New Predator 314-2 review

TATE

TATE

AzB Gold Mensch
Silver Member
My old 314 shaft had worn out and became too thin and flexible. It has worn to under 12mm and the performance had noticibly decreased.

I just got two new Predator 314-2 shafts, one from Platimum and one from J and J. They were partials and I had them fitted to my cue (which is the way to go) by Tiger products. Predator was back ordered on the radials so my friends at Tiger offered to fit my JW and use my old matching rings. Tiger did a perfect job on the fit.

In my opinion the 314-2 is a much better shaft than the old 314. Compared to my old ones, there is more meat on the shaft and the taper has changed. It is stiffer than the old 314 with a more solid hit. Both the shafts weigh more than my old 314. They weigh in at 3.9 ounces each.

Because of the extra thickness and the taper, there is a little different feel to the 314. As far as the aiming goes, it's the same as my old Predator - so there is no adjustment time at all.

I'm very happy with the shafts.

Chris
 
Varney Cues said:
I've noticed the new ones are a bit fatter.
Click to expand...

Do you mean the taper is more than 12.75mm? Is it still as long of a taper as the 314?

Pete
 
Pete said:
Do you mean the taper is more than 12.75mm? Is it still as long of a taper as the 314?

Pete
Click to expand...
I've seen 12.95 and in that range often and yes the taper is fatter.
 
I like them better too

I agree. The new 314^2 are much better then the old ones.
 
Glad to hear you like the 314-2 shafts Chris. I'm not a Pred user myself as I am too dumb or old school to switch. I have noticed that the quality of Pred's maple used in the shaft construction has improved. It is much clearer/ cleaner hard maple than was used previously. I also believe that the ferrule construction is better now that they have switched to the Titan ferrule. I have a real nice selction of 314-2 shafts right now (20 or so shafts) that I have posted in the wanted/ for sale section. I'm not able to post the price but it is below others.

Martin
 
I hate to play Mr. Negative, but I don't like the taper on the P-2 nearly as much as the original Predator shaft. It gets too fat too quickly, and for someone with small hands like mine, it doesn't glide as smoothly when I stroke the shaft. I like the hit and the low deflection, but it's gonna take some time for me to get used to the new taper.

I also wish I could get one made at 13 mm (an old Perdator shaft at 13 mm would be even better). Royce at OB told me they could make a 13mm shaft, but I can't get used to the ferrule that they use.

Anyway, I do think that the P-2 is a great shaft, but the taper was better on the original (IMO).

Mike
 
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