Should I buy the Predator 314 3 shaft?

The third generation of the Predator 314 shaft is, naturally, an improved version of its predecessors. The shaft is the combination of various innovations in manufacturing technology and patented techniques including v-tech fiber tip silencing, iMatch 10 piece splice construction and innovative vault plate front end construction. The Predator 314 3 is supposed to be a very rounded shaft- not as rigid as the Predator Vantage shaft and not as flexible as the Predator Z shaft. Let’s see if this holds true.

Predator 314 3 highlighted features

The Predator 314 3 is a standard 29” shaft with a pro taper which is the preferred taper for most pool pro athletes. It comes with a Predator velvet sleeve and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

The Predator 314 3 has a premium Predator eight-layer medium Victory tip which is 12.75mm in diameter. The cost of the shaft ranges around the $450 mark and is based on the type and style of the joint connection.

Predator 314 3 shaft first impression

From the first time I held this shaft in my hand, I could feel a certain level of quality. The shaft, at least to the naked eye, seems symmetrically perfect. I then did a roll test which confirmed its uniformity: no curves, bends, bumps or dents.

The Predator 314 3 shaft is very comfortable to shoot with. One of the main selling points is the low deflection of the shaft. I, therefore, opted to test this first. The shaft is said to be 3% lighter at the front end than the 314 2 and also stronger. This could indeed be felt when shooting with this cue. The reduced deflection was also evident as I didn’t have to adjust my aim as much to compensate for deflection as with other shafts.

Playing long term with the 314 3 shaft

I must comment on the tip that comes with this shaft. This 12.75mm 8 layer Predator Victory tip is a medium hardness tip which I must say holds up very well in gameplay. It doesn’t mushroom or needs shaping as one would anticipate. It provides a solid point of contact with the cue ball and is pretty accurate.

This all-round athlete of a pool shaft indeed steps up to the task of upstaging its predecessors. The real test, however, is against shafts from different manufacturers in its class. How does it hold up against the competition? The answer is: pretty well. The shaft is, in my opinion, one of the best pool cue shafts on the market. It is especially handy if you are someone who wants to travel with just one shaft as it was designed to be an all rounder’s shaft.

Deflection does increase the harder you hit the cue ball, as with most other shafts, but the overall deflection is low. You, therefore, need to do less adjusting for your spins.

Recommendation

This is a very good, well-rounded shaft that will make a positive impact on your game when added to your arsenal of other pool shafts or as an upgrade to your existing shaft. Considering all things, including the price, I rate the Predator 314 3 shaft at 4 out of 5 stars and do recommend you give it a go.