Which cue shaft is better?....Predator 314-2 or Meucci Black Dot Bullseye?

Question

Ten wedges or 35 layers...both companies make strong claims.

Answer 1

from what I've heard talking to people at the pool hall, Meucci quality control has really fallen off the last 5 years.  One friend of mine had to replace a shaft on a meucci about 2 maybe 3 years back for a 15yr old stick, he bought 3 different ones and none of them played like his old one.  even after he got them home and changed the tips.  I need a new shaft for my meucci sneaky pete, got broken in a bar over the summer, and I'm dreading it, after what he told me, I'm considering a ride up to NYC to check out the predator shafts myself which is what he finally ended up going to a while back, but that was a 1st gen predator, I forget which the Z or the 314, it was the one with the pro taper.  He loves it, and I've tried it a couple of times and it hits well.  the thing that I've been hesitant about is how well all those little wedges would hold together but he's had his for a while, and it's still in one piece, so... I figure it's worth the ride to see if it's worth the price.

Answer 2

I really depends on which one you like the feel of better.  My personal choice would be the Predator.

Answer 3

Had a Predator for over 12 years and just enjoy it....never played with the Meucci.....the "concept" as explained by Predator answers what ever needs I would have in regards to deflection...the biggest problem is that it does not have a "sighting scope" wot help me make more of my shots.....has not put me on TV but I would swear by this shaft!

Answer 4

I have a Meucci black dot and I don't ever turn the shaft.  I don't really notice a difference.  

My friend has a Falcon que.  I think they hit just a tad better.  Overall, it's a good stick, but I'm not overly impressed with my Meucci.

Answer 5

You do remember that just 20 - 30 years ago only the pro sharks and criminals had their custom cues>>>

what Is better for you,, Is not even suitable for me.

I watch the Billiards on TV every day there are so many web sites  that have forums and equipment .

(I have dish and they are at espn ch2??)

Posting here Is rather silly

try here

http://www.pooldawg.com

I got the cue ball with 6 red dots..

Answer 6

I'd go with the Predator. I have and use a Meucci that came with a black dot shaft.  I have since bought a replacement red dot shaft (which is solid wood).  I much prefer the red dot shaft and have had it for a few years now.

Answer 7

I don't use either on but have hit with both, personally I would go for the predator since the meucci recommends turning the shaft the same way each shot ( dot up) . I prefer to focus on the shot not where the black dot on my shaft is. Also I have heard concerns about what the tip does after repeated shots with the tip always pointed the same. Good luck.

Answer 8

I've shot with a ton if different cues and shafts, and my stock jacoby shaft with moori tip plays just as well as anything out there.   However if you think that it is going to make a difference it just may.  I've talked to a lot of guys who shoot with a predator shafts and swear by it.  Me, I can't tell a difference and can make the same shots with my equipment.  So with most things pool related, its personal preference.

Answer 9

Well, if you're looking for a low deflection shaft, steer clear of Meucci. Bob Meucci's deflection test is the only one I've ever seen that shows Black Dot shafts reduce deflection at all, let alone does it better than Predator cues. In fact, if you look at the deflection tests done by Platinum Billiards, the Black Dot shaft actually has 7% more deflection than the average cue, and 10% more than their own solid wood Red Dot shaft. And just the fact that Meucci's tests are so off would make me skeptical of ANY claims of quality in their product.

As far as feel goes, Meucci's are not my cup of tea, but to each his own. If that's what you like go for it, but if I were you, they would be among the last I considered after all other low deflection shafts and all custom cues.

Answer 10

the idea behind the dot is for even smooth stroke that is the same every single shot.  even on my cheaper players cue I've always tried to shoot with it orientated the same way.  its kind of like hand placement. always want to try and have everything same each shoot.

now for original question.    

honestly got to go see which one feels right to you.  A guy i shoot with regularly shoots with a very expensive meucci and i hate it i like my 100 dollar players better just doesn't feel right to me. he though loves it and thinks it best thing since sliced bread.  basically each cue (even down to same brand different cue) has its own feel and own strengths and weaknesses.  Try them (hold them mock shoot) get a feel which one has right balance and glide for you