Rhino CF vs Raven CF vs Cuetec Cynergy

R

Regis

New member
My cue is in its last playable phase of life, and I'm looking for a new one. I'm currently using Predator Ikon 1-1 with 314-2 shaft. I want a carbon fiber shaft and I'm torn between Cuetec, Rhino and Raven. I had a chance to hit a few balls with Cynergy and I really like it, but I'm wondering if it's worth extra 250$ for a shaft (Rhino and Raven retail for around 200$). Haven't tried neither Rhino nor Raven, did any of you have a chance to compare any of those 3 shafts? Which one did you like the best and why?

I don't really care about "lowest deflection", I'm used to 314-2 deflection and, if possible, I'd prefer not to have to make huge adjustments from my current setup. What I do care about is build quality, feel and stiffness. I'll be changing tip anyway, so stock ones aren't a factor either.

On a side note, what do you think about Rhino Retro/Raven 3K cues as a whole? They sell for under 400$, while Cuetec SVB/TrueWood costs more than twice as much. I'm wondering if it's worth paying more for a Cuetec. Any recommendations?
 
IMO the butt is just a 'shaft holder'. As for a cue i've been kicking around the idea of trying a CricalPro. Can get the whole cue WITH an extension for around 200bux. I've never seen/hit a Raven but i've tried most of the other cf shafts and i just don't see much if any playing difference in the hi$$$ stuff compared to the Rhino. Another plus for Rhino is all the different diameters offered compared to Raven's 3 sizes.
 
i thought the rhino was worth the money
alittle more deflection than my 11.8 revo
not as much energy transfer
no experience with the others you ask about
 
I've tried the Raven shafts, and they're fine. I actually have their 13mm break shaft, that I use with my Cuetec Avid Surge Break Cue. It hits amazingly hard, and I will be keeping it. That being said, I've decided that the CF playing shafts aren't for me. I'm going to stick with a torrified maple shaft, and my Cuetec Avid shaft. For $130.00, the Avid shaft is just fine for a crumb-bum like me.
Best of luck.
j2
 
j2pac said:
I've tried the Raven shafts, and they're fine. I actually have their 13mm break shaft, that I use with my Cuetec Avid Surge Break Cue. It hits amazingly hard, and I will be keeping it. That being said, I've decided that the CF playing shafts aren't for me. I'm going to stick with a torrified maple shaft, and my Cuetec Avid shaft. For $130.00, the Avid shaft is just fine for a crumb-bum like me.
Best of luck.
j2
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do you need a glove with the Avid? Never hit one but anytime i hear 'glass coated' i almost break out in hives. Had one yrs ago as a keep-in-car bar beater and on humid days it was sticky as hell.
 
garczar said:
do you need a glove with the Avid? Never hit one but anytime i hear 'glass coated' i almost break out in hives. Had one yrs ago as a keep-in-car bar beater and on humid days it was sticky as hell.
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I do not use, or need a glove with it. It is slick as can be. Not sure how it would react to being left in a hot car, but I don't do that anyway. It cleans up fine with the Cuetec wipes.
😎👍
 
I have the Rhino and the Cynergy, both at 12.5mm, both with the same joint, so I've tested them both on the same butts.
The Cynergy will fit the butt nicer, as the diameter at the joint is 21.3 mm, while the Rhino is 21.5mm. I guess the Rhino will fit better wider cues, but other than McDermott, I don't know any.

The finish of the Cynergy is nicer, as the Rhino arrives a bit dirty, and it takes about 5-6 alcohol wipes to remove all the gunk.
The Rhino is 30 inches long, so that could be a plus.

When it comes to playability, they are both very similar. The Cynergy has a little less cue ball deflection but not by a big margin.
Is it worth more? To me, it does, as the fit and finish play a part for me.

I have the Raven break shaft, so it's not really comparable in terms of playability, but fit and finish are top-notch, so that could be a good option in the middle.

Coming from 314-2 shafts that are 12.75, the 12.5 pro tapper feels a bit thin in my hand. I also have the Predator Revo in 12.9mm which at the moment feels closer to home. But I'm going to give 12.5 a better chance as I also got the SMO shaft at 12.5mm coming.
 
for me having used several rhinos revos and now cynergy
the first two are similar and super stiff which was ok until i tried the
11.8 cynergy its not near as stiff and i can make alot more shots with it than the ultra stiff revo.
shots i never understood why i would miss , basic easy
i make far more balls with the cuetec
 
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