Predator and Poison Break and Jump Cues
THE RIGHT CUE FOR EVERY MOMENT
Shop our selection of high-performance break cues, jump cues, and convertible jump/break cues and take your game to the next level. If you are looking for top performance on both the break and the jump, we recommend purchasing a separate break cue and a separate jump cue.
For maximum break power, shop our BK Rush Break Cues or BK4 Break Cues. For jumping, explore the Air Rush Jump Cues. For good carbon fiber value, see the Poison VX Break & Jump lineup.
FAQ
Break & Jump Cue Questions
If you play more than casually, yes. Breaking with your playing cue is the fastest way to damage the shaft tip and weaken the cue's structure over time. A dedicated break cue has a stiffer shaft, a harder phenolic tip, and a balance point calibrated for power — all of which transfer more energy to the cue ball than a playing cue can. The Predator BK Rush is the most-used break cue in professional pool today; the BK4 delivers a more traditional maple feel; the Poison VX is the value option.
Both are specialty cues, but they're designed for completely different shots. A break cue is full length (58") with a stiffer construction, built to deliver maximum power to scatter the rack on the opening shot. A jump cue is short (typically 40" to 47") and light, designed to lift the cue ball cleanly over an obstructing ball. Some players carry both; others use a convertible jump/break cue like the BK Rush+ that converts between the two configurations in seconds.
The Predator BK Rush is the most-used break cue in professional pool today. Its aerospace-grade composite construction transfers more energy to the cue ball than a traditional maple break cue, and the BK Hybrid Tip delivers a higher coefficient of restitution for faster cue ball speed. For players who prefer a traditional maple feel, the BK4, with its KTRL hard tip and Vault-Plate low-deflection technology, is the go-to. If budget matters, the Poison VX Break Cue with Venom carbon fiber shaft delivers serious power at a fraction of the price.
Most break cues fall between 18 and 21 ounces. The BK Rush is typically used at 19 to 19.5 oz, balanced for power without sacrificing accuracy. Heavier (20-21 oz) delivers more raw energy to the cue ball — better if you struggle to scatter the rack. Lighter (18-19 oz) lets you swing faster with more control, which often produces a better break than brute force. Test both if you can; the Uni-Loc Weight Cartridge System lets you tune the BK Rush weight without tools.
APA rules permit specialty cues in most formats, but specific league rules vary. The APA 8-ball format generally allows break cues; some 9-ball and team formats may restrict jump cue use. Predator break cues meet all standard tournament specifications.
Use a jump cue to get around your opponent. A jump cue is short (40-47") and light, with a hard phenolic tip that lets you strike sharply downward, lifting the cue ball off the cloth and over the obstruction. The Predator Air Rush is the jump cue trusted by pros; the Air Jump II delivers the same engineering philosophy at a more accessible price.
