New Break Cue, or Just a New Break Shaft?

Mikey Town

Mikey Town

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I want to get a new break cue and move away from the phenolic tip. I'm pretty much sold on the Samsara from a tip perspective, but have yet to choose a cue. I've narrowed it down to three (in no particular order):

Predator BK2 w/Sport Wrap
Mezz Power Break Pro w/Silicone Wrap
OB Break cue

I was also looking at converting an existing cue into a break cue, by using the existing handle with a new break shaft, as an option. It would end up being cheaper this way and, if I can get the same results, this would be the way to go.

My main questions are: How much technology is actually in the handle of the cue? Will I get the same results out of putting one of these three shafts onto an existing handle as I would when they are paired with the respective handles they are sold with? Does anyone out there have a similar set-up that they like?

If a whole cue is the best option, that is fine. If there won't be much of a difference when using just one of these shafts with an existing handle... even better.

Last 2 questions: How easy would it be to pair a Predator BK2 or Mezz DI Pro shaft with a 3/8X10 pin? I haven't found them with any joint options other than the one that fits their specific handle. I have heard good things about all three of these cues. What cue and/or shaft would you recommend?


Thanks to all for your help,

Mike
 
#1 - A lot of people think highly of the Stinger (I've never used one). Do you want to get away from the Stinger? Have you tried having a Samsara tip put on that cue? Are you also looking for an LD break shaft to "help" improve accuracy?
btw - I'm a big proponent of the Samsara tip.
#2 - You can get an OB Break shaft in most joint configs (w/ typical joint diameter for each) if you have a cue you'd think would make a good break cue. Is it a beefy tapered cue so it won't over flex under a power break? I'm assuming you plan to play 8-9-10 ball & would like some power.
I also think highly of the OB Break shaft. Had Ryan Theewen fit one to my X Breaker butt.
#3 - You could ask Jerry to fit an LD break shaft to your Stinger. If he won't, lots of others could. I highly recommend Ryan.

Most important - It kinda sounds like you need to make some firm decisions (priorities, if you will) on what you want to accomplish by making a change.
 
Mikey Town said:
I want to get a new break cue and move away from the phenolic tip. I'm pretty much sold on the Samsara from a tip perspective, but have yet to choose a cue. I've narrowed it down to three (in no particular order):

Mike
Click to expand...

As someone has already pointed out. Why don't you just change the tip on your current break cue to the Samsara tip you like?

Then spend more time developing your stroke mechanics and timing for the break-shot.
 
I had a lot of break cues. Now I am using a Chinese break/jump and it breaks like crazy. From the above I did try BK and Mezz PB II ( the short one) and they both perform very well.
If you want only the shaft my first option would be OB break.
Both Predator shafts and Mezz I think go perfect with they're butts but I am not sure about how they perform on other cues.
 
mdavis228 said:
Most important - It kinda sounds like you need to make some firm decisions (priorities, if you will) on what you want to accomplish by making a change.
Click to expand...

The main thing I'm trying to accomplish is increasing accuracy without sacrificing much power. I don't think I have a problem with power. Currently, I'm usually in the 20-22 mph range and I haven't practiced the break a whole lot... I still have a lot of work to do with my stroke mechanics.

Usually, the Stinger seems a bit thick for me... It doesn't slide through a closed bridge easily 100% of the time. I'm also going to a dedicated jump cue and a dedicated break cue, instead of one J/B in the case.

The cue I'm looking at converting doesn't have a super thick taper or anything, but it's not a toothpick either. It used to be a playing cue... a solid one. I would say that it's pretty average from a thickness/taper perspective.


Thanks for your input,

Mike
 
keep your cue, maybe change the tip out but then leave it alone and get used to it, you say you don't practice the break much and your mechanics are not that great....switching equipment often doesn't help when you already are not fluid.

why do you want to get away from the phenolic? personally i think they are good for people with average/crappy strokes as if you dont hit center ball and hit it good the cue will miscue or jump the cue off the table.


practice breaking with it just the way it sits now with out using chalk, your stroke will straighten out alot and you will notice more power getting to the rack.....chalk is needed for spin, good breaks should be center ball with center head ball connection.
 
I have and OB break and would recommend it to anyone.

My break has gone up at least 2 balls.

Royce is a stand up guy and deserves the biz:thumbup:
 
I've been really into the break for a long time. I've tried LOTS of break cues. In my opinion, the "conventional" wisdom of what makes a break shaft is wrong. I get my best power, cue ball control and overall performance with a shaft that has a pretty standard pro-taper. The BK2 from Predator is not too far off from this. I honestly like the feel of a standard Predator playing shaft. I think you could have excellent results by getting a standard 314-2 shaft with a good tip of your choosing (the Samsara tip is fine...other recommendations are a black WB water buffalo).

I currently use the BK2 and must say that overall it is the best break cue I have used. The balance is very good for breaking for me (rear balance-plus I'm tall). The butt end *absolutely* contributes to the overall feel of the cue. The balance is a big part, and also the solidness of construction. I have actually been really interested in getting an Andy Gilbert jump break, since I love his work and have always liked the feel of his break cue. However, I discussed with him the option of buying a BK2 shaft and removing the joint and replacing it with a 3/8-10. He said he could do this no problem. The reasoning is that I really like the feel of the Predator shaft, and I think the performance is quite good. I am not totally crazy about the fairly generic look of the Predator. I would like to have something more custom, with a nice look, but the performance of the Predator. Heck, I'll be getting the Gilbert shaft as well, and I might end up liking that better, who knows?

I have tried the Stinger, and know many people like it. The hit is not bad, I just personally don't care for the overly fat, stiff tapered shafts. I think this is outdated thinking about what makes a break cue work well. I find I get the best performance when I can stroke smoothly, keeping my bridge hand glued to the table. I simply find it easier to do this with a regular sized, pro-tapered shaft.

Hope this helps,

KMRUNOUT
 
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