Question for Predator Shaft Converts

[ChrisOnline]

If I were you, I'd wait for a couple of months until they come out with the new versions of the 314 and Z shafts.

I've got a 314 myself, but I only had it for about three weeks tops before the ferrule cracked, and I had it replaced by a local cue guy - but he wasn't an authorized Predator repair guy, so he jimmied it to work with a normal ferrule. Can't get it fixed proper by Predator (they said they couldn't repair it to stock spec).

The reason I state that is, though I own a 314, I didn't really play with it that long as designed to get a really good impression, good enough to answer your questions.

here this is from an email that i got from a wholeseller that i deal with.. this goes along what ScottW was saying about the new predator shaft versions.. from what i understand release is torwards the end of this month..
i wonder what they did? they wont give any details.. i cant wait to hear.. supposidly everything is much better now too..

chris

 

[suckershot]

1) Did you have to change how you aim for shots?
When you're using sidespin, you definitely need to change your aim if you're used to a conventional shaft with a more normal amount of deflection.
2) Do you notice any differences in the amount of english produced?
No, I wouldn't say that.
3) What kind of things does the shaft do better over conventional shafts? What kind of things does it do worse?
I don't think it's a matter of better or worse. It's simply a matter of what it does differently. The lower deflection helps a newer player like myself. Players who've been at it for a long time with a conventional shaft might find it detrimental to their game, especially if they've already grasped sidespin.
4) How does the shaft hold up over time?
No problems here.
5) Do you think you consistently make more shots?
When using sidespin, I would say I am more able to pocket balls with my 314 than I could with my previously used Lucasi shaft or Cuetec shaft.
6) In general, do you feel your game has improved?
Sure. It made learning sidespin far less intimidating and frustrating. That would be the extent of the benefit of the shaft. General improvement overall comes from practice, Predator shaft or not.
7) For P2 owners, do you think the butt makes any difference in playability or do you think it's mostly the shaft?
I'm sure they'd have you believe it makes a difference. From the limited experience I had with one, I can't say that I felt a difference.

IMO, Predator shafts are generally good for people newer to the game who wish to expedite the sidespin learning process. Primarily, these are the people who are going to benefit the most from the shafts. Older players who have gotten sidespin with a conventional shaft, or those who are really discerning when it comes to the "hit", may not like them, and often will find them of no use.

Having said that, I think they are great...naturally, I use a 314. And as much as it seems to be the cool thing to do around here to say "Predator sucks" or "don't use it, it's garbage" (yes, I have seen comment like these in these very forums), don't let these elitist types sway your judgment based on their often unqualified and sometimes even unsolicited statements. As mentioned above, try and find someone who's got a Predator and ask them if they will let you hit a few balls to see if you like it. That is the best way to find out for yourself.

As for the new shafts, maybe Predator is getting a scare from the OB-1 shafts? They seem to be getting pretty popular around here, and there have been mainly good comments on these forums as well. Tried one...it wasn't bad, but for now I'm satisfied with my 314.

 

[ScottW]

here this is from an email that i got from a wholeseller that i deal with.. this goes along what ScottW was saying about the new predator shaft versions.. from what i understand release is torwards the end of this month..
i wonder what they did? they wont give any details.. i cant wait to hear.. supposidly everything is much better now too..

I asked a gal at Predator what the differences were. I got the impression she was more of an office person, not that deep into the cue design end - but if I recall correctly, she mentioned (at least with the 314^2) that they had tweaked the design a bit and were able to reduce the size of the ferrule yet again - now it's barely a sliver of a ferrule. Unfortunately that pic above shows the joint ends and not the tip ends.

 

[Matt_24]

1) Did you have to change how you aim for shots?


Yes. That's what a Predator is all about. Right now, on side spin shots, you are already sub-conciously adjusting for your cue's squirt anyway. You will not have to adjust your aim as much with a Predator on sidespin shots as you do with most other shafts. Basically, to me (at first) it felt like like I was aiming as if shooting all shots with centerball. i was comfortable with that. I knew right away, in 10 minutes, that the 314 was a better shaft for me. I accurately pocketed a couple of hard around-the-world 3 and 4 rail follow shots with inside spin (that's how I check a cue's squirt) and watched the cueball motor around like a gyro and I knew right away the Predator was for me.

2) Do you notice any differences in the amount of english produced?


I didn't.

3) What kind of things does the shaft do better over conventional shafts? what kind of things does it do worse?


I found it to be a lot more accurate with shots that use sidespin, so I found myself shooting shots I would avoid with a conventional shaft.

What does it do worse? It has a strange hit or sound on soft shots. It changes the balance of the cue because they tend to be about 1/2 ounce lighter than a conventional shaft. It is not particularly good for jump or masse shots.

4) How does the shaft hold up over time?

Just fine. Mine are in great shape and perfectly straight.

5) Do you think you consistently make more shots?

Emphatically yes. That's why I use it. And I don't have to baby as many shots. I feel confident to just fire away with sidespin.

6) In general, do you feel your game has improved?

No question. I can go to greater extremes of sidespin with more confidence that I'll pocket the ball.


Chris

Chris said EVERYTHING I would have. I have been shooting with my new Skip w/o a Predator and I'm readjusting.....but I think I'm going to order a predator, because they just give you an extra EDGE...I feel. What edge? Well...read what Chris wrote.

 

[ashmouth]

Thanks for all the info guys... I really appreciate all the good feedback! I'll be at the BCA in Vegas next week so hopefully I'll find a Predator dealer that will let me test hit one... wish me luck!

 

[Pete]

Has anyone used or are using the Z shaft, and have something good or bad to say about it?

