Modify a Predator 314 Shaft into a Break Cue

5/21/2009 6:40:18 AM

I have an unused Predator 314 shaft and I would like to know if there is any chance to modify it into a jump break cue?

Anyone have any experience in this or any guidance for me?

Mitch Alsup on 5/21/2009 12:16:40 PM
All you should have to do is put a nice hard tip on it. If its a 314 (not -II) then its got a LePro tip (durometer 75-ish); if its a 314-II then it has an Everest (durrometer 75.1):: for strictly breaking you should be looking for a tip with durrometer above 95 (extra extra Hard). Although, for most purposes, you can break happily and for a long time with a tip of durrometer 90+. As of June 1, 2009, BCA is banning phenolic tips, so don't head off to the phenolic catagory if BCA means anything to your game.

conetip on 5/21/2009 4:34:41 PM
With my cuttlefish tip system, you can put a break tip on for the break and a playing tip to continue play. That is if you still want to use it as a play cue also. Neil Lickfold

doc@hnpl.net cuttlfishcues@gmail.com

Agus PS on 5/21/2009 11:37:33 PM
Mitch: Thanks for response. But, I still wonder is it necessary to modify or change ferule? have you have any experience or references about this one? Conetip: Can you explain what's 'cuttlefish tip system' mean? Thanks.

conetip on 5/22/2009 4:57:06 AM
The cuttlefish system is a replaceable taper seating tip system. The ferrule insert can be put into a shaft with or without a ferrule. A cue repairman can install the system on most cues. I have installed it into an ob-1 cue, and numerous solidshaft cues. I have not yet converted a Z shaft or the 314 yet, nor on ob-2. But I don't see whay it could not be. Attached are some photo's of the system in a cue with and without a ferrule. Another pic is of the inserts and a tool for triming the tips without needing to have the cue. It can be installed into phenolic and g-10 ferrules.

Mitch Alsup on 5/22/2009 1:14:50 PM
It is not necessary to change the ferrule in any way. Basically, if you can find an x-hard tip you like for the break, just play with it. Its when you cannot find an x-hard tip you like for breaking that you start changing the ferrule and/or tenon. Unless you are good enough to be on tour, there is little chance you cannot find a tip you will end up liking.

Agus PS on 5/23/2009 12:16:08 AM
conetip: it's seem interesting to me to try. Maybe I can apply this system. But, please kindly let me know, how can I get the material. FYI, I've live in Indonesia. Thanks.