Predator BK2 durability and reliability

M4verick

M4verick

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello,

I need a break cue, and I can spend 350$ for it. Right now I'm torn between a few models, but I'm mostly decided to getting Predator BK2 (which seems very popular amongst pros and amateurs), but I still think about OB break , Tiger and Mezz (the last one being more expensive then 350$, thought).

I've read all the previous threads about the BK2 model, I know that a lots of ppl don't appreciate the unilock joint but how durable and reliable (in sense that I won't damage the shaft easily just by breaking) is the cue.

Is it by far the most popular breaking cue ?
 
M4verick said:
Hello,

I need a break cue, and I can spend 350$ for it. Right now I'm torn between a few models, but I'm mostly decided to getting Predator BK2 (which seems very popular amongst pros and amateurs), but I still think about OB break , Tiger and Mezz (the last one being more expensive then 350$, thought).

I've read all the previous threads about the BK2 model, I know that a lots of ppl don't appreciate the unilock joint but how durable and reliable (in sense that I won't damage the shaft easily just by breaking) is the cue.

Is it by far the most popular breaking cue ?
Click to expand...

The BK2 is by far the most popular break cue in this country. I often joke that if one goes to a tournament and happens to take one's own home instead of someone else's, it's like winning the lottery.

I'm happy with mine. I seem to get a little more break speed out of it, about a diamond's distance worth than other break cues I've tried or owned. Don't particularly like the feel or sound of the phenolic tip, but got used to parking the cue ball with it (and/or play position on the lowest-numbered object ball), although perhaps never quite as well as when I use my playing cue.

I've seen a few BK2 butts warp over time, albeit slightly. And you'll make sure you tighten that quick-release joint, because if you break hard and the joint is loose…

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________

„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti
 
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I've used the BK2, OB, & Mezz break cues, so I can help you.

The Mezz was the short one (54"-ish) & it broke very well. It had the most "solid" feeling through the CB. Beautiful construction!

The OB was traditional length and it did well too. It was least "solid" feeling through the CB, but I would not call it poor by any means. Kinda boring aesthetics.

The BK2 was traditional length and it lived up to its reputation. It was slightly less "solid" feeling compared to the stiff Mezz, but its the one that stayed in my case. Kinda boring looking like the OB.

Here's the deciding factor....the extra margin for error the 314 technology gives you is FAR more important than any other subjective issue. I have hit the CB POORLY & still received a good break...CB spins like crazy (off-center hit) yet I got good energy into the rack. The OB performed similarly, but I felt it didn't give me as much speed for a given effort...purely anecdotal effort, no verifiable data.

Also, my wife (that might top 12mph on the break) struggles with accuracy on the break with her playing cue. I'll put the BK2 in her hands & she make more balls because she gets a more solid hit. I guess I'm saying that all skill levels can benefit from the BK2.
 
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Thanks for all your replies.

Could you use in "emergency" situations BK2 as a jump cue ? I don't have one at the moment...
 
M4verick said:
Thanks for all your replies.

Could you use in "emergency" situations BK2 as a jump cue ? I don't have one at the moment...
Click to expand...

It actually does work very well for long jumps. Close ones are tough with a full cue especially on the more slippery modern cloths (and even more so if one is short), but I'm assuming you know this.

(Having said that, if we still used the woolen cloths I and many of us were weaned on as a player, I'd say the short cue should be banned. As it is, given the popularity of the jump shot with the spectators, difficult to take sides.)

Greetings from Switzerland, David.
_________________

„J'ai gâché vingt ans de mes plus belles années au billard. Si c'était à refaire, je recommencerais.“ – Roger Conti
 
I would urge you to add the Joss Thor Hammer to your list of break cues you are considering. I just put my sledgehammer down for one and could not be happier. I have used a BK2 and it's good, but its not worth a 100.00 more than the Joss which I think breaks as good or better.
 
BK2 is nice, but.....

The BK2 is nice and extremely popular, but my 12-year old son completely destroyed a BK2 shaft in 5 months, and not on any off-center cue ball contact, either. Hit the cue ball square, tip breaks in about 5 pieces and the shaft peeled like a banana. Granted, he breaks very hard, but I've broken with traditional shafts for many years with no damage. ALL THAT SAID, he got great results with it and the balance was terrific. If I was a professional and getting free shafts from Predator, I'd probably use the BK2. When I have to pay my own hard-earned money for a break cue, I look elsewhere now, particularly after seeing the insides of the BK2 shaft and how thin the ferrule is. Can't believe it holds up as well as it does with that construction. Another factor to consider (IMO) is the Uni-Loc joint configuration. Terrific joint, but far more cues are made with other joints so you don't have many opportunities to find a bargain used shaft for a back-up.

I haven't tested a Mezz yet, but a lot of people seem to love those as well.

Our solution was an OB break shaft on the Predator butt, which is a combo others on this forum have used with nice results. We actually find the OB shaft stiffer and significantly more solid than the BK2 shaft. I later found a used OB break shaft in 5/16-18 joint and bought a cheap Players cue to match it. Second best break cue I've ever used, following the BK2 butt/OB shaft combo. Best of luck!

