Predator Sneaky Pete.

[jkraft]

I've been thinking about what kind of cue to order (still) -- and I really want to get something w/ a Predator shaft from all of the raves I have been reading about them. I also like playing w/ house cues (also mentioned by someone else on a different topic) because of the feel & "grip" of a house cue compared to my cues linen wrap now...

I am thinking w/ those two combinations put together about getting a Predator Sneaky Pete from Seyberts here & wanted to know what the main purpose of a sneaky pete is.. It can't be to "better" hustle people, can it?... Definately not why I would buy it.

I just want a great cue that I can use for years & don't care about what it looks like, how many inlays it has, etc. I'm a little worried about the wood/wood joint & the results it might give me. I checked & currently play w/ implex joints.

Someone more experienced w/ cues can give me some advice?? Thanks :)

- Jeremy

BTW, does the Predator SP have a piloted joint or flat faced?

[Neil Fujiwara]

The SPW with the wood to wood joint has a flat-faced 5/16x14 joint while the SPJ has a piloted stainless-steel joint. In my opinion, both are going to hit more solid than the implex-jointed cue you have right now. There is no performance difference between the 2 cues or any of our cues for that matter since they all come with the 314 shaft. :lol:

The SPW with the wood to wood joint has a flat-faced 5/16x14 joint while the SPJ has a piloted stainless-steel joint. In my opinion, both are going to hit more solid than the implex-jointed cue you have right now. There is no performance difference between the 2 cues or any of our cues for that matter since they all come with the 314 shaft. :lol:


Neil Fujiwara,

Is the Predator SPW forward, middle or rear balance? Also how many inches-wise is the balance point starting from the butt?

[Kokopuffs]

I just got a Predator Sneaky Pete with a wood-to-wood joint and an extra-long 30-inch shaft. The hit is really solid and gives better accuracy than any other cue I've had. And the weight afforded by the extra long shaft causes some frontweighting, allowing me to use an open bridge more often.

What I really like about the SPW is the absence of a wrap; more friction between the butt and my hand is present, allowing a looser grip with my butt hand. That loose grip puts alot more action on the ball. So forget wraps if you like action.

[Neil Fujiwara]

Balance points are going to vary from cue to cue, depending on the natural weight of the cue. The balance point on our cues is generally around 18-19 inches from the end of the cue, but that can vary with different shaft weights or joint types.

[Kokopuffs]

Neil:

Out of curiosity, can a custom Predator SPW be made where the butt is reversed: the forearm is made of rosewood and the points/handle maple? Such reversal would give more frontweighting.

Balance points are going to vary from cue to cue, depending on the natural weight of the cue. The balance point on our cues is generally around 18-19 inches from the end of the cue, but that can vary with different shaft weights or joint types.


Thanks! Btw, how about if the weight is 18.5 oz for a Pred SP can you measure the balance point if you have any laying around?

[Neil Fujiwara]

Kokopuffs: Sorry, we don't really do any custom work like that, even though it sounds like a cool cue to make. I would suggest getting a cue with a heavy shaft, i.e. over 4 ounces.

Anonymous: Well, the balance point will be different on every cue so I think it would be safe to say that it will be between 18 and 19 inches on most cues.

Balance points are going to vary from cue to cue, depending on the natural weight of the cue. The balance point on our cues is generally around 18-19 inches from the end of the cue, but that can vary with different shaft weights or joint types.


when you say end of cue do you mean 18 to 19 " from the bumper or 18 to 19" from the butt cap ?

How about the P2 where all has uniloc joint and only 1 design only (so far)
For a 18.75 to 19 oz what would be the avg balance PT from butt cap or bumper ?

[Desmond]

There is no performance difference between the 2 cues or any of our cues for that matter since they all come with the 314 shaft. :lol:


If thats wat u said, then will there be any performance differences between the Predator2 to any other predator cues? :roll: if theres no difference, than wat does the predator2 does? :roll: :wink:

[Neil Fujiwara]

In recent years, when you asked someone what cue plays best, the usual answer was "what feels best to you". Feel is important to many players, but has no relevance to performance. Since this game is one of extreme accuracy, wouldn't you want the cue that shoots the straightest?

