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

[bladdd25]

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.

 

[BigBoof]

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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[straightline]

Uniloc was developed for those that unscrew a lot.

 

[Rusty in Montana]

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

 

[skor]

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.

 

[trob]

I don’t see a difference in play just in ease of breaking down and putting together cues

 

[kingwang]

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.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Dupe Post…..Oops.

 

[Bavafongoul]

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.

 

[Xdecemberguy]

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.

 

[measureman]

I have a Lucasi Uni-Lock and a Phillippi Radial pin other than the speed difference of screwing them together I see no difference in how the cues feel.
Pins are overrated, as long as whatever pin is used creates a tight fit you are good to go.

 

[sudocrushms]

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

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

This is funny because my experience has been the opposite. I've never had issues with my Uni-loc joints, but my 2 Radial shafts (Predator Revo) loosen up while i'm playing. I try to make sure the joint is snug, but i won't hulk it like some guys.

They're both solid joints, but the key is to keep them clean. I think the steel --> wood or polymer Radial may need to be tightened a bit more since it's a softer connection than the steel --> brass Uni-loc.

 

[axejunkie]

I think the Uni-loc has a negative stigma in the higher-end cue range. Probably due to owners favoring more traditional screws. I've never played with on so can't weigh in.

I will say I have a G-10 radial cue and it can loosen a bit while playing, but I don't think Predator offers that material.

 

[RakRunr]

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.

I had the same problem with both Uni-loc and Radial, just got into the habit of regularly tightening the joint. Not a problem at all with my Pechauer joint.

 

[Kim Bye]

Uni-loc needs regular maintenance, something most pool players totally Ignore. I'd take Radial over Uni-loc any day of the week, I have never understood why fast takedown is so important. I have heard from people who have had a stroke or hand issues, they appreciate how fast it is, so I get that angle. And speaking as a cuemaker, I like that Radial pins can be made from different materials like Ti, Alu G10 etc so I can dial in the right balance by choosing the right pin weight. Radial pins are easy to install as well.

 

[GoldCrown]

I don’t see a difference in play just in ease of breaking down and putting together cues

In the dark they play the same.

 

[trob]

Uni-loc needs regular maintenance, something most pool players totally Ignite. I'd take Radial over Uni-loc any day of the week, I have never understood why fast takedown is so important. I have heard from people who have had strokes or hand issues, they appreciate how fast it is and I get that angle. And speaking as a cuemaker, I like that Radial pins can be made from different materials like To, Alu G10 etc so I can dial in the right balance by choosing the right pin weight. Radial pins are easy to install as well.

What maintenance would that be? I’ve never had any issues with them in anyway for the 10 years I’ve been using them. I’m not saying you’re wrong but this is the first I heard that and am wondering is there something I should be doing.

 

[Fore Rail]

What maintenance would that be? I’ve never had any issues with them in anyway for the 10 years I’ve been using them. I’m not saying you’re wrong but this is the first I heard that and am wondering is there something I should be doing.

I clean the joint pin with alcohol and take a cotton swab to the shaft inserts. I also clean the facings and whatever bit of the screw that I can get below the surface of the joint.

Any kind of debris that’s in the works can potentially help seize up the joint.

 

[Kim Bye]

What maintenance would that be? I’ve never had any issues with them in anyway for the 10 years I’ve been using them. I’m not saying you’re wrong but this is the first I heard that and am wondering is there something I should be doing.

The faces clog up and inside the inserts and also down in the recess tends to be places where gunk accumulates. So when the shaft and joint face is full of grime, the cue doesn't close properly. The fit is really tight and I have seen brass shavings get cought in the threads, leading to the customer not being able to take the cue apart. I get them in my shop regulary. So every time I have a cue or shaft in with Uni-loc, first thing i do is clean and blow dry.

 

[GoldCrown]

What maintenance would that be? I’ve never had any issues with them in anyway for the 10 years I’ve been using them. I’m not saying you’re wrong but this is the first I heard that and am wondering is there something I should be doing.

Uniloc since 2000.... Zero problems. Probably easier to maintain than any other joint pin for lack of threads. My favorite choice. Nothing to clean..no reason to clean it unless the case is filthy, full of dirt and collects on an unexposed joint pin.