PREDATOR REVO REVIEW~ After 1000 hours shooting with this shaft, here are our thoughts. Pool Lessons

[@lgold3416]

Excellent review on what is definitely a amazing shaft. I was loaned one to play in a tournament and it was awesome

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Arzidaz]

2024 and this is still very helpful. Thank you!!

[@darwinbernhart]

I've been playing with a 12.4 revo for about 3 years now. I repair cues and tips so changing tips for me was easier than most. I've found the Taom pro soft and Cyborg soft to be my favorite. I found the victory tip became hard quite fast. Noticeably in about 30-40 racks. That being said I recently purchased an 11.8 wvp with a radial pin for another cue . I'm leaving the victory tip on it for now but have noticed a significant difference in performance. More so when I'm playing closer to the OB using spin. A bit of an adjustment but consistent. I do like the overall feel and visual appeal of the 11.8 over the 12.4, however time will tell which will be my daily shooter. I like your reviews and videos. Keep up the good work. It is appreciated .

[@rocketceo]

After waiting several years as a wood purist, I am now all-in for carbon fiber, and couldn't be happier. I have Revo shafts for pool (12.4), break (BK-R 12.9) and carom (3C-U 11.8). I echo all your comments, and having tried other brands, I also believe the REVO is the best. There actually is a shaft though on the market with lower deflection than the 12.4 Revo we both use, and that is the Revo 3C-U carom shaft. It is designed specifically for the carom game, where we use so much more spin routinely that minimizing deflection is critical. While the 3C-U could also be used for pool, I don't think it necessary, as it has only a slight bit less squirt then the pool Revo. Also, at $579, it is considerably price-unfriendly.

[@SarahShootsPool]

I have a Revo and I thoroughly enjoy shooting with it. I love that it's always smooth and has no dings in it. I do still use a wood shaft on my break stick but only so my sticks color coded for less confusion! If it weren't for that, I'd have a carbon fiber on both!

[@briankdaniels]

I shot with one of these the other day and one thing that seemed to be omitted here was how slick the shaft is. Truthfully it felt as though I was playing with a glove it was so smooth. The pluses may soon out weigh this minus but for now the 314 is doing a fine job!

[@nunyabizness9544]

Thats for the update...when I close escrow this will be my house warming gift to myself. Were downsizing but made sure to have plenty of room for my pool table.

[@FXBilliards]

Good schools, nice neighborhood, room for a pool table: All you need in a house. Thanks for watching Rudy.

[@luisvallejo2679]

...And by the way....You have excellent reviews on the Revo which is the reason why I am considering getting...YOUR CHANNEL ROCKS!!!! I love it.

[@stevegunn9971]

I'm getting 2.5 diamonds more in length on my draw with the Revo compared to my Players HXT PureX. Both have the Kamui medium tip. Loved my Players, but love my 12.4 Revo even more!

[@jamesprivate9832]

Weird! I have the PureX and now going to buy the Revo! Did you but just the shaft from predator? If so, does it look weird putting a high-tech all-black shaft on what I assume is a more traditional looking wooden cue with inlays etc? I'm tempted to get an all-black butt from predator but so hard to justify the extra few hunred $$.....

[@toddfields9385217]

@@jamesprivate9832 @James, . I have 3 types of carbon fiber shafts . The revo 12.4 out performs my 3 mcdermott shafts including the DEFY. I bought a revo to fit my mcdermott and it is a dream. seriously a dream compared to the others . . price wize . look at the predator aspire1-4 or 1--5 for just 100 bucks more than the cost of the shaft you get the cue , the maple shaft and a revo of your choice for 609 out the door . full on predator for 100 more. they nock off 75% during check out .. love my mcdernotts but now that I tried the revo on 1 . I am ordering full on predator tonight . even the victory tip medium feels way beter than my kamui super softs and others . .. entire complete cue is listed at 409, then add 499 for the revo as an EXTRA shaft and they discount 75% making it 609 out the door . .. pretty cool you get a full on entire Predator for just 109 more than the shaft itself

[@donavinharris5995]

Good Morning Brian......I have the Meucci carbon fiber shaft 11.75 with my Meucci cue and I just picked up a Revo 12.4 carbon fiber shaft for my Poison cue and I can tell the difference when I started shooting with the Revo shaft from the start and I made my Revo shaft my primary shaft ......