The Predator 2 has many benefits due to the nature of it's construction. First, it will tend to stay straighter and you will get better feedback from the cue due to the splicing technique used. The cue does not have a traditional A-joint either, which disrupts the feel that is transmitted from the tip to the player. The phenolic inserts that we use in the joint provide a transfer of energy close to that of a wood-to-wood jointed cue, it will also be more consistent from cue to cue since phenolic is more stable than wood. Using these inserts also closes off the ends of the cue from any moisture, which will also help keep your cue from warping.

In a nutshell, we incorporated feel, which everyone knows, with Predator technology, to make the most solid-hitting high performance cue in existence.

In recent years, when you asked someone what cue plays best, the usual answer was "what feels best to you". Feel is important to many players, but has no relevance to performance. Since this game is one of extreme accuracy, wouldn't you want the cue that shoots the straightest?

The Predator 2 has many benefits due to the nature of it's construction. First, it will tend to stay straighter and you will get better feedback from the cue due to the splicing technique used. The cue does not have a traditional A-joint either, which disrupts the feel that is transmitted from the tip to the player. The phenolic inserts that we use in the joint provide a transfer of energy close to that of a wood-to-wood jointed cue, it will also be more consistent from cue to cue since phenolic is more stable than wood. Using these inserts also closes off the ends of the cue from any moisture, which will also help keep your cue from warping.

In a nutshell, we incorporated feel, which everyone knows, with Predator technology, to make the most solid-hitting high performance cue in existence.


Neil,

Pardon me but what's an A-joint?

Also I've noticed that the stainless steel collar sleeve use for the Predator 2 is thinner or thinned wall compare to other SS jointed cues w/c are thicker. I assumed that this gives better feedback like wood-to-wood contact feel or should I say phenolic to phenolic contact like wood feel as you've stated above?

I don't like SS joints cuz they don't give better feedback like wood-to-wood. But if the Predator 2 isn't... then I'm looking forward to purchasing one.

[Neil]

The A-joint is where the forearm of the cue and the handle meet. There is a different piece of wood, usually maple, that is under the wrap section that extends to the bottom of the cue. This joint has either a pin or it is finger-jointed depending on the cue maker. Some custom cue makers will vary the length of this pin to regulate the balance point on their cues.

The stainless steel collar on the P2 is very thin walled indeed, for exactly the reason you stated. The hit is very comparable to a wood-to-wood jointed cue, lots of feedback, which is what most players look for. Just like tennis and golf, players know when they have struck the shot well by the feedback from their equipment. :wink:

Sid,

On the Predator partials it said on your website that it can be made into either 29" or 30" length shaft. If I were to send my cue and put a Pred shaft on it, will there be any extra charges for the extra length if I want mine 30" in length?

[Rick]

Normally, there is a $10.00 up charge for the extra shaft length. But If you send in your cue to have our cue maker match a partial then there is no extra charge. These 314 partials come at about 30 1/2 inches, so you can have these cut at the length you desire. We thought that we shouldn't charge extra for something that is being cut any way. thanks

Rick

I just got a Predator Sneaky Pete with a wood-to-wood joint and an extra-long 30-inch shaft. The hit is really solid and gives better accuracy than any other cue I've had. And the weight afforded by the extra long shaft causes some frontweighting, allowing me to use an open bridge more often.

What I really like about the SPW is the absence of a wrap; more friction between the butt and my hand is present, allowing a looser grip with my butt hand. That loose grip puts alot more action on the ball. So forget wraps if you like action.


Kokopuffs,

What weight is your cue and tip diameter? Also how many inches is the balance point measuring from the bottom of the bumper? Would gladly appreciate it your answers. :)

Thanks!

I JUST BOUGHT THE PREDATOR SPW AND I'M HAPPY WITH THE HIT BUT THE WEIGHT BALANCE OF IT ISN'T THAT GREAT, TOO HEAVY IN THE BACK. I USUALLY SHOOT WITH A SCHON WITH A PREDATOR SHAFT BUT I WAS A LITTLE DISSAPOINTED WITH THE WEIGHT DISTRUBUTION OF THE PREDATOR SPW. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BESIDES BUYING A NEW SHAFT?

