Predator/Schon Combo

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will14.1

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hey Guys,
I have been on the fence about Predator and other low deflection shafts for quite a while. A couple months ago I bought a used 314-2 for an old Viking cue I have. Here's the thing, I like how it moves the ball but I'm not so crazy about what the hit feels like or how it's balanced (a little butt heavy). For all those with Predator-Schon combinations (i know you're out there), what is the hit like? Do you get that hollow feeling? For everyone else, do you think putting the butt I like much more will help the feel of the hit? I love the way the Schon feels, but I really like the way the Pred plays, hoping to find best of both worlds. What do you guys think?

Suggestions, comments, all is appreciated.

will
 
The most well know predator/Schon combo I can think of is when Pagulayan played with one a few years ago.

I had a 314 for my SL-5 but I prefer the hit of a Schon shaft. IMO whether or not you like an aftermarket low deflection shaft depends more on the shaft than what butt you attach it to.
 
will14.1 said:
Hey Guys,
I have been on the fence about Predator and other low deflection shafts for quite a while. A couple months ago I bought a used 314-2 for an old Viking cue I have. Here's the thing, I like how it moves the ball but I'm not so crazy about what the hit feels like or how it's balanced (a little butt heavy). For all those with Predator-Schon combinations (i know you're out there), what is the hit like? Do you get that hollow feeling? For everyone else, do you think putting the butt I like much more will help the feel of the hit? I love the way the Schon feels, but I really like the way the Pred plays, hoping to find best of both worlds. What do you guys think?

Suggestions, comments, all is appreciated.

will
Click to expand...

I play with a Schon LTD w/ a 314 Shaft. I like the balance of the Schon cues but did not want to adjust to the deflection of the Schon shaft even though it is a great shaft (very consistent). The Schon butt gives the Predator shaft a little bit harder hit than the Predator butt would but the balance is better. So in summary:

Schon butt + Pred shaft= harder/ livelier hit

Pred butt + shaft= softer hit

Either way, I am a big fan of a softer layered tip so I can "feel" the ball on the follow thru.
 
Schon + 314 = stiff

My regular playing cue is a Schon STL13 with an older 314 shaft. The factory Schon shaft is a little more lively feeling. The 314 has that dead, stiff feel to it, but I feel like I play a bit better with it.
 
I use a CX Series with a Predator 314-2 and love it. My problem is that I can't make up my mind on whether or not I prefer the Sniper or the Everest tip by Tiger...

But in agreement with one of the above posters I do feel like I get a stronger hit with the predator shaft as opposed to the Schon's.
 
bmccaslin said:
I use a CX Series with a Predator 314-2 and love it. My problem is that I can't make up my mind on whether or not I prefer the Sniper or the Everest tip by Tiger...

But in agreement with one of the above posters I do feel like I get a stronger hit with the predator shaft as opposed to the Schon's.
Click to expand...


Umm Try a triangle.. What I use and will never switch.. But Schon w\ pred shaft = the nuts..
 
will14.1 said:
Hey Guys,
I have been on the fence about Predator and other low deflection shafts for quite a while. A couple months ago I bought a used 314-2 for an old Viking cue I have. Here's the thing, I like how it moves the ball but I'm not so crazy about what the hit feels like or how it's balanced (a little butt heavy). For all those with Predator-Schon combinations (i know you're out there), what is the hit like? Do you get that hollow feeling? For everyone else, do you think putting the butt I like much more will help the feel of the hit? I love the way the Schon feels, but I really like the way the Pred plays, hoping to find best of both worlds. What do you guys think?

Suggestions, comments, all is appreciated.

will
Click to expand...

Yeah they're going to change how it feels a little but not a whole lot. imo schons tend to be a little but heavy if you throw a LD shaft on 'em. you could try a joss or mezz. imo they're more suited for putting LD shafts on than schons.
 
I have a old Schon and I have a 314 and a z2 for it. I only use the z2 (314 is just a backup shaft if I need it) and I love it. It's the best playing/hitting cue I have ever played with, I wouldn't change or use anything else!!
 
I have a Schon LE with two factory shafts, and the hit is fabulous. Deflection is minimal compared to, say, my older a Meucci Original with factory wood. But I'm a technology geek, and I went to a Pred 314 shortly after they came out. Played with it for a couple of years and -- although I think it helped my game -- I never got comfortable with the mushy hit. I kept switching back to the Schon factory shaft to remind myself what a 'real' cue feels like.

About four months ago, I picked up an OB2 shaft, and I've been really happy with it. It seems to handle deflection at least as well as the 314, and its hit is much closer to what I like: almost as good as the Schon wood. Be advised, though, that the OB2 has an 11.75 mm tip ... and that takes some getting used to.
 
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