Drinking the Predator Kool-Aid
So here’s the deal. Yes, Predator makes a good cue. Yes, Predator shafts reduce deflection. Its been proven. Its a fact. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, the real question is whether or not it actually matters. For the average D Player, getting a Predator cue or adding a 314 shaft to your existing cue isn’t going to do much to improve your handicap. You’ll tell everyone that it made a difference and you’ll convince yourself that you made a great purchase, but the reality is that the average player won’t be able to tell the difference.
So, have I played with a Predator shaft? You know I have. I drank the Kool-Aid a while back, but that shaft didn’t help my game until I learned proper cue ball control. The whole reason the Predator shaft exists is to reduce the amount you have to correct when you shoot with English. Because there is less cueball deflection, the ball will go straighter even when you’re hitting with English.
If you don’t know how to hit with English, don’t bother buying a 314 shaft. Save your money, spend 30 bucks and get yourself a Rempe Training Ball. Then, once you’ve got the basics of English down, if you have a couple hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket, go get yourself a 314. Personally, I wouldn’t bother with any of the cues from the 5K series. To me, they’re overpriced. I’d much rather get myself a Joss or Schon and put a 314 on it instead of dropping $700+ on something like the Predator 5K5. Once you get your ball control down, I absolutely recommend getting a 314 shaft. You will notice a difference, but not until you really know how to play.
Nice post, I’m still on the fence trying to decide if I want to replace my original shaft.
well said. A predator is great once you know what you’re doing with regards to the use of english. For me it gives me added confidence when I have to power an inside english shot.