VAN

I JUST BOUGHT THE PREDATOR SPW AND I'M HAPPY WITH THE HIT BUT THE WEIGHT BALANCE OF IT ISN'T THAT GREAT, TOO HEAVY IN THE BACK. I USUALLY SHOOT WITH A SCHON WITH A PREDATOR SHAFT BUT I WAS A LITTLE DISSAPOINTED WITH THE WEIGHT DISTRUBUTION OF THE PREDATOR SPW. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BESIDES BUYING A NEW SHAFT?

VAN

what is the weight of your cue? if it is around 18-18.5 oz then it's more forward heavy with the standard 12.75 mm dia. shaft. if it is 19 oz and above it is more butt heavy.

if it is butt heavy the only way is for you to lighten your cue weight. if it is 18 oz and front heavy and if you don't like it, then you have to turndown the 12.75 mm shaft to make it less front heavy for the 18 oz weigh preferred.

[Kokopuffs]

Get the Predator 30 inch shaft. That extra length along with a lighter weight bolt should move the weight/balance forward.

[Neil Fujiwara]

Since your Schon has a stainless steel joint, it's balance point will be further forward than a wood-to-wood jointed cue.

The only real way to avoid this is to have a custom cue built for you that either has a weight bolt near the joint, or pick a heavy wood for the forearm.

Kokopuffs had a good suggestion, see how that works out for you.

Get the Predator 30 inch shaft. That extra length along with a lighter weight bolt should move the weight/balance forward.


since he/she bought the cue with the standard 29" shaft how can you make it to 30". glue an extra wood? he/she just mentioned "BESIDES BUYING A NEW SHAFT?".

[DELETED]

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[Sid]

The Predator SPJ is the sneaky pete with the stainless collar. Just as something to keep in mind for anyone else thinking of purchasing a sneaky pete, the spj with the stainless collar will have a forward balance. The extra weight of the stainess collar provides the forward balance. So if you are used to a stainless collar, think about the spj.

The SPW will have a rear balance because of the wood to wood joint, there is not really anything in the front of that cue to ad weight to the forearm of the cue, just a small brass insert into the shaft. So, if you are want a rear weighted cue, think about the SPW. I think this is why Predator offers the two styles.

[van howard]

my predator spw is 19 ounces. i think i'm going to suck it up get used to it or maybe wait awhile and get the 30 inch shaft. i apreciate the feedback.

van

Looking at the SPWU and SPJU on different websites, I am seeing different shades of stain. I have only seen the SPWU and it was a very dark stain. Downright ugly actually, but I really liked the hit. Is the SPJU a lighter stain as it looks on Predators Website, or is it the dark stain like I seen on the SPWU? Or are there all kinds of shades and when I order I can ask for a lighter stain?

[Neil Fujiwara]

Since wood is a natural product, there will be a variance in both the grain structure and color. There is no stain on the butt of the SWPU or the SPJU, it is the natural color of the wood.

If you request a lighter colored cue, we will pick out the lightest colored cue we have in inventory for you.

[Notrightfly]

I too have decided on the sneaky pete. (Only because I'm gonna pay off some bills instead of getting a P2, sure wish I could get my priorities straight.....lol.) So which of the sneaky pete models will make the best break stick? I plan on getting a P2 or something more expensive in the next year, and would like to then make the sneaky pete my break cue. Is one joint more durable as far as breaking is concerned?

[Notrightfly]

If I was to go with the SPWU w/ 30" shaft, can I just order it like that or must I purchase a SPWU and then buy an additional 30" shaft?

[Deb]

You can just order SPWU with 30" shaft. Just make sure you include in the comment box that you do not want the 29", but a 30" shaft. We will make changes for you. Or if you wish, just call one of the gentlemen here at Seybert's at 1-877-314-2837 and they'll be happy to take your order :)

Hope that helps :)

Deb "Wacky" Varino
deb@seyberts.com

Would it be possible for seyberts to send me the lightest colored butt they have in a predator sneaky pete spwu?
or are they pretty much the same color all around.

I wouldn't want to speak for them, but they might want you to pay for it first ;-)

[Sid]

Just mention it in the comments box while ordering and we will pick out the lightest colored one that we have in stock at the time.

Thanks,