[@FXBilliards]

I’m glad you like the Revo. I have to tell you if you haven’t figured it out yet, I love it.

[@jamesdeus-day6954]

Hey I just got my Revo first 12.4 carbon fiber took a few games to adjust to it but I Love it

[@ClaytonOT]

same man. just got mine yesterday. love the feedback equipped with the P3

[@glockasauruswrex6362]

I wound up with a P3 grey curly maple with a revo 12.4 shaft n kamui soft tip...even going from a 314-3, i had to go back to "no english" cut shots to get a feel for my aiming points again...kinda retrain my brain for that cue n that seems to have worked. It feels amazing BUT it'll only do what i tell it to do. So ya need to focus on each shot because the ball will go PRECISELY where you tell it to go. Respect that, n the results are amazing! Also, definitely an intermediate/ advanced cue because as a noob there's no way i had the skill to use such an amazing instrument to my advantage.

[@FXBilliards]

Congratulations of the new cue! Keep putting in work.

[@backyardbilliards101]

Never had a Revo but your past review inspired me to get my Meucci carbon pro that I love so much.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching Chuck. Sounds like you liked that Victory Tip.

[@agm8531]

Soon enough I'm getting the Predator Ice Sport 2 with the sports wrap and 11.8 Revo shaft...let's just say I can hardly handle the 30 day wait because I'm so excited lol

[@thenerdlabofficial]

I've had my revo 12.4 for about a year and it's been great! My only gripe is that 13 inch taper. I wish it had a longer pro taper.

[@FXBilliards]

You must have a longer bridge. I think the 11.8 has a longer pro taper.

[@thenerdlabofficial]

@@FXBilliards I used to shoot with a Z3 shaft so I'm very familiar with the 11.8 but the 11.8 revo wasn't available when I got mine, now I'm accustomed to the 12.4 and it's still the best shaft I have. The taper is just a preference.

[@davebattista9972]

Thanks for the review. Had pred revo for 2 & half months now. Its taken some time to get use to the cue action but I still love it & don't think I will ever go back to wood

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching Dave. I feel the same way but I still put in some time with the wood cues. But, Suddenly I feel the need to have on a glove when using a wood cue.

[@ERDG516]

The shot at 4:28 bank to side pocket nicely done.

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate you taking the time to tune in.

[@juiceman7161]

Just ordered the p3 with 12.4 tip, cant wait 👍

[@FXBilliards]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@bryanspears6066]

Which of the victory tips do you use? Soft medium or hard?

[@JeezVince]

Hi Bryan, I've been playing a lot since last year and I feel like it would be a good idea to go for a Revo and learn to spin with it now rather than continue to progress with my actual wood shaft and relearn later with the Revo. My problem is that I not only play pool but also 3-Cushions and Balkine. It seems like a very bad idea to switch from shaft to shaft between disciplines, I just wonder if I can play Balkline with a Revo. And if it is a good idea.

[@FXBilliards]

I would consider changing shafts only because the weight of the balls are different - so you’re not losing anything in consistency anyway. Are used to use a slightly heavier cue anytime I was on a table with a weighted cue ball. That’s about the best I can do to help you with your question, but it is a good question

[@JeezVince]

@@FXBilliards Tx, I was worried about the Revo ability to sustain hardcore massés like those we play in balkline. As you probably know the LD wood shafts have ferules that can be damaged with those type of shots. But since there is no ferrule on a Revo I dont think there could be a problem. Another thing is : I never saw a balkline player with a Revo. Maybe the 11.8mm type is a tad too big for them. Again, thanks for your answer. Much love.

[@richardbarrios8132]

Thanks Bryan! These are excellent points you gave made about not only the Revo shaft but carbon Fibre shafts in general. I have been playing with Viking Seige, and love it! I am nearing the point of needing to change tips. Is the Vuctory tip available for shafts other than predator, and do you know in what density it is available? Thanks again for your videos. Looking forward to seeing you when you come to ND😄

[@FXBilliards]

Anyone that sells pool cue tips will have Victory tips. They come in S M H. Thanks for watching.

