Hi there,
We made available two new cues from Predator products yesterday, the latest edition to the Sport 2 range, you will see them at the bottom of this email.
This got me thinking about why Predator Cues are so highly regarded and ultimately on the very expensive side of the cue market.
Deflection and Missed Shots
It is said that a lot of missed balls in pool (and snooker) are missed because of the application of unwanted side or a poorly made adjustment when playing with side.
So with this hypothesis Predator started putting it to the test way back in 1992.
They did this with a robot called 'Iron Willie', this robot enabled them to objectively test pool cue performance whilst keeping all variables constant.
This research still continues today but now Predator Group are partnered with the engineering department at the University of North Florida.
Improved Performance
The improved performance generated through this technological testing and enhancement has seen around 60% of the worlds top professionals using Predator products, whether it be complete cues or the shaft technology.
Predator cues through thorough objective testing have proven to improve performance in the following ways:
- Improved accuracy, especially when playing with spin
- More spin generation with less effort
- Very solid feel
- Consistency across products so a player could essentially pick up another cue and it would play the same
The Technology
Shafts
Predator started out with the 314 shaft, this is now on it's 3rd generation. It s a 10 piece 'pie-laminated' construction that does away grain directionality and produces a consistency of flex and straightness not seen in traditional maple shafts. This construction technique also really helps with reducing warping. (In fact Predator have a lifetime warranty against warping).
The 314 was followed by the Z Shaft (again on its 3rd iteration). This shaft uses the same way of constructing the shaft but uses a straighter taper more like a snooker cue. This results in a smaller tip and even less deflection than the 314.
The main point of Predator shafts is that the front end of the shaft is a lot lighter than a traditional shaft allowing for the cue ball to push the cue aside rather than the cue cause the cue ball to go off line.
Also added to the range are the Vantage and new Revo shaft models that only go further to enhance this feel and low deflection ability.
Whilst I appreciate this is directly from Predator themselves this article does help give more insight into the different shafts and the tech behind them:
Predator Cues Shaft Comparison
There are also numerous independently made test videos to be found on YouTube.
C4 Butt Construction
This is now available in most of the Predator range, the P3 and Sneaky Pete models are the exception.
It consists of a core of four wedges of maple that are then fitted inside a sleeve of exotic woods that are enhanced with phenolic.
Having this core makes the cue stronger, reduces warping and also adds to the solid feel of the Predator hit.
Pricing
Billiards Boutique is ultimately designed to sell cues and related equipment and one of the biggest questions we get asked about Predator cues is regarding price.
The technology and research that goes into Predator products obviously has to be paid for somewhere. That is indicative of the prices charged.
You may find the prices in Europe are higher than in the USA when converted to local currency. The main reason behind that is the cost of shipping goods from the USA to the European market and then the associated customs fee's and local taxes.
If you imported a cue yourself then it may seem cheaper at source but you would then be hit with shipping charges, customs charges and taxes once it enters the UK. The problem of returning defective or incorrect products also has to be taken into account as US consumer laws vary greatly to those of the European Union.
It could be that you need some more detailed specific information before making a purchase and that is absolutely cool, drop me an email and I will get back to you personally.
Finance
Billiards Boutique is also the only place in the UK that offers consumer finance on Predator Cues. You can spread the cost on your purchase through our partners V12 Finance. As with any credit finance there are lots of terms and conditions that determine if an application is successful. Questions? Then please get in touch.
Conclusion
One thing I would say is that I have never heard of a player complaining that they didn't get on with a Predator cue, if you want to make more balls with less effort then they are the way forward.
Until next week,
Pete
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