Poison VX4 J/B vs Predator BK3

[shapelessin206]

Is there a noticeable difference in hit, quality, etc. between the Poison VX4 J/B and Predator BK3?

My understanding is that Poison is under the Predator umbrella. But with the significantly lower price it makes me curious about how well it compares. Do they all come from the same factory, or does Poison actually produce a lesser product?

Seyberts lists the Poison for $220, and the Predator for $476 (comparing prices with the BK3 with the rubber sports wrap since the Poison comes standard with a similar grip). Does the Predator break the balls $256 better than the Poison?

Not to mention the Poison is a jump/break cue - pretty cool. If I want to snag the Predator Air2 it'll run me another $179.

I plan to call Seyberts and Predator in the morning to ask for their insight, but I'd like to hear any firsthand experience or opinions on the matter from you guys.

Thanks!

Btw - this is my first ever post on AZB. Glad to be here!

 

[LHP5]

I've broken with both and I really don't think it matters between the two. Both have stiffer tapers which is a good thing in a break cue. I like the rubberized grip on the poison but have only tried a bk3 with no wrap.

The only negative I will say with the poison set up is that the pin is very small. I'm not just talking about the pin in the jump portion but also the pin at the regular joint of the cue. I had a friend whose poison actually broke at the pin and collar and it was probably due the pin size, but that is just a guess. Regardless, it was covered by warranty and predator/poison sent him a brand new one. So it's a moot point.

Having said all this, be careful with the type of case you have with rubberized grips as they tend to snag on the inner lining of cases. Additionally, all the rubberized grips I have seen on poisons, and they probably happen to other brands as well, seem to deteriorate and come undone overtime. A while back I posted on how to replace rubberized grips and no one could really answer. It's something you probably have to send back to the manufacturer to do and it will probably be around $100.

To answer your question though I personally don't believe there's a $200+ difference but I do like the bk3 better overall. If I had to choose and could afford either I'd probably go the the predator, but I'd be just as happy with the poison as well. Both are good breakers.

Also if you call seyberts or predator they will definitely tell you the bk3 is better cause they want to upsell you on your choice. Best to probably not take what they say as a be all end all thing.

 

[shapelessin206]

Thanks for the feedback. I was actually able to try both of them out at league the other night. I wasn't able to tell much of a difference between the two. Both had Samsara tips on them. The Poison was actually the older model, so I imagine the latest generation hits similar or better.

Good advice on fitting the rubber grip into a case. I didn't think to see if it would slide into my case easily. I have a 4x8 Predator soft case. The pockets are pretty loose, so hopefully it won't be a problem.

You were right about calling Seyberts and Predator. They both said, "nothing breaks better than the BK3." After breaking with both side-by-side the other day I was able to determine that the BK3 does NOT break $256 better than the VX4, if at all.

I will say I think the BK3 looks better. I will probably spray paint the forearm of the VX4 all black. The black fading to red, fading back to black looks pretty ugly.

 

[LHP5]

Taking a closer look at the cues you mentioned I should have realized that Poison has a new version of the breaker out. I've only used the last generation with the small pin at the joint. The newer VX4 has the bullet uniloc which I would definitely agree is better than the last pin choice they used. Makes the case of the poison possibly being a better value more likely. Good luck with either choice.

 

[AlienObserver]

I will say I think the BK3 looks better. I will probably spray paint the forearm of the VX4 all black. The black fading to red, fading back to black looks pretty ugly.

The black and white one is actually a good looking break cue! I agree about the black and red one, it's ugly... I actually want to buy the black and white one...