[@andyk565]

Richard. Predator Victory Tip density levels... Soft 75.3/ Medium 79.8/ Hard 84.3. Hope That helps you out some. Best of luck!

[@klledbetter]

Great video! Been looking at the Revo, and you just convinced me.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad to hear it!

[@olavodias]

I had a Revo 12.4mm for 1 year. Switched to the 11.8mm.. can't tell the difference to be honest. I've played with a Cuetec Cynergy (pro taper) and it feels a little bit different (not bad at all), but I still prefer the Revo.

[@FXBilliards]

I don't think I could pull off the 11.8 myself. It seems so small to me but a lot of people (especial predator Z3 people) like it.

[@punitchhabra1237]

I've been a wood purist for the 30 years been using a Predator Sneaky Pete and Z-2 for the last ten. I've heard and read excellent things about the REVO but for me, when I look at the REVO's I feel like its way out of the box from I'm used to seeing every time I shoot. Black being the only color and the Victory tip color as brown are fairly big changes for adjustment. I'd love to hear some more feedback from lifelong wood users on how long it took to adjust to this shaft and did it significantly improve your game enough for you to make the switch?

[@FXBilliards]

The things I like most about the Revo is it always feels like a brand new Cue in your hand. Stays clean stays smooth no bumps. It’s lower deflection than a 314 about the same as a Z. And you might never need to replace it. Two hours of practice and you are use to it.

[@densattv4861]

I just bought mine today. Thanks for your info.

[@FXBilliards]

NICE. You deserve a great cue.

[@AlanDunham]

Brian i have an older McDermott cue, believe it is D19 model. It uses the 3/8" x 10 joint which the revo 12.4mm has available. Could i use this McDermott butt effectively with the revo shaft or do you advise buying the Predator butt to go with the shaft?

[@FXBilliards]

You can pair up the Revo with your McDermott. Just let your retailer know what you have and they will send you in the right direction.

[@SarahShootsPool]

I have an older McDermott butt that I use with the Revo shaft and I think it's a great combination!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Hi again Brian, this is definitely the cue I will be ordering with the soft tip. I also play a lot (12 hrs per day) and am ready to make the step up to a carbon fiber...Thanks!

[@darwinbernhart]

Got my 12.4 during the pandemic to get used to the changes. White vault plate. It was a switch from my Z3 .I own a lathe so to my advantage I had dozens of options. After 5 tips I settled on the Taom Pro soft. Love the control and feel. Typically don't like black tips but this is a winner set up for me.

[@phaashewolf7980]

I am playi ng with a Kamui tip although Victory cuetip is also very good cuetip I play with 12.9 shaft

[@craigkendall1754]

Thank you for the video, Bryan. What's not to love about the Revo? Well, it is on the spendy side of the spectrum. But, there are reasons for that, right? Customer demand drives the price so Predator can charge more than the other brands.

[@FXBilliards]

One of the reasons Predator cost more is R and D. This is a factory a lot of people miss and also the reasons their cues cost more and play better. Think Pfizer Vs generic drugs.

[@jamesprivate9832]

Curious what were the other two tips you tried? You mentioned you like the victory more than them. What were they?

[@FXBilliards]

I’ve also used Kamui black soft and moori medium. Probably six others over the last 20 years.

[@islamway962]

I wan to ask about that I really play good with wood shafts and after I bought revo 12.4 i feel so different and I don’t play so good and i feel the shaft is so smoother on my hand , is that something normal until i get used on it ? Is it will take a time ? Or i have to back to play with wood one and improve my self better ?

[@FXBilliards]

It’s an interesting problem you have- that smooth feeling is what a pool cue is supposed to feel like, people spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours trying to get a cue to feel like that - this is the reason so many top players wear gloves - you really need to get used to that because that is what a quality pool cue should feel like in your hand. Good luck with your game.

[@mattcrawford2666]

I have a medium kamuii clear black on my record now and I hate it. Personally I find that I don’t get the feed back and consistency as I did with the victory medium.

