic, or some other like material coats the entire cue except for the fake leather wrap and it appears to have some kind of glitter or sparkle to it.

- The uniloc joint is not very inspiring, and I felt myself continually checking it's tightness.

- I had been reading up on the P3 prior to it's delivery, and it's "30 piece construction" technology to deliver a superb hit. The hit I experience was a very definite ping or even a thud. The kind of thud that awakens the novice player "that's what they mean by dead hit".

- I ended the night wondering where all the money goes into predator. The unsatisfying uniloc joint, a lot of composite materials, and some fancy videos on their website that make you feel good about the cue? Sure the cue was straight and hit the balls, but where was the 700 dollar value at?

- The cue doesn't walk the walk.

I will have this cue up for sale soon.

You've broken the unspoken AZ Golden Rule #1: Never badmouth a cue until after you've unloaded it.

 

[fastone371]

A few things to try. First, change the tip. Most of the Predator shafts are tipped with an Everest tip, and I find them very "pingy". I cut them off every shaft I get, and replace them. Anything will be an improvement. They come on most aftermarket shafts.

Regarding the Uniloc pin, I have yet to have a problem with them coming loose. Maybe I have excellent grip strength, but they've never come loose on me.

It still may not be for you. But I would try the tip replacement first, unless you had it tipped with a tip of your choice.

Edit: I see that the 314-3 has the Predator tip. I have no experience with these. So it may not be the tip.

I have a Tiger Everest on my cues, I think they are just fine. I have tried Kamui soft, medium, and hard, all of which felt softer on my cue. I do not care for a real soft hit and the Tiger Everest fits the bill for me.

 

[Shawn Armstrong]

I have a Tiger Everest on my cues, I think they are just fine. I have tried Kamui soft, medium, and hard, all of which felt softer on my cue. I do not care for a real soft hit and the Tiger Everest fits the bill for me.

Some people like them. Some people don't. That's why I always suggest changing the tip before unloading a cue. It may be a bad tip. It may be a good tip, but the cue doesn't hit to your liking. It's a very cheap "fix" to the problem.

I'm not a fan of any of Tiger's offerings. But again, my opinion only.

 

[trob]

To each his own I guess. I didn't like predators until I picked up a road line on the cheap. My Lambros never made it out of the bag after I hit with that.

 

[GoldCrown]

To each his own I guess. I didn't like predators until I picked up a road line on the cheap. My Lambros never made it out of the bag after I hit with that.

My SP6GN is my daily player. Like everything else...some swear by certain things...some swear at them. I have about 6-7 Preds. Bought them just because.

 

[KRJ]

Weird that OP would by a LD cue, and mention everything but the purpose of the cue?

Yeah, it doesn't have real leather or ivory inalys, we get it. It's a $700 cue. Might have been better off just buying a Predator SP then?

What about shooting with English. What about shooting for position going 3 rails using a ton of inside English to spin whitey around the block.

It appears you bought a Predator for all the "wrong" reasons. No wonder you are dissatisfied.

My OB cue makes a kinda of a "thud" sound when I use extreme draw, don't know why, all my shafts do it, but I don't care, the ball goes in hole and whitey comes right back to me It could sound like a cat walking on a hot tin roof, as long as the ball goes in the hole, I don't care what it sounds like.

 

[tonythetiger583]

I've been playing pool for 3 years, and I jumped from a players hxt to the predator sport ice 2.

I love the cue, and other than my first cue (dufferin with a maple shaft), I've been playing with LD-ish shafts. (Hxt, Venom 1, 2, Ob Classic, 314-2, 314-3).

The one thing that bugs me is how back weighted it is. I'm playing with it at 17oz (zero weightbolts), because it's balanced great, but it's super light.

That was pretty much the biggest letdown about an otherwise awesome cue.

After using all these different cues for under 150$, i was really hoping to be able to own a cue that needed to have a hunk of metal in the butt.

I think LD shafts lose out in terms of the forward balance a heavier solid maple shaft can give. I think butts need to start being designed with LD shafts in mind.

 

[billiardthought]

What about shooting with English. What about shooting for position going 3 rails using a ton of inside English to spin whitey around the block.

It appears you bought a Predator for all the "wrong" reasons. No wonder you are dissatisfied.

I have a secret for you. Low deflection doesn't make the balls go in easier. It just warrants a different style of aiming. Going three rails shape with inside English is still just a shot using inside English. The only difference between ld and standard maple is where you aim the cue ball. For someone to argue that you can put more or less English is subjective at best. So if I am doing all the same shots with the same English something better make this cue worth my money.

If the cue doesn't hit good, how could I ever be satisfied? For any reason?

 

[Straightpool_99]

I have a secret for you. Low deflection doesn't make the balls go in easier. It just warrants a different style of aiming. Going three rails shape with inside English is still just a shot using inside English. The only difference between ld and standard maple is where you aim the cue ball. For someone to argue that you can put more or less English is subjective at best. So if I am doing all the same shots with the same English something better make this cue worth my money.

If the cue doesn't hit good, how could I ever be satisfied? For any reason?

A pred will never hit the same as a solid maple shaft. However the Victory tip which most new Preds come with is one of the worst hitting tips available, and the Everest is just a marginally better. Put a Moori or another tip of your choosing on before you completely give up on it.

