Any experience with Predator Shafts?

Question

I hear a lot of those and read all their marketing spiel about sweet spot, etc. I get the impression that their manufacturing technique allows them to actually use lower grade wood but they compensate it by glueing 6 pieces together so that it compensates any weaknesses, just analogue to cross layered plywood. Has anyone experience playing a Predator shaft and do you actually feel a difference? Is the higher price tag justifyable?

Answer 1

Been playing with it for more then 10 years....I did have to make some adjustments but afterwards really happy with it.....not what I would call a "world class beater"...so I may not be the one to judge it.....but still feel that in my mind, they way it is put together and the theory on it, it pretty much has the answers to a lot of the issues that go with deflection and spin....but as "Straight" pointed out, it would be a good idea to learn this adjustments without "something" doing it for you.....it really does not do it, but it is suppose to help diminish the problems.....on a really good player...."a stick is a stick is a stick".....they can shoot with a broom handle if it came down to it.....but, I still think that this is probably the best shaft out there to be found.....has not got me to coming out on TV......but for my weekend playing it works find and would highly recommend it.......do not think they use lower grade wood ...but good quality wood that has the grains all running the same directions.....making it more stiffer......that is my "2 points" worth.....hope it helped some....with a name like "Fast Eddie".....maybe you could hustle someones stick and then try it out without blowing your own money!!

Answer 2

It is a layered shaft to help prevent warping and reduce deflection. This is a very playable shaft but does not have the feel I normally like. Try one on a set run of drills and then use your reg shaft see which feels better but remember to keep score during drills and compare balls made.

Luck

K

Answer 3

The thing about Predator shafts is this, once you get used to one and you really like it, you're pretty much useless for anything else.  You should learn to compensate for cue ball deflection the correct way instead of buying a special stick to do it for you.  It's really a band-aid solution in my personal opinion.  Sure, it does what it claims to, but I rank the Predator shafts right up there with the Sardo tight rack,  completely unnecessary and in certain cases, harmful.  I think it promotes the overuse and abuse of sidespin.  I don't like to rip on certain products.  That's just my honest opinion.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 4

I bought one for my fishing pole but it wouldnt fit so I S caned it I would try it on my collector butwiper but it might make a ball and ruin the value

but for real they are a good shaft-But as Straight pointed out maybe to good you will tend to over shoot your english shots .i would rather depend on skill ( ever hear the old poolhall saying D-- I shot that to good ? Better get used to it but i have 2 so what can i say >> try it you might like it if not -really brag on it then put it up in a game for a couple of hundred

Answer 5

I guess it depends on your level of play.  I gather from your name that pool is more than something you do a couple of times a month with your drinking buddies, so yeah, I think it's worth it.  I can't tell you exactly what the difference is, I know it has something to do with deflection, but when I switched from a Schon shaft to a Predator, it messed with my game for a while. It somehow puts more english on the cue ball...how, I don't know (that darned deflection thing).  So when you first use it, the cue ball is going to be going places you don't expect.

I wish I knew more about how it worked so I could help you out more.  My husband has played with Predator shafts for years, and before I switched, he was hitting some balls around with my cue and said, "I don't know how you do anything with this." He notices a difference, and I think 65% of the male pros use them (says the Predator website).  Try one out.

I should add that it's not going to make or break your game. I'm not sure if Straight was responding to what I said my husband said, but it's not like he absolutely couldn't do anything, he was just making a point and trying to get me to use a 314. There *is* a difference, but if you're good, you're good.  It might help you and change your game a little, but it's not a magic wand.