Radial vs Uni-Loc: Is there really a big difference?

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bladdd25

New member
I have a question about Radial vs Uni-Loc joints.
Some people seem to have strong preferences, but I’m wondering how much difference there really is in actual playability.
From what I understand, the joint may affect the feel, balance, and feedback a little, but it probably does not make a major difference in performance compared with the shaft, tip, cue weight, balance, and the player’s stroke.
Is that a fair way to think about it?
The thing that makes this harder is that Predator also offers some limited/custom models with Radial joints. If Uni-Loc is Predator’s main standard, I wonder why some of the higher-end or limited models are Radial. Is that mostly for tradition and personal preference, or is there a real difference in feel or performance?
For players who have used both Radial and Uni-Loc for a long time, do you feel a meaningful difference? For example, in hit feel, feedback, stiffness, or consistency?
Or is it mostly just personal preference and what you are used to?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
 
I've only had uniloq quick release on a BK3. I had it come loose and/or felt like I needed to check it.

I've had many radials and they always felt more secure.

Sometimes, a grain of dust (chalk) gets in the threads of a uniloq and it becomes difficult to remove the shaft

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I've got two radial joint cues and two uniloc cues so far so good as I've had them all for quite some time .
If anything I will apply some very lite lube to the uniloc threads just like my Grandpa taught me to for the joints of my fishing rod ha ha

Now I'll sit back watching to see who makes the first comment about what I wrote ha ha
 
Both radial and the quick release joints were invented by Uni-Loc for Predator.
I find the QR to come loose more often than Radial so that's one point for radial.
When it comes to feel, it's hard to compare as they are many factors that influence the feel, you'll need two identical cue butts and shafts to run comparisons and figure out what feels best for you.
In my opinion, the joint type is not that important for performance as again, there are too many variables that no one can really tell the difference.
Those that will say that one is better than the other from experience are actually experiencing a whole cue and variables that might work better for them than the other option they've tried. a different player might feel the opposite.
So it doesn't matter, just get a 3/8x10 modified ;) kidding, focus on more important specs.
 
FWIW, my radial joint cues frequently come loose if I'm not careful. Never had that problem with uniloc. I think both joints are perfectly great and there's just naturally some luck of the draw for all joint types.
 
My recollection is a little different and I was playing pool when the radial joint was invented.
I have played pool for the last 63 years and learned quite a bit about cue making along the
way. However knowledge is more abstract than wood working skills and I cannot craft a cue.

As I recall, Bill Stroud was the pioneer of the radial joint and I almost ordered a cue with one
after speaking with Bill at the 1st Inaugural BCA Trade Show in Forth Worth, Texas. I wound
up ordering a custom Schon from Bob Runde who tremendously impressed me very much.

I found it curious that skor’s post omitted any mention of Bill Stroud & entirely focused on Uniloc.
It was if Bill Stroud didn’t contribute to the development and introduction of the radial cue joint in
any way. I have a different recollection because everyone back then mostly referred to Bill’s role.
 

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Depends..Some uni-lock pins I have seen are only protruding about a 1/4 inch up out of the cue butt and then only require half a turn to get tight..these I have had come lose a few times..but others that protrude a little more that require about 1.5 turns before getting secure are good to go no issues...so I would guess it depends on how much of the pin they leave protruding..on the other hand I have never had a radial pin come loose..thanks.

Feel wise I notice no difference.
 
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