Pechauer Update
KB, I don't know if you have already "pulled the trigger" on a Pechauer purchase, so I thought I'd give you an update on my Pechauer Custom 314(exclusive to Seybert) that I won in a raffle a while back, now that I've put in some decent playing time with it. I told you that I didn't think you'd be disappointed if you went with this line of Pechauer. Now I would highly recommend that you do seriously consider it. I have looked at the Seybert site and found that this model, a very plain wrapless black maple butt with a standard 314(2) Predator shaft is a very reasonable ($360 shipped). The line consists of around 7 or 8 Pechauer butts ranging in prices from $360 to $600+ or so with some really nicely done higher level cues as well as my plain, black wrapless.
To quickly sum up the cue, it's fit and finish is very good and the overall balance is just about perfect for me (slightly forward weighted) with the Predator shaft. It's Pechauer speed joint is a nice feature which combines a fast hook up with a better more tightly done threading system unique to Pechauer. It's, in my opinion, a better joint system than either the 4K3's Uniloc quick release joint which is slightly quicker to completely thread and tighten but the Pechauer joint never loosens up like the Uniloc on the 4K3 did and is mush faster, easier and just as tight as the normally threaded Schon stainless steel, 5/16th by 14 joint. For those who prefer a steel joint, it's the best I've seen.
But at the and of the day, the Pechauer's overall performance exceeds either the 4K3 or the Schon with it's standard Schon or OB-1 shaft. After playing with the Pechauer several things have me easily preferring the it. As I said, the balance of the Pechauer is excellent and the good feedback of the Pechauer enhances speed control. This feedback is not full of vibration...it's a feedback that gives me an almost instant read as to how much speed to use for a shot. While I would still prefer the feel of a very good conventional shaft I'll sacrifice that more rewarding feel for the extreme accuracy and much less deflection of the 2nd generation Predator shaft. And the ability to put English on the CB is very easy to achieve...especially on shots that require drawing the ball from a distance. So I would say that the marketing hype from Predator is a fact and that they've hit their mark with the 314(2)....to the extent that it took a while to get used to basically stop compensating for any CB squirt at all. It is truly a "point and shoot" shaft. I've not played much at all for the past few years for a number of reasons so it's been difficult to string any long runs together in my game of choice (14.1). But as an example, while the consistency is still not there I've put together several long runs...not bragging, because I fully realize that there are a lot of truly excellent players on this forum, to say the least, who could crush me on the table any day of the week. But as an example of my improvement with the Pechauer I was playing a game to 150 last night with a good player that spotted me 25 balls. After my usual lapses at the table I ran out from 114. I really can't remember the last time I ran over two racks....I guess it's a testament to my inconsistency for sure but the long(for me) run at least gave me some indication that I could actually get my game back. And I know that it was, in large part, due to the ease of use of the Pechauer.
So, while I have no idea as to how you're playing I would be comfortable saying that the Pechauer (w/Predator shaft) is one hell of a modestly priced but excellent performing production cue. And like "lol's" comment said...the Pechauer with a Predator shaft hits "like a monster" as well as providing enough balance and feedback to make finesse shots as well. In fact, the only thing that I didn't like about the Pechauer was actually the Pedator choice of tips. I've not been a fan of the standard Everest tip and put my usual Moori III medium on it.
The ironic part of this whole story is that I am currently in the middle of putting together my plans for a custom cue with several excellent cue maker prospects (Sly, Josey and BCM). My plan was to order an old growthr shaft with it....I love the rewarding "thunk" of a well hit shot with an old growth shaft. But I am also considering having the cue maker add a 314(2) as well. And even then, I'm not sure how much better it can get than it is currently with the Pechauer. Perhaps a radial pin joint would get what I'm looking for from a "feel" standpoint. But this modest "plainest of janes" is a really great cue in it's own right. It isn't very appealing looks-wise and isn't even the best feeling cue I've ever played. All it does is what it's supposed to do....sink a lot of shots. So if you're still on the fence about buying a Pechauer I'd certainly recommend it. And go with a Predator shaft if you're into lower deflection.