After some research and browsing these forums I recently decided to bite the bullet and purchase the Players HXT99 cue to test drive, which is pictured below.
Upon opening the package and pulling the cue out, to my surprise I was very impressed. The finish on the cue is excellent, no bubbles, divots etc.. The shaft was extremely smooth and rolled dead nuts straight, as well as the butt. The Irish linen wrap was also finished very well, no snags, lumps etc..
As most of you know the HXT line of Players cue comes standard with their new HXT shaft tipped with a Kamui soft. I was optimistic about this shaft to begin with since it can be purchased for $80 by it-self. After putting almost 36 hours of play on this shaft my optimism is gone and I am now a believer. To say the least, I sold my 314-2 and will be buying this shaft for all my cues. The feel and play of this shaft just seems more alive than any Predator shaft I have used. Topped off with a Kamui soft just throws it over the top. After HUNDREDS of repeated shots with both shafts I found myself more understanding of the HXT playability more-so than my 314-2 which I have been playing with for more than a year now.
If you have an extra $80 to spend, or even an extra $100, pick up a Players HXT shaft/cue. I don't care if you're an advanced player or a beginner. Ignore the fact that it's considered a "cheap" brand and pick this shaft up, it's worth double for what it's being sold.
Upon opening the package and pulling the cue out, to my surprise I was very impressed. The finish on the cue is excellent, no bubbles, divots etc.. The shaft was extremely smooth and rolled dead nuts straight, as well as the butt. The Irish linen wrap was also finished very well, no snags, lumps etc..
As most of you know the HXT line of Players cue comes standard with their new HXT shaft tipped with a Kamui soft. I was optimistic about this shaft to begin with since it can be purchased for $80 by it-self. After putting almost 36 hours of play on this shaft my optimism is gone and I am now a believer. To say the least, I sold my 314-2 and will be buying this shaft for all my cues. The feel and play of this shaft just seems more alive than any Predator shaft I have used. Topped off with a Kamui soft just throws it over the top. After HUNDREDS of repeated shots with both shafts I found myself more understanding of the HXT playability more-so than my 314-2 which I have been playing with for more than a year now.
If you have an extra $80 to spend, or even an extra $100, pick up a Players HXT shaft/cue. I don't care if you're an advanced player or a beginner. Ignore the fact that it's considered a "cheap" brand and pick this shaft up, it's worth double for what it's being sold.