Here's some evidence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvT_SgJuyiU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbHyydXc7l0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfgVCCFhjDM
 
BK2 with the Sport Wrap

I play in a local weekly 9 ball league with 16 three man teams. The race is to 9 on a bar table and the break is BIG in a short race on the small table! I'm an older player and my break isn't what it was when I was younger so i've been trying different break cue combinations (weights, shafts, tips/ferrules, and cues) looking for something to help my break. The players are divided into skill levels AA, A, and B players. I'm in the AA class and the players in that class all run out so the break is even bigger playing at this level.

I'd been breaking with a Hurricane J/B cue with a phenolic ferrule and a Sumo tip cut down almost to the ferrule. Sumo tips are solid water buffalo and are pretty hard and even harder when you cut them down and pound them breaking rack after rack. I thought this was a good combination until I started losing matches because I wasn't making balls on the break on some tables and my opponents were making balls. I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong.

I was playing a match one week with one of my friends and he had a BK2 with the sport wrap and he was crushing the balls averaging 2 balls a break. The games he didn't get out and I won I couldn't make a ball when I broke and he got back to the table and either ran out or locked me up and I had to kick. I ended up losing 9 to 5 and I didn't make a ball on any of my breaks while he averaged 2 balls a break. After the match I asked him what he thought I was doing wrong and he told me I needed to try his BK2 break cue. We got on a table and racked the balls a few times and I was amazed at how well I broke the balls with his BK2 cue. I broke better the first rack and I knew a BK2 cue would help me break better.

I was sold on the BK2 cue with the sport wrap and the next week I bought a one and I really like it. I'm breaking better now than before, but i'm still not as good as some of the younger guys with more strength, but the BK2 has helped my break a lot and i'd recommend it. I was waiting to play my match this past Monday night and my friend started his match on a table near where I was sitting and I was watching him to see how he broke the balls. He made 6 balls on his second break (using his BK2) and I almost fell out of my chair! I've never made 5 balls on the break in my life and he made 6 balls.

As far as the uni-lock joint goes, I like it and I haven't had any problems. It's fast on and off and it's very solid.

James
 
SCCues said:
I play in a local weekly 9 ball league with 16 three man teams. The race is to 9 on a bar table and the break is BIG in a short race on the small table! I'm an older player and my break isn't what it was when I was younger so i've been trying different break cue combinations (weights, shafts, tips/ferrules, and cues) looking for something to help my break. The players are divided into skill levels AA, A, and B players. I'm in the AA class and the players in that class all run out so the break is even bigger playing at this level.

I'd been breaking with a Hurricane J/B cue with a phenolic ferrule and a Sumo tip cut down almost to the ferrule. Sumo tips are solid water buffalo and are pretty hard and even harder when you cut them down and pound them breaking rack after rack. I thought this was a good combination until I started losing matches because I wasn't making balls on the break on some tables and my opponents were making balls. I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong.

I was playing a match one week with one of my friends and he had a BK2 with the sport wrap and he was crushing the balls averaging 2 balls a break. The games he didn't get out and I won I couldn't make a ball when I broke and he got back to the table and either ran out or locked me up and I had to kick. I ended up losing 9 to 5 and I didn't make a ball on any of my breaks while he averaged 2 balls a break. After the match I asked him what he thought I was doing wrong and he told me I needed to try his BK2 break cue. We got on a table and racked the balls a few times and I was amazed at how well I broke the balls with his BK2 cue. I broke better the first rack and I knew a BK2 cue would help me break better.

I was sold on the BK2 cue with the sport wrap and the next week I bought a one and I really like it. I'm breaking better now than before, but i'm still not as good as some of the younger guys with more strength, but the BK2 has helped my break a lot and i'd recommend it. I was waiting to play my match this past Monday night and my friend started his match on a table near where I was sitting and I was watching him to see how he broke the balls. He made 6 balls on his second break (using his BK2) and I almost fell out of my chair! I've never made 5 balls on the break in my life and he made 6 balls.

As far as the uni-lock joint goes, I like it and I haven't had any problems. It's fast on and off and it's very solid.

James
Click to expand...

Strength has nothing to do with it. It's speed and technique along with accuracy. Perhaps you are gripping the cue too tight. Try a lighter grip.
 
BK2 with a sport grip, Poison black belt, Cuetec, Kaiser or J&J will all work.

$350 might be just enough for the BK2 with the sport grip.:smile:
 
Randy9Ball said:
Strength has nothing to do with it. It's speed and technique along with accuracy. Perhaps you are gripping the cue too tight. Try a lighter grip.
Click to expand...

I think you are right, look how hard some of the smaller players break. Even some women have big breaks!

James
 
Does the BK2 break well? -Yes, without a doubt. Everyone has their own preference but it breaks well. My personal Favorite is the Mezz Power Break 2. Your question was how durable is the BK2. Well to my opinion, I have tested all except for the OB, the BK2 is a bit "weaker". My shaft warped after 3 months while my power break is still straight after 2 years.
If your mind is set on the BK2, you won't be cheated by it but if you're open to ideas, I'd put in a few extra bucks and get the Mezz.

ps; Otterman, your kid's got a great break there.
 
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