Which Is Best?

[Corey Deuel]

:roll: Take it as all are about the same price. Thanks!

I hate to be the stupid one, but how do you vote?

[Sid]

If you have not voted before, you should be able to see selection dots up at the top of the post by the various canidates. If you see only the graph where it shows just the results, chances are you or someone on your computer has already voted. It stores a cookie so there can only be one vote per computer.

[cynion]

for all being the same price.... i never knew schon and pechauer were low end butt's =)

[Hobbit]

Sid,

Just curious, what do you think is the best?

[Sid]

As far as playability, I really don't think there will be much difference at all. I play with a Predator2 and am extreamly happy with it. I bought it when they first came out a couple of years ago.

On the flip side, we had a Predator shaft come back from UPS that got all bent up. I bent it back into shape and now it is just a little off. At any rate, I had KJ mount this slightly warped Predator shaft on one of our $13.95 house cues with a UNI-LOC joint. The cue plays great and I am equally comfortable between the two. I use this cue when I am just out and about. It is nice to not have to worry about it getting knocked over, stolen or broke when out in the bars or something.

So, as for the poll, I guess I would go with the Pechauers with Predator shaft because I really am amazed with the quality of his cues.

Then Schon. Both of these choices are just because of the Value of the cues. (heck, if you are going to give me a cue with a Predator shaft, might as well take the more valuable of the lot)

Then the rest in no particular order. As long as they have the Predator shaft.

Basically it is just as far as the value, I don't feel the playabilty of the cues will be a big factor as they will all play very similar.

I am partial to the Predator2 cue. That is the one that throws a monkey wrench into the mix. They hit very nice and really have something with the spliced butt. A great hitting cue. Can't put my finger on it, but they really do have a little better hit and feel in my opinion. But, then I already have one.

moral of the story is, you will not be hurt with any of them. If you want design, looks and playability, go for the Pechauers - Shcons - Predators.

If you want absolute playability, the Predator2

Great playability with a less cost, Any butt with a Predator shaft.

Not much help was I,

Later,
Sid

Sid,

Thanks for the detailed explanation of the Predator shaft. I ordered one from you approx a month ago. I don't play with it much. I'll usually play my first few games with it and end up switching back to the original Joss shaft b/c I miss certain finesse shots and usually get "overposition" (too much roll. I'm not hitting any harder than I do with the Joss shaft. I can't figure it out. I've noticed I break better with the Predator shaft though. It really spreads the balls. Any recommendations for getting to the point where I can play consistently with the Predator the way I do with the Joss?

BTW, I like the feel of the hit on the long hard shots with the Predator shaft. I can shoot those with more confidence now.

I think what is happening is that the predator shaft is causing a little more english to be applied to the cue ball. More top, more roll. More backspin...more draw. The long shots are coming in nicer I would imagine because of the less deflection of the shaft. A little deflection on short shorts is not near as noticable as a little deflection on a long shot. By the time the cue gets to the object ball on a long shot a little deflection turns into a lot of deflection.

Breaking better is because of Predators claim to more power (that you are experiencing) and less deflection. You get a more percise hit on the aiming point of the rack.

Just stick to the Predator all the way through a match and then some. It will only take a while and you will be able to take advantage of the extra tools the Predator provides you. If you don't have to hit as hard to get the same results, that should be good. If you make more of the long shots, that also should be good. If you can get more english with less stroke...another added bonus. Better Breaks... Just give yourself time to adjust, I think you will be glad you did.