I'm thinking about getting a new shaft and was just wondering about it...

Pete

 

[Raodwarior]

No youth, my implication is that I think that either of those shafts is better than the 314. IMO the OB-1 blows the 314 away.

Find someone with a Tiger or OB-1 shaft and try those before you shell out the money for the 314.


^are you implying that ob-1 and tiger shafts are noticably cheaper than the predator shafts? if so where can i get one?

 

[ChrisOnline]

personally.. i shot with the Ob-1.. and i didnt like it.. dont know if it was the cue or the shaft.. maybe if i played with it longer... although i played with a Universal Smart Shaft.. now thats where its at.. i really like it..

as for the z or the regular 314.. i had a 314 shaft that mottey made up with fancy rings and a regular length IVORY ferrule.. i loved it.. i used to use it on a schon.. i should have never sold it... i dont like the z shaft at all..

chris

 

[DoomCue]

Has anyone used or are using the Z shaft, and have something good or bad to say about it?

I'm thinking about getting a new shaft and was just wondering about it...

Pete

I love mine. Here are some things I tell people to keep in mind when they're trying it out.

If you're used to a "pro taper" shaft, the Z's conical taper may throw you off at first. Some players say they can't get used to using the shaft and a closed bridge (that doesn't bother me - I rarely use a closed bridge anymore). The smaller diameter tip (11.75mm) requires more accurate cueing on the CB. Cueing mistakes with a smaller diameter tip will lead to unwanted spin more often than cueing mistakes with a larger diameter tip. Make sure you purchase a laminated tip of some kind when you get the Z - the standard LePro tip mushrooms in a hurry when the diameter drops below 12.5mm. If you don't want to constantly burnish or even cut the edge of the tip, go with a laminated tip. Personally, I use a Moori medium. If you're used to a traditional shaft, allow yourself a few weeks or even months to allow yourself to adjust to the Z's characteristics (depends on how you learn and how much you play). Since aiming adjustments for squirt are generally unconscious adjustments, give yourself time to re-learn those adjustments with the Z (this is true of almost any shaft, not just the Z). The Z gives a fairly stiff hit (partially due to the conical taper), so keep that in mind if you're thinking about buying one, especially if you like a whippy shaft.

I was the first player in my room to get a Z, and since then, a host of other players have followed suit. Most of them love it, but some of them hate it and have gone back to their old shafts. My personal belief is that those who could unlearn their unconscious adjustments are the ones who love it, while those who couldn't are the ones who hate it. Change is a good thing if you're willing to accept it, but tough on those who won't.

-djb

 

[Buzzard]

Hello fellow AZ'ers,

I am thinking about purchasing a Predator P2 with a 314 shaft and would like to get some opinions from those of you who have converted from conventional shafts to a Predator 314.

I did a forum search and could not find any detailed threads on the subject so I would like to get your feedback on the following:
1) Did you have to change how you aim for shots?
2) Do you notice any differences in the amount of english produced?
3) What kind of things does the shaft do better over conventional shafts? what kind of things does it do worse?
4) How does the shaft hold up over time?
5) Do you think you consistently make more shots?
6) In general, do you feel your game has improved?
7) For P2 owners, do you think the butt makes any difference in playability or do you think it's mostly the shaft?

Thanks in advance for your comments!
Brian

1) Did you have to change how you aim for shots?
Yes. Much less deflection for me. I can now aim center to center and apply lots of English and feel confident of making most shots (with some minor adjustments on thin cuts near the rails)
2) Do you notice any differences in the amount of english produced?
No.
3) What kind of things does the shaft do better over conventional shafts? what kind of things does it do worse?
I think that cleaning the shafts may be a bit of a problem. Predator recommends not using water on them because of the glue used in lamination but 99% alcohol works pretty good.
4) How does the shaft hold up over time?
I've had 2 for years and one of them warped very slightly but Predator fixed it. There is a lifetime warranty on all of their products and they honor it no problem.
5) Do you think you consistently make more shots?
Yes. Only because I have figured out how to use the shaft. Probably any shaft can be figured out.
6) In general, do you feel your game has improved?
Yes. But not because of the shaft but because I am playing and practising more.
7) For P2 owners, do you think the butt makes any difference in playability or do you think it's mostly the shaft?

 

[Craig Fales]

Find someone with a Tiger or OB-1 shaft and try those before you shell out the money for the 314.


^are you implying that ob-1 and tiger shafts are noticably cheaper than the predator shafts? if so where can i get one?

I was thinking the same thing....

Hello fellow AZ'ers,

I am thinking about purchasing a Predator P2 with a 314 shaft and would like to get some opinions from those of you who have converted from conventional shafts to a Predator 314.

I did a forum search and could not find any detailed threads on the subject so I would like to get your feedback on the following:
1) Did you have to change how you aim for shots?You do have to adjust the amount of deflection...2) Do you notice any differences in the amount of english produced?
IMHO it doesn't produce any more spin than any other shaft...
3) What kind of things does the shaft do better over conventional shafts? what kind of things does it do worse?
The only advantage I could find is you don't need as much deflection compensation...
4) How does the shaft hold up over time?
I bought one off the owner of Seybert's in '95ish when they first came out and the wood split like bamboo right below the ferrule...this was before all the bugs were completely worked out....
5) Do you think you consistently make more shots?
Not really...I rarely miss anyways...
6) In general, do you feel your game has improved?
Nope
7) For P2 owners, do you think the butt makes any difference in playability or do you think it's mostly the shaft?
I played with a freinds P2 and they have a nice feel to them...I think they are good at dampening vibration...

Thanks in advance for your comments!
Brian

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