Let me preface by saying that I started playing pool a little over two years ago. I began learning with a typical "American" stroke, but now use a fluid, relaxed Filipino-type stroke. A Filipino house pro up here saw me at the local billiards club a few days ago and complimented on it, saying it's not the "typical white boy stroke", very Busty-like, how much discipline it requires to have a stroke like that, and how I must practice and work on it a lot, which is true. I started league play a year ago as a 3 in APA and moved up to a 6 in two seasons, so yes I've fallen in love with the game and have been working hard.
The cue I first bought two years ago is the same I use now, which is a Lucasi Hybrid, 19oz. I've been looking and doing a ton of research lately and am in the market for a new cue.
I want something similar to what I have now. Lighter-weight, 19oz ish makes my whole swing and stroke much more relaxed. Instead of buying a Predator Z shaft, I've been seriously considering a Predator cue since the price difference with buying a shaft and a whole cue doesn't seem to be too much of a variance. My questions are, has anyone played with a Hybrid and a Predator? Do they feel/hit similar? Are Predators lesser quality than what they're marketed at because they're so valued in the billiards community? (Ie made in China.) What series would you suggest if they do hit similarly? What other cues have a similar feel in hit? If I'm going to spend up to $1,000 on a new cue, is it wiser to have a custom one made? Which custom cue makers make a solid cue for that price range, including an LD shaft? Would you suggest leaving my comfort zone and trying a heavier-hitting or different-hitting cue just to expand my horizons? What are your experiences with a BK2 compared to a J&J (I'm pretty athletic and have a solid break).
I've been looking at Instroke 3x5's, 3x7's premier cases, and the Predator 2x4 Ikon case..experience with those?
Lots of questions, I know...appreciate any and all feedback
The cue I first bought two years ago is the same I use now, which is a Lucasi Hybrid, 19oz. I've been looking and doing a ton of research lately and am in the market for a new cue.
I want something similar to what I have now. Lighter-weight, 19oz ish makes my whole swing and stroke much more relaxed. Instead of buying a Predator Z shaft, I've been seriously considering a Predator cue since the price difference with buying a shaft and a whole cue doesn't seem to be too much of a variance. My questions are, has anyone played with a Hybrid and a Predator? Do they feel/hit similar? Are Predators lesser quality than what they're marketed at because they're so valued in the billiards community? (Ie made in China.) What series would you suggest if they do hit similarly? What other cues have a similar feel in hit? If I'm going to spend up to $1,000 on a new cue, is it wiser to have a custom one made? Which custom cue makers make a solid cue for that price range, including an LD shaft? Would you suggest leaving my comfort zone and trying a heavier-hitting or different-hitting cue just to expand my horizons? What are your experiences with a BK2 compared to a J&J (I'm pretty athletic and have a solid break).
I've been looking at Instroke 3x5's, 3x7's premier cases, and the Predator 2x4 Ikon case..experience with those?
Lots of questions, I know...appreciate any and all feedback
