Buyers Guide: Predator Cues

Predator Cues Review

Predator cues are, truly, unique and innovative. When considering buying a predator cue, you should be considering the technology and performance features that they provide. If your not familiar with predator products and your looking for a cue, then you MUST, at least give one a try before you make a final decision, IMHO.

There are many players that play with Predator cue products, including many top level players. Some of them are endorsed by Predator, but there are far more, high-level, pool players that play with them, because they like the performance and characteristics that there pool cue provides.

The main difference with Predator cues is their shaft technology. They started back around 1994 when they launched their revolutionary 314 shaft. This was a shaft that was made of 10 pieces of wood spliced together. The net result was a shaft that had much less cue ball deflection than your typical cue shaft. This shaft technology changed the cue world and changed pool players expectations about there pool cues. Also, it set in action a never-ending discussion about cue-ball deflection, squirt, swerve, etc. You can read more about cue ball deflection on my blog .

Predator didn't stop there. To this day, they just keep on innovating. In 2000, they introduced an improved version of their 314 shaft, which was called P2.

In 2001, they introduced there BK break cue series, which is, specifically, designed for breaking.

In 2003, they introduced their very popular Z Shaft technology. I like this series, because the shaft is a small diameter, about 11.75mm with a strong taper.

In 2005, they improved their break technology with the BK2 series and in 2006 they introduced improved versions of the 314 and Z shaft technology. Also, they introduced new designs for the cue butt in 2006 called C4.

Most recently, they have introduced new jump cue technology called "Air Technology" and a "revolutionary" P3 Technology in 2008.

Predator Cues - Shafts Technology

Most of the buzz about Predator Cues is a result of their shaft technology and the consistency that it provides for pool players. Many players have production or custom cue butts with Predator shafts on them. This includes many pro pool players. Predator makes shafts with threaded inserts to match standard cue pins. This means, most likely, if you already have a cue, you can get a predator shaft to fit it. This provides a cheap way to get a "new" cue without buying a whole new cue.

For many years, I resisted the trend of the spliced cue shaft and the hype that came with the introduction of Predator shafts. I thought it was just hype. Maybe I am just a pool-purist and I didn't want things to change. Finally, I think I am a convert. As of Sept. 2008, I sold my Bill McDaniel cue. My next cue will have a Predator Z shaft. I borrowed a friend's cue and really liked the feel of it. It was amazing that you can hit a shot with extreme english without compensating much for deflection. Predators cues tend to be more "modern" looking. They are different than a lot of traditional custom cues. I think I am leaning toward one of the sneaky pete models.

I like this Predator sneaky pete.

In summary, I would encourage ANY player to pick up a Predator cue and/or shaft and give it a try. You have to give it a chance, though. If you are used to a cue with a lot of deflection (like most cues), then you might miss a lot of shots at first. There is an adjustment phase that you must go through. In the long-run, they can improve the consistency of your game.

Where to buy:

Check out the great deals on Predator Cues to the right on this page===>

Cheers,
Skippy

P.S. If you have any personal knowledge, dealings, experience and/or opinions about this cue maker, please contact me or post a reply below. Also, click on the rating "stars" to indicate your opinion of this cue maker. Thanks for your participation.

If you own a cue made by Predator, send me a picture and I'll share it with everyone else. If you have a website to promote, include a link and I'll include it with the picture. People like to see examples of a cue maker's work before buying.

If you represent Predator Cues and can provide me with more information, pictures, website, etc., then please contact me and I will gladly include that information on my site.

Tags: cue products, pool cues, standard cue pins, Custom Cues, Shafts Technology, cue maker