Predator BK2
- Thread starter edd
- Start date
edd said:
The only reason why you would keep a second shaft for a break-cue is in case the tip fell off or if you broke the shaft during competition. Personally, I've had to change the tip on my current break cue once in 5 years and in the 20 years I've been playing, I've broken one shaft on my break. I obliterated a 314 that was apparently defective. That was about 10 years ago and hasn't happened since. I break about 22mph on average.
Aside from my own experience, I've heard Frankie Hernandez (30+ mph)and Mika Immonen (25+ mph) simultaneously broke their 314 shafts at a tournament. Both were using Predator BKs when they first came out. I haven't heard of a single incident since.
With that said, having an extra shaft for a break cue isn't an insane idea but it is likely not necessary.
The only reason I can see for a secondary shaft with a leather tip would be if you'd use it as a spare playing cue; perhaps something you'd take where you wouldn't feel comfortable playing with your normal playing cue. The Predator break cues are good playing cues; I saw Efren drill Corey Deuel a few years back, while playing with someone's Predator BK that he borrowed.
edd said:
You can apply spin with a phenolic tip. I saw a funny rack the other day, when two guys matched up.
Player 1 had a new break cue, and let Player 2 test it out during the set. Pulling a somewhat ridiculous move, Player 2 broke and ranout the rack with his opponent's phenolic-tipped break cue. That got into his head good!
Player 1 had a new break cue, and let Player 2 test it out during the set. Pulling a somewhat ridiculous move, Player 2 broke and ranout the rack with his opponent's phenolic-tipped break cue. That got into his head good!
edd said:
edd said:
If you're going to soft-break, you're better off using your shooting cue. I mean, why use anything else? You're familiar with it, you don't have to switch cues after your break and most importantly, you're likely not going to be permitted to change shafts at your own volition. Oftentimes, you need to provide a legitimate reason to break down your cue that involves an immediate need.
edd said:
That is precisely what I do and I love it. Whenever I softbreak and make a ball, it's so nice to just grab the chalk and keep going.
I have the exact BK2 setup you're taking about. I generally like to use the phenolic for straight on power break and the leather is really good for the 2nd ball low english power eight ball break. Of course the leather is more forgiving but there is clearly less cue ball speed.
I'm going to disagree with a couple of the previous posters. I think it's a very practical set up and I'm very very happy with it. I don't think it's an extraordinary purchase at all. There are just certain situations that one will work better than the other so why not be ready?
$600 or so for the setup you mentioned doesn't seem as extravagant as what a lot of folks pay for one cue so I guess the extravagance factor is subjective.
I'm going to disagree with a couple of the previous posters. I think it's a very practical set up and I'm very very happy with it. I don't think it's an extraordinary purchase at all. There are just certain situations that one will work better than the other so why not be ready?
$600 or so for the setup you mentioned doesn't seem as extravagant as what a lot of folks pay for one cue so I guess the extravagance factor is subjective.
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Da Poet said:I have the exact the BK2 setup you're taking about. I generally like to use the phenolic for straight on power break and the leather is really good for the 2nd ball low english power eight ball break. Of course the leather is more forgiving but there is clearly less cue ball speed.
I'm going to disagree with a couple of the previous posters. I think it's a very practical set up and I'm very very happy with it. I don't think it's an extraordinary purchase at all. There are just certain situations that one will work better than the other so why not be ready?
$600 or so for the setup you mentioned doesn't seem as extravagant as what a lot of folks pay for one cue so I guess the extravagance factor is subjective.
I have been having trouble with my break in the last couple weeks, miscueing and sending the cue ball over the rack and off the table with my BK2. I know it is my stroke, but it has been really bad the last couple weeks. This past weekend when I was playing in my APA Regionals I stuck my old 314 shaft on the BK2 butt, and was able to control my break because of the more forgiving tip. Last night I went back to the regular BK2 shaft, and second break I sent the cue ball flying again. So yes, there is a time to have a good secondary shaft available to use for short term issues. Now I just have to practice more and get my regular break working again.
soulcatcher said:
What's kind of surprised me is that there are those times when I'm in stroke, hitting the cue ball exactly how I want on the break, and for whatever reason, maybe the table, the alignment of the planets, I don't know, one of them just isn't getting it done so I'll switch to the other. For example, sometimes it seems like even though the leather has less power, and the balls don't spread as much, even with a straight on break sometimes more balls will start going in.
Sometimes it's the other way around. It's weird, but it seems like every situation is different.
I always try to hit the center or a hair below on the cue ball and aim for the center of the head ball no matter if I am playing 8 ball, 9 ball or 10 ball. I may move the cue to a different spot behind the head string but I always aim the same. That may help you.soulcatcher said:
BVal