About to buy a Predator 3K1 but...

[FearlessInc]

Alright, I'm about to buy my next cue. My current cue is a Halex Titatium (Fiberglass), I got it from my sister's boyfriend when I first started and I'm ready to move on. I'm looking at the 3K-1 and I'm really interested (also because that's one of the cheapest too).

I was wondering if you guys could tell me how to go about choosing the weight and etc. I'm most likely going to go for the 314 Shaft.
Any recommendations on the tip and weight?
I was thinking about going to a local billiards shop to test one out. (I'm hoping that they do have the Predator line so I can check it out)
before I buy them, but was also helping you can help me out.
Thanks a lot!
-Albert Moy

[Tanar]

That is a very good idea. I am not too sure if you were reading one of the earlier threads, but if you go with a Predator (with which you can't go wrong), get a Moori tip installed. It is worth the extra money, trust me. When I got my Predator, I got the LePro tip put on and I had to send my cue back to have a Moori put on as I hated the LePro tip. If your going to put out the money for a Predator, then go all the way and get the Moori.

As for weight, I ordered a 19oz because that is what I heard most of the Pros use. It works great for me. You should get a weight that is close to the weight of your current play cue. Weight can throw off your game. Like I have suggested to the other players wondering about cues, try and get out and try as many different cues as possible. A little plug for Predator: I have had many of the high level players here try my cue and as soon as they picked it up, they have noticed a difference. That was before they even got close to a table with the cue. Almost everybody that has tried my cue has fallen in love with it and now a few players are eyeing up the Predator line. If you do get the 3K1, let me know how it is as a buddy of mine is looking at getting one.

[FearlessInc]

Thanks for the reply. I'll be sure to check out the 19oz first to see how it is with me.
About the tip and the Moori, what is the difference the three types I can choose? Slow, Med, Quick?
Thanks!

[FearlessInc]

In addition, about the shaft length/diameter too, thanks!
Like I said before, I'm going try to check out a billiards shop and hopefully try out the cues, preferably the Predator series, although this is the only one I can afford to get the feel. If it's great, then I'll most likely get that. I just want to make sure that I get the right options on my cue.
Thanks!

[FearlessInc]

After reading some threads, I see some people are preferring the 12.25 compared to the standards.
Hmm, starting to think...

Maybe I would do the following -
Predator 3K1 with the 314 Shaft
12.25
Moori Tip (not sure which one (med, quick, slow)
19OZ maybe... not so sure about the weight... I don't really prefer "Heavy" cues but then I don't want a cue that's like THAT light. Preferably something in the middle.

I think that's basically it... how's that so far?

[Neil Fujiwara]

I would stick with 12.75mm, it is closer industry standard and our warranty is void if the shaft diameter falls below 12.25mm.

[Tanar]

Fearless,
If you want the smaller shaft diameter, buy the Z shaft. I played with a 12mm diameter or so tip on my old Cuetec, but I adjusted to the 12.75. Also, the slow, medium and fast labelling on the Moori tips are the same as any soft, medium or hard labelling on other tips. Once again it is a player's preference as to what hardness they want. I play with a medium, but that is mainly because I have not tried anything else. As for the shaft length, I am 6'0" and the regular shaft length works just fine.

[maughanm]

I had Seyberts turn my 3K2 down to 12.25 and really like it...as for the tip....I'd go with a medium. 8) Mike

[StB]

Just remember, with shaft dia. you can always make it smaller...it's a bit more difficult to add to it.

[FearlessInc]

Thanks for the reply. At least I have the tip now. I guess I'll check out medium also then. If anything, I can always get it replaced (not by myself of course) but hopefully that won't happen.

Well I was reading and saw that many were raving about the 12.25 but then again, I saw that some said that with that, you need precise accuracy on the rock... Not sure, but again, like a lot of people are saying, I can always go smaller from 12.75 so that seems reasonable too.

I think I mainly have it set then.

Predator 3K1 w/ 314 Shaft
(BTW, quick question, is the Z shaft for like, smaller tips (12.25, etc?, just curious)
Moori Med Tip
19OZ
Default Shaft Size (I think 29")

Going to check a couple of things more out before I place more order, but I think that's good so far. :)

[FearlessInc]

Okay, a whole new set of questions, sorry about that.
I was checking out the shafts, and the Z is default @ 11.75?
Wow, that's a lot less then the 314 standard of 12.75 and even of the 12.25 I was thinking about.

Now, I'm really confused about which Shaft to opt for.
In short, any opinions about the Z?

I've always heard about the 314 Shaft and etc, but never of the Z, sinec maybe it just came out.
Thanks!

[StB]

I had a 314 at 12.25, which was awesome. Unfortunately I had a little accident with the ferrule, and now it is well under the warrantied limit of 12.25. I was considering the Z shaft but my budget, or lack of, made that option out of the question. I like the thinner shaft because it allows me to play a much wider variation of english, but was concerned what would happen with the 314 under 12.25. Most people told me that the shaft would become very whipy, which it did. I still play with it, and like it, but it doesn't have the same feel. What is different about the Z shaft is the taper, so that even though its thinner where it contacts the cue, it will not be as whipy as the 314...which, according to my experience with a very whipy 314, will give you greater control over the cue ball...not that I had much control over it before.

[Big Business]

Well I have a 3 k 5 and I have had it for about 3 months. Has a 314 pro taper. I love it. Sure some nights I want to roast weinies with it over a fire but when you really listen to it and storke it the way its meant to be hit it is one rewarding cue. Once those three months of breaking old habits takes hold the outcome is incredible. I'm a pretty good shot to begin with but man my game has increased. Mostly because this cue demands respect form its shooter. be patient and it will rock your world and that of your opponants. Re the Z shaft I have someone on my team htat just recieved a 3k7 from seyberts with the z shaft and now I am getting a z shaft. I like variety and thought the change sometimes is needed depending on the size of the table I am playing on. Bla BLa BLa Its great buy it