If you don't want a low deflection cue, then Predators are not for you. Buy a Schön or McDermott or something, or maybe some kind of custom. You'll have to aim 2 balls widths to the side of the object ball when applying english, but the hit will probably be more to your liking.

 

[KRJ]

I have a secret for you. Low deflection doesn't make the balls go in easier. It just warrants a different style of aiming. Going three rails shape with inside English is still just a shot using inside English. The only difference between ld and standard maple is where you aim the cue ball. For someone to argue that you can put more or less English is subjective at best. So if I am doing all the same shots with the same English something better make this cue worth my money.

If the cue doesn't hit good, how could I ever be satisfied? For any reason?

Yeah, for a LOT of folks it does. Where did i ever say u can put more english on the cue ball with LD shaft, oh thats right, i didnt.

Playing mostly on barboxes now, and i dont adjust for any shot unless i have a full table length shot that has to be hit hard with english.

So, I dont have to adjust which makes things easier and less room for error. Of course if u had no problems using english, especially inside, why would did you ever buy an LD cue?

 

[one stroke]

I ended up purchasing a black predator p3 with the wrap, a 314-3 shaft, and the predator extension. I am not new to buying cues, but new to predator. To truly understand whether I like certain styles of cues, I have to get them in my hand. No amount of reading helps me, so I pulled the trigger and bought this lightly used cue from one our own here at AZ just a few days ago (thanks again KTMrider for such a seamless transaction, the cue was exactly as described and perfect). I spent about 4 hours with it last night when it was delivered and here are my thoughts.

Marketing -
The predator cat is etched in the metal buttcap, etched in the bumper that accepts the extension, and is lightly printed onto the wrap. Counting the cat on the 314-3 shaft, that's 4 cats on this cue. I think the cue says "P3" just as many times.

Looks can be deceiving -
A generous amount of phenolic, or some other like material coats the entire cue except for the fake leather wrap and it appears to have some kind of glitter or sparkle to it. The uniloc joint is not very inspiring, and I felt myself continually checking it's tightness. I had been reading up on the P3 prior to it's delivery, and it's "30 piece construction" technology to deliver a superb hit. The hit I experience was a very definite ping or even a thud. The kind of thud that awakens the novice player "that's what they mean by dead hit".

Is this a cutting edge cue?
I ended the night wondering where all the money goes into predator. The unsatisfying uniloc joint, a lot of composite materials, and some fancy videos on their website that make you feel good about the cue? Sure the cue was straight and hit the balls, but where was the 700 dollar value at?

In the end- I get it. The warm fuzzies from all that predator goodness are enough to brainwash someone into loving their products. The cue doesn't walk the walk however.

I will have this cue up for sale soon. I have a cue being finished in a few weeks from Pat Diveney that I will be sure to share the pictures of. I can only hope his cue has half as much "technology" as the predator

Hope is what makes the world go round and what to you is a thud might just be what many consider the feeling of a great hitting cue ,, Iv hit more than one Diveny that seems to pang a hit like balsa wood hit others that ping and I liked ,
That's the part where the hit is subjective and I would never play with one of his cues with out changing the shaft
1

 

[Chopdoc]

I traded a very nice predator for a very old minty McDermott and It's George case.

I played some with the Predator. It was a mint full splice sneaky with nice veneers and a steel joint. It looked great. Just not to my taste.

Lots of guys put modern shafts on old cues, I could have put a good standard wood shaft on the Predator. It was a beautiful splice. But that seemed kind of dumb. I just like old cues.

I learned to play on turned maple shafts and have done so for more than 30 years. If I was competing I probably would have moved up in technology a long time ago but I haven't competed since the early nineties. Now I just enjoy old cues.

The "hit" is all subjective. Things like deflection and squirt can be measured from what I have seen. How did the Predator "hit"? Felt just fine to me I guess. Slightly more "dull" than I am used to but not distractingly so at all. How did it "play"? Well, the cue does not play the way I see it, the shooter plays. And I suck these days. LOL! But seriously, it didn't put balls here I wanted them to go because I was not used to the way the shaft "played". I naturally overcompensated anything that wasn't straight on of course.

I have been playing with the same two shafts on my JOSS for 30 years so compensating for anything is something I don't think about at all.

I'll stick to my old stuff. Just because I like it, nothing more.

If I played with a Predator for 30+ years I bet I would feel different. Of course, I don't know if those shafts will typically last 30+ years. That remains to be seen. The butt on the Predator I had was certainly a top notch splice and top notch finish though.


.

 

[9Ballr]

Seems like forum members have given you some good advice but please think about this in particular:
1. Preds take a while to get used to, give it a few days or weeks.
2. Replace that tip. I don't care if it's the Everest or the newer Predator tips, replace it.
Get a Wizard, Kamui, G2 or a Triangle and you might be a happy camper and never let it go.
Yes, I agree with one major thing you say I hate,,,,,HATE how they splatter their logo and name all over the place.
Know one guy how had his BK3 butt section painted black just to get rid of that.
Other than that you got a really good cue. Too bad you don't like it but go back to 1 and 2 and you might.

 

[sciarco]

predator

I owned a Predator (sp) never did like the hit so I sold it privately and purchased a Jack Madden like night and day it plays fantastic and stiff.I think Jack is a very under rated cue maker try one of his cues you might never go back to your old cue.