Why True Splice Cues Are Amazing & Getting Even Better

For competitive players, the "feel" of a cue isn’t just a preference—it’s the feedback loop that dictates speed control, spin accuracy, and confidence under pressure. Predator’s latest foray into True Splice technology is generating significant buzz because it marries the soul of traditional cue-making with the cold, hard precision of modern engineering.

Here is a breakdown of what True Splice is, why the experts are talking about it, and whether it’s the right investment for your game.

What is "True Splice" Technology?

In the world of cue manufacturing, most "pointed" cues you see are actually short-spliced or even just decals. In a short-splice cue, the points are essentially decorative veneers glued into a forearm, which is then joined to the handle.

True Splice (often called "Full Splice" in the custom world) is a fundamentally different beast. Instead of joining two separate pieces of wood with a bolt or glue at the wrap area, the forearm and the handle are joined using long, interlocking "fingers" or points of wood that are carved to fit perfectly into one another.

The Latest Predator Twist: The 16-Point Construction

While traditional full-splice cues usually feature 4 points (like the Predator 4 Point Sneaky Pete), Predator has pushed the envelope with new 16-point construction.

• The Build: They use sixteen vibrant points of varying lengths that interlock deep into the cue's structure.

• The Reinforcement: Unlike antique full splices that could be prone to warping, Predator utilizes phenolic inserts. This adds modern durability and "stiffens" the wood-to-wood connection, ensuring the cue remains straight for decades.

Check out their new TS16 Leather Wrap True splice cue.

The Performance Benefits: Why Competitive Players Care

If you are an avid player, you know that every joint and glue line in a cue is a potential point of energy loss or unwanted vibration. True Splice minimizes these interruptions.

1. Superior Energy Transfer

Because the wood of the forearm and handle is physically interlaced, the cue acts more like a single, continuous piece of timber. When you strike the cue ball, the energy travels through the cue with almost zero "leakage" at the wrap area. This results in a stiffer, more powerful hit that feels incredibly solid.

2. The "Pure" Feedback Loop

Competitive players rely on the vibration felt in their back hand to judge how they struck the ball.

• Reduced Buzz: The seamless construction and Radial® joint eliminate the "hollow" or "tinny" feel sometimes found in mass-produced cored cues.

• Enhanced Sensory Input: You get a crisp, "organic" feedback that helps you calibrate your finesse shots and "feel" the spin more acutely.

3. Torsional Stability

The 16 points acting as interlocking ribs provide immense lateral stability. This means the cue is less likely to flex or "twist" during high-speed, off-center hits (like heavy draw or extreme English), keeping your aim more consistent.

Why the Higher Price and Rarity?

You’ll notice that True Splice series—like the TS-16—often carry a premium price tag and are frequently listed as "Limited Edition." This isn't just marketing; it’s a reflection of the manufacturing difficulty.

• Tolerance Levels: To get 16 points to align perfectly without visible gaps requires CNC machining tolerances that are microscopic. One tenth of a millimeter off, and the entire butt is scrap.

• Labor Intensive: The process of splicing, gluing, curing, and then turning the wood down to the final taper takes significantly longer than standard construction.

• Material Selection: Predator often pairs this tech with exotic, high-density woods like Ebony or Cocobolo to further enhance the weight and balance, adding to the raw material cost.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you are a casual weekend player, the technical nuances of True Splice might be overkill. However, for the avid competitor, this is an investment in consistency. It offers the classic, "dead-solid" hit of a high-end custom cue with the low-deflection performance (when paired with a REVO or 314³ shaft) that Predator is known for.

It is a "player's cue"—designed for someone who can actually feel the difference between a good hit and a great one.