Predator BK1-BK2

Tokyo-dave

Tokyo-dave

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Have a friend looking to buy a Predator BK1 because he's heard from most that they prefer the BK1 over the new BK2. Can anybody tell me what the difference is between the two? Is it a difference similar to the original shaft, and the Z shaft? And, has the BK1 been totally replaced with the BK2 and no longer available other than in used condition?
Thanks,
dave
 
Who have you been talking to? The only controvercy that has risen over the BK2 is the IPT & the Pheonic tip. Predator is putting out a leather tip shaft to cover the IPT Ban.

Other than that the cue shoots straighter, hits harder, is better balanced and also won't crack around the joint anymore.

Black Cat :cool:
 
I haven't had a chance to use one, but I have seen a couple of the new ones, and they are being delivered with a "Made in China" sticker on them.
Steve
 
Here in Japan, there are two (that I know of) high ranked pros using the BK 1 as their main playing cues, along with another top amateur. As a result, the BK 1 has gained lot's of popularity as a playing cue as well as a break cue. And for some reason, the general concensus is that the BK 1 is the better cue???????
I don't like either one of them, don't know much about either one of them, so I'm just trying to figure out what the difference between the two cues may be. My friend is convinced that he has to have the BK 1, and I'm trying to find one for him.
dave
 
Tokyo-dave said:
Here in Japan, there are two (that I know of) high ranked pros using the BK 1 as their main playing cues, along with another top amateur. As a result, the BK 1 has gained lot's of popularity as a playing cue as well as a break cue. And for some reason, the general concensus is that the BK 1 is the better cue???????
I don't like either one of them, don't know much about either one of them, so I'm just trying to figure out what the difference between the two cues may be. My friend is convinced that he has to have the BK 1, and I'm trying to find one for him.
dave
Click to expand...

Could be another instance of a product being "New and not so improved". Not that China cannot make a quality product, but I would be skeptical to say the least.
 
Hmm, that's funny, theres a guy on my Monthly APA Tour that Plays with one BK and Breaks with another. I've alway's thought of him as being a little ecentric but maybe he's on to something.

Although I only use mine for it's designed purpose and that's to break with. I had the BK 1 loved it, never a complaint at all. I upgraded to the BK 2 and I love it even more. It does what it's designed to do with less power required.

Black Cat :cool:
 
I am breaking with the BK2 after using the Stinger, Xbreaker, Bunjee etc.. I have tried them all and prefer the BK2 hands down to the others for breaking. I get a great spread and still control my cueball on at least 80% of my breaks. Cannot compare it to the BK1 because I have never had one but my BK2 plays great. I would not trade it for any of the others. I cannot jump with it but then again, I have never tried. I love my Olney jump cue for that.
Just my .02.

Joe
 
pooltchr said:
I haven't had a chance to use one, but I have seen a couple of the new ones, and they are being delivered with a "Made in China" sticker on them.
Steve
Click to expand...

Reading your posts I know you work for Sterling, aren't most or all of the cues distributed/made by Sterling made in China?
 
Ive used both of them. I would prefer the BK2.

The BK1 Tips are just too soft, you can draw a whole table length with it! IMO your break cue tip should be hard as a rock, or else whats the point of having a break cue!

But.. it depends on the user. If you have a really strong break, and can put alot of force, than i think the BK1 is the best. The control is unmatched, and it gets a great hit/spread, it just didnt work for me because im a weak breaker. I needed something that breaks a ton for me, so i dont have to hit very hard. Thats why i have a Stinger.

So my .02 is -> For those with a naturally powerful break - BK1
-> For those with a weaker break - BK2
 
Yes they are. Predator seems to have followed the same path. The question was asked about the difference, and one thing that I know is different is they are now coming out of a different manufacturing facility.
There is nothing either good or bad about the location, so long as they maintain quality control. It remains to be seen if there is any change in the consistancy and quality. But let's face it...it makes no difference where the machines are located that make the cues...only in the QC that is done after the manufacturing is complete.
By the way, Sterling has sold Predator for several years...and the biggest concern I ever had was in recent months when special orders went from being handled in a few days, to taking months for delivery.
Steve
Steve
 
Tokyo-dave said:
Have a friend looking to buy a Predator BK1 because he's heard from most that they prefer the BK1 over the new BK2. Can anybody tell me what the difference is between the two? Is it a difference similar to the original shaft, and the Z shaft? And, has the BK1 been totally replaced with the BK2 and no longer available other than in used condition?
Thanks,
dave
Click to expand...
The differences as far as I know are these:

The BK2 is more butt weighted as compared to the BK1.

The BK2 has a laminated forearm(4 piece pie laminated), while the BK 1 features a rock maple forearm.

The BK2 is supposed to have a different finish. I have seen BK2 with a glossy finish all the way so I am not sure if they only come with a matte finish.
The BK1 has a very thin finish. The BK2 is supposed to be better.

The BK1 has a predator ferrule, while the BK2 has a ivorene 3 ferrule.
The BK1 ferrule can crack/melt easier than the ivorene 3, but ivorene 3 also has a history of cracking. There is a carbon fibre pad on the ivorene ferrule.

I saw BK2 with finish sprayed on the ferrule, and some of it got on the first few inches of the shaft. But I am not sure if all BK2 have finish on the ferrule. I have only seen a few and they all had finish on the ferrules.
The BK1 does not have any finish on the ferrule like they do with the BK2 I have seen.

The BK2 is supposed to have a thicker taper.

I do not believe the BK2 is like the Z and the BK 1 is like the 314, I suspect the BK2 would deflect the ball a bit more if you put a leather tip on both since the ferrule(ivorene 3) is stiffer and heavier than the old ferrule, coupled with a stiffer shaft taper, which would make it harder for the shaft to buckle away from the ball. But then, I could be wrong.

Lastly, it is the place of manufacturing, which has been covered by other posters. I believe the BK1 was made in a few different places, but the BK2 is entirely made in one plant in China, which is also making 314 shafts for them.

I think they are replacing the BK1 with the BK2 entirely.

You can check with some dealers in Southeast Asia, they may still have the old BK1 avaliable. It can be difficult because they stopped offering BK1 for quite few months before they launched the BK2, so most dealers were out of BK1 before the BK2 was available.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

Richard
 
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nipponbilliards said:
The differences as far as I know are these:


The BK2 has a laminated forearm(4 piece pie laminated), while the BK 1 features a rock maple forearm.

Richard
Click to expand...

ahh.. Richard.. you beat me to it.. i was just going to say that.. that is one of the main differences i always heard about the bk2.. about it having the pie laminated butt like the p2's...

chris
 
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