[@FXBilliards]

Yes, I think the Victory last longer also.

[@867star]

There's a reason why some of the best professionals are switching over.... The future has arrived.

[@SRKanai1]

Please do a video on keeping the pool ball on table during an 8 ball break. I have a great break but here recently I have come down with this disease in which I send cue balls to far off places via air mail every damn time I break. Please help!

[@FXBilliards]

Chances are you’re hitting down on the Cue call a little bit and it is airborne when it reaches the rack, that’s why it’s flying off. Level out your stroke or dial back on the speed a little

[@frankhernandez4653]

Brian I wanted to get a predator Revo and what I like to know is that if the new shop is smooth with the handle with the lower half or do I have to give specifications on what the dimensions are of the floor half let me know

[@FXBilliards]

I should fit perfectly! What kind of butt will you be putting it on?

[@walterfield7862]

What is the purpose of the red spacer between the vault plate and the tip?

[@DavidLopez-pc4nw]

Thanks for your input, I own both the 12.4 & 12.9 uni loc, love them at times, don’t know if it’s just me but I always end up going back to a wooden shaft way less costly but with a good tip, don’t play near as much as you, got any idea as of why of that habit ?

[@tmangan327]

I hear a lot of people in my APA League talkin about how the revo tings alot (impact of tip)do you agree?

[@FXBilliards]

Most amateur players do not know the sound of a quality low deflection cue. I’ve been playing with low deflection for 15 years - that is the sound associated with a shaft that has been pieced together properly. And anyone who thinks the sound a shaft makes is relevant to its playability is probably not a very good player, and may not even benefit from the use of a high end cue. But it is a convenient excuse to not spend the money to get a good shaft.

[@cosullivan1357]

Great video thank you so much for doing it

[@davideligori2950]

Brian buongiorno, hai mai provato asta ignite mezz?!

[@luisvega5045]

I want a seige viking carbon fiber shaft. Mostly cause my cue is viking. Any advice on this shaft

[@FXBilliards]

I don't know much about it but Viking makes good cues so I would imagine it's good.

[@donparrish9659]

Thanks been waiting for that review.

[@FXBilliards]

Hope you like it Don. Thanks for watching.

[@stevev7760]

Any chance someone is going to come out with a tan colored shaft. Frankly, i don't even know if it's possible given the manufacturing process. A black shaft on a dark cue looks fabulous, on a cue with natural maple or a light color, it looks like mismatched tires on a car.

[@rocketceo]

In a week you won't notice the difference, I promise. And once you realize you can get rid of cleaners, sand paper, burnishers, slickers, burnishing papers, Q-Wax and Cue Silk and that you never have to repair a ding again, you'll never look back. Not to mention also that your game improves, as English shots become more accurate with less adjustment required.

[@frazierg0325]

I'm having trouble adjusting to my 12.4 but I've only had it 2 weeks. Any suggestions? Besides practice of course.

[@andyk565]

Frazierg0325. Stay with it. I had the same issue switching myself from hitting the 314-2/314-3 to the Revo. For me it was getting use to the feel of the carbon fiber. I would say it took me about 2 months before I felt really good about it. Always remember to change your tip out 6-8 months as tips normally dry out. Best of luck!

[@frazierg0325]

Kamui black medium or Zan hybird max.

[@subdue8182]

Could u play just as good if u were using a cheopo wood stick?

[@FXBilliards]

Very simply no. There’s a reason 95% of top players are using carbon, fiber, low deflection cues. They are stronger straighter more accurate last longer don’t change with the weather don’t warp, lower deflection and very very low maintenance. Most of my shafts are high end wooden cues and they don’t even play as well. I don’t know if you’re old enough to remember when tennis rackets were made of wood but if you see one today it’s in the museum. It might take 25 years but that’s going to be the case with the pool cues. Aesthetically I like wooden shaft more but unfortunately they don’t play as well. At least not in my hands. It’s hard to find a pro playing with wood shafts. Seems like the only ones are guys who’s sponsors don’t make carbon fiber yet. Thanks for watching and thanks for your question.

