Authentic 314 Shaft

I was just at a local custom cue shop. They have recently started to offer the 314 shaft as an option. I've never seen a predator blank shaft before but it seems that the ones that he had are too conical in terms of taper. 314 pictures have an obvious taper but still conical. Given the number of copycats around and those laminated shafts from Thailand, I was wondering if anybody would know how I could actually know if a shaft is a genuine predator shaft? I know the best way is to get a blank from dealers like Seyberts but is there a way to visually figure it out?

Lastly, are the blank shafts devoid of finish? The shop's blanks were still devoid of finish. Thanks.

BTW, I also noticed that the bottom end of the partial shaft seems to have a hole (about 2 mm across). The pictures that I've seen doesn't have this hole. I'll probably bring a measuring instrument when I go back to that shop and see if the partials that they have are 30.5 inches and a diameter of 0.870.

[Sid]

by your description, I would say they are authentic. All the Predators have the small hole in the end of the shafts and come unfinished. They do have a definite taper though. Check the end of the cue to see the 10 pie shaped splices. You might want to call Predator (1-888-314-4111) and see if they are a dealer of theirs. The shop might be buying from a wholesaler so that is not a 100% sure bet either.
The shop should have the predator 314 logo to put on the shaft when it is finished, so you could look to see that.

If I had to venture a guess without seeing it, I would say that it is authentic. To be 100% sure without seeing it or you cutting the ferrule off to see that it is hollow would be tough.

[Neil Fujiwara]

definate= definite?

[Sid]

What are you talking about? The correct way to spell definite is this way. You can verify that by my post above. :wink:

Later,

definate= definite?


Oh Neil is this the way to treat one of your top if not the top Predator dealer ? tsk tsk tsk

Thanks for the replies guys. I rechecked the shaft. It has eight pieces. I'm definitely never going back to that shop ever. Damn cheats. I'm even scared of buying an authentic one and having them attach it. They might replace the shaft.

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[Neil Fujiwara]

Predator has made 1,6,10 and 12 splice shafts, but never an 8 piece.