Predator Shaft question

D

deuel

Registered
These questions are actually directed to those who have had the first and second version of the Predator 314 shafts. I am interested in what you think of both, if you feel they hit differently and if so in what ways, do you feel there is a difference in the balance, do you feel this is due to how the ferrule has changed, do you feel there is a noticeable difference in deflection from the first to second version, how does the joint match up compare from first to second. And pretty much any extra comments from something you noticed.

I've been looking over the changes they have made from the first version to second and am curious if the second is more of a money maker type deal or if their changes have been actually for the better.

I am also very aware that to each is own and that every shaft will feel different to every person, but I am contemplating getting a new Predator 314 shaft and have talked to a couple local people about their take and would like to get more information from a bigger community. I assume this has been brought up many times, but I would like to gather a rather recent opinion of the matter (so my apologizes if you find this post annoying).

- Thanks in advance, Dave...
 
Dave, The Predator 314-2 is the way to go. Each to his own, but if you want your game level to improve, play with the equipment that will help it happen. Practice disciplines such as staying down on the shot, a medium swing and concentration with intensity. If you desire to play better, you will, especially with a Predator shaft.
 
Hey Dave,I have the pred 1, of course the 2's came out a month later(always a day late and dollar short over here),but where I buy my equipment they will allow you (me) to test out other cues (meucci,schons,mali,cuetek,etc.) as long as I don't chalk them,I really like the hit on the 2's but can't justify buying another just yet.BTW I hate the narrow tapper on my pred 1.
 
I play with both. The 314-2 hits a little stiffer, but not enough for me to get rid of an original 314 and switch to a -2. In fact, the cue I seem to play the best with is a Predator 2K5 with original 314 shafts. Now, if you switch to the Z shafts, there is a significant difference in the hit. This due mostly to the more european style taper. You can get a lot more cue action with these shafts. But, with me, I prefer the pro taper of the 314 and 314-2, so I don't go after the advantage a Z shaft might bring to my game.
 
I've had at least 5 of both 314-1 and 314-2, and 2 each of Z-1 and Z-2 over the past 10 years. I didn't notice any difference between the 1's and 2's of the same series related to how they play. They felt the same to me, and played the same to me.

The only advantage I see to the 2's is the ferrules stay a bit cleaner. But they still get way dirtier than most non-predator ferrule.

If your want a new shaft for whatever reason, just get the 314-2 or z-2. You won't have any issues using it if you are already used to a 314-1.

The other side of that is don't expect to play any better with the 314-2 compared to your 314-1.

Also want to add that the tip the 2's come with is very hard. I know every time I get a new 2's to have a new shaft, I don't even attempt to play with the tip it came with, and put on a sniper right away. Then it plays exactly like the shaft it is replacing.
 
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deuel said:
These questions are actually directed to those who have had the first and second version of the Predator 314 shafts. I am interested in what you think of both, if you feel they hit differently and if so in what ways, do you feel there is a difference in the balance, do you feel this is due to how the ferrule has changed, do you feel there is a noticeable difference in deflection from the first to second version, how does the joint match up compare from first to second. And pretty much any extra comments from something you noticed.

I've been looking over the changes they have made from the first version to second and am curious if the second is more of a money maker type deal or if their changes have been actually for the better.

I am also very aware that to each is own and that every shaft will feel different to every person, but I am contemplating getting a new Predator 314 shaft and have talked to a couple local people about their take and would like to get more information from a bigger community. I assume this has been brought up many times, but I would like to gather a rather recent opinion of the matter (so my apologizes if you find this post annoying).

- Thanks in advance, Dave...
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They're very similar in terms of play, but I reccommend getting the newest version.

The old 314's and the earlier 314-2's had weak ferrules. Many were defective actually, and sometimes they would just break off. Predator recognizes this defect and replaced mine free.

I had my newest 314-2 shaft made up about a year ago. It has stayed perfectly straight and I've had no problems. An earlier 314-2 warped slightly after a couple of years.


Chris
 
iusedtoberich said:
I've had at least 5 of both 314-1 and 314-2, and 2 each of Z-1 and Z-2 over the past 10 years. I didn't notice any difference between the 1's and 2's of the same series related to how they play. They felt the same to me, and played the same to me.
Click to expand...

I currently own predator 314 and 314-2 shafts. I had a couple of the older 314 shafts matched to my cues and later I bought a couple 314-2 shafts just to see if they play better. I like both shafts the older 314 and the newer 314-2 shafts. If there is a difference in the play it's not that noticable to me. They both play well however the ferrule on the 314-2 will take more punishment since it's a harder material.

James
 
Ive tried both 314 and 314-2 znd the 314-2 felt a lot better to me. On the other hand, the hit and playability of the OB1 shaft was even better yet. I prefer the hit of the OB1 over the predator, and now Royce is making a new "classic" ferruled shaft that will be out soon, so you might wait just a bit longer to see what happens.


Joe
 
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