[@swishersweet6016]

How do you know if the LD shaft will line up perfect with your cue and not have the cue stick out more or less than the shaft? I'm looking to purchase one but I'm a little worried about that.

[@rawdonholt2133]

Measure your cues diameter at the joint. Most websites will have the shaft joint diameter listed, if it matches, order it. If not, you can usually send your butt into a manufacturer, who can fit the shaft to the cue.

[@keith8013]

How long does it take to adjust to the revo ordered 11.8 I shoot with z3 predator will there be much difference

[@FXBilliards]

You should be right on track after a couple hours The deflection is almost identical.

[@jascobos]

What tips did you try? Zan or G2?

[@FXBilliards]

Kamui and moori

[@theronwebb4532]

Where do you get the red and black billiard balls?

[@FXBilliards]

I’ve had them for 12 years -I’m not sure where I bought them, sorry. I can tell you they were not a set I had to put it together by buying individual balls

[@ggolf99]

What tip hardness do you play with?

[@FXBilliards]

Soft, thanks for watching Mike.

[@stevec2066]

Bryan you use predator victory soft right?

[@FXBilliards]

One Revo has a Victory Soft my other has a Kamui soft. But I will be replacing all of my Kamui tips with Victory soft one they need replacement. Kamui is good but the Victory seem to hold shape longer.

[@stevec2066]

@@FXBilliards ok thank you .

[@amystong9211]

Kami super soft where do you rank it. I find nothing better

[@FXBilliards]

Hi Amy - I like Kamui soft and Victory soft. Victory seems to hold shape a bit longer and I like the color an the little warning track.

[@luisvega5045]

Do you break with a carbon fiber shaft

[@FXBilliards]

I do now. I was recently sent a Predator BK Rush which has the Revo Technology, and it is great! I have never broken racks better. BUT, the down side of CF shafts is it makes everything else feel...less than great. Which is bad because I have a ton of wooden cues around here.

[@otterbatcat508]

I'll be looking into the carbon fiber swimming pool soon, I guess us older farts are kinda slow migrating to fancy new fangled round world ideals. 😁

[@FXBilliards]

Well Mr. Cat. A number of my Students are over 60 and most of them are using Carbon Fiber cues. I never though I would be, since I have a bag full of wooden shafts, but in Feb 2020 I saw the light. LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@otterbatcat508]

@@FXBilliards Thank you for spending the time and effort to not only help folks improve themselves as players, but also offer solid perspective in the mechanical and mental aspects of this game. I appreciate your style and honesty, and I look forward to each of your tutorials.

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you very much for your comments

[@thomascampanis]

Is there anyone out there who has knowledge on the Meucci Carbon Fiber pro and then different diameters they offer?

[@trudaroof]

That is Royal Billiards

[@jaynosowsky9708]

How come no review says what makes a shaft have less cue ball defection...its simple ..the weight of the end of the shaft...smaller tip and ferrule less defection..predator found that out 30 years ago...thats why the z shaft was the king..carbon fiber weights less then wood...shouldn't be a secret.

[@FXBilliards]

The weight of the shaft is one of a number of factors that makes a cue low deflection - if it was that simple every $75 cue would have a LD shaft but that’s not the case. In fact is the contrary. And it’s the same reason why even midprice cues can’t replicate the best low deflection shaft and by the way, 12.4 mm carbon fiber Revo has the same deflection as a Z shaft. If it was about weight, every knucklehead would have a plastic shaft and the top LD companies would all be out of business in a week., Weight is not a “secret” It’s a myth. That’s why you don’t see it in pool cue reviews by people who know better.

[@PoAssProductions]

Thank you my friend for improving my game!

[@FXBilliards]

Happy to help, and thanks for your support of the channel.

[@luisvallejo2679]

Hey Brian.... I've had a Cutec Gen-Tek Cue 13714 Cue for a few years now. Wanted to get a Revo shaft, but not sure if it would fit this particular joint which I really love. Any ideas?

[@FXBilliards]

You will simply need to match the revo with the CT joint. Let the dealer know what you have and they will send you the correct join. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.