Billiard Product Reviews

Predator Bk3 Break Cue

Predator Bk3 Break Cue

Author
  • Overall Performance
  • quality
  • Effectiveness
  • price

Predator Bk3 Break Cue

This is a review of the Predator BK3 19oz break cue with the sport wrap.

I really like the sport wrap on this cue. Prior to playing with this break cue, I used to play with the “no wrap” version of the cue. For me, the sport wrap was very worth the upgrade. It feels great in my hand and allows me to grip the cue comfortably and confidently as I break with this cue, regardless of how hard I break.

 

 

 

 

The joint is a quick release joint, which I also really like. It allows me to quickly assemble and disassemble the cue easily & effortlessly. It is my experience that every once in a while, this cue loosens a bit between breaks. So it is a good idea to give it a bit of a tightening twist before you break with it, just in case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shaft on the cue I am reviewing is the standard shaft that came with the cue and it has held up wonderfully. This shaft remains straight as an arrow, has not warped one bit and just continues to feel smooth as silk.

The tip is still the factory  tip the cue came with and it has not mushroomed or broken down in any way. This cue plays the same today as the day I purchased it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a mass produced cue, I consider this to be a very high quality cue. It looks great, it feels great, and it performs great.

I will say, comparably speaking, this is an expensive mass produced cue. This cue is over three times the price as some other break cues that I have previously used. Honestly, I can’t say that I sink more balls on the break due to using this cue, nor can I say I break harder using this cue. For example, there is a phone app published by Predator called “break speed”. I have used the app to measure my break speed using this cue and other, less expensive cues. I break about the same speed with both.

If you are interested in the breakspeed app, you can get more information here

One of the things I miss with regard to using this cue is that it is a single purpose cue. It is not break/jump cue, which means I have to carry a jump cue with me in addition to this cue. I do miss the convenience of a break cue that can double as a jump cue.

Overall, I really like this break cue and do not regret paying the extra dollars for it. I have been using this cue for over a year and it has held up beautifully and breaks very consistently. It looks great, performs great and is worth your consideration if you are in the market for a break cue.

A couple of tips for you if you are in the market for a break cue:

  • Before purchasing a cue, I encourage you to try a number of them out. You can do this by borrowing cues from other players you play with. Also, you can try purchasing from a place where you can try them before buying. Some pool halls sell cues as do some specialty billiards stores. Another great place you can “try before you buy” are billiards events, such as Super Billiards Expo (This is where I purchased mine from)
  • If the cost is concerning you, some vendors will allow you to trade up. So you can start by purchasing cheaper versions of the cue (such as a “no Wrap” configuration) and if you keep your cue in excellent condition, some time later, some vendors will purchase the cue back and give you a credit towards a more expensive model (this is what I did).
  • There is a healthy market for gently used cues. You can sell cheaper configurations to another player in your pool league or post to pool forums or ebay. Then upgrade to a more expensive version of the cue.

Selecting a cue, whether it be a break cue, playing cue, or jump cue is an extremely personal choice and it is important to set your expectations appropriately. There is no cue that is a magic bullet to improving your game. The most important thing is that you employ good fundamentals regardless of the cue you play with. So I encourage you to read instructional materials or take lessons on good fundamentals with breaking. The other thing I recommend is consistency. To play your best, use the same cue regularly as there are many factors in the cue characteristics & materials that result in differences in the play of one cue to another. It is a good idea to practice and play regularly with the same cue so that you develop a second nature comfort with the play of the cue. You want the cue to feel like it is a part of you and therefore, I encourage you to try a number of cues before making your purchase decision.

I am the founder of Billiard Product Reviews. I have been playing pool for over 30 years. I have a genuine love for this game and all things billiards. I consider myself a student of the game and try to learn as much as I can from instructional books, instructional DVDs, DVDs of professional matches, professional coaching, practice and from the other players that I play with. While I play competitively in league and occasionally tournaments, I consider myself a casual player, relatively speaking. I am a skill level 7 in the APA, skill level 5 in TAP and play as a C+ in amateur open tournaments. I created this site to give back to the billiards community and to assist my fellow players in selecting the right products to help improve their game or just get more enjoyment out of the sport we love.

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