JACKSONVILLE, FL. (Oct. 27, 2011) – Predator Cues has updated the Ikon cue, one of its most popular cue series, with nine new models featuring exotic woods and bold inlays. One new model, the Ikon2 9, represents the creativity of Mike Ipjian of Glenview, IL, winner of the Mykon cue design contest held earlier this year.  The team at Predator reviewed scores of designs from fans throughout the United States and Canada before selecting Mike's entry, a stunning blend of ebony wood and micarta with turquoise accents. These new cues strike the perfect balance between design and domination.

In addition to the U.S. and Canada contest, Predator held a similar contest in China through Laili Sports Equipment Co., Ltd., the exclusive Predator dealer for the People's Republic of China. ???/Haihuan Xia and ???/Jason Wang won the China contest and future Ikon offerings will feature their designs.

The Ikon2 series feature the advanced C4+ technology with the Uni-Loc® Weight Cartridge System, allowing players the ability to adjust the weight of their cue within 0.1 of an ounce. Phenolic reinforcements in the butt and the Uni-Loc® Original Quick-Release joint increase longevity and further enhance product/player performance. Each new Ikon2 cue has a standard weight of 19 oz. and comes armed with Predator's high-performance 314-2 shaft, which players can upgrade to the Z-2 or FAT shafts.

Like the original Ikon series, the Ikon 2nd generation cues are available with the Uni-Loc® Leather Luxe™ wrap. With a softer feel and higher tackiness than leather, the Leather Luxe wrap provides superior sweat absorption and comfort through three distinct layers. The polyurethane outer layer keeps hands dry by allowing sweat and moisture to pass through, while the cushioned middle layer absorbs and releases moisture. The sealer layer closest to the cue protects the cue from moisture, increasing its longevity.

These new Ikon2 cues have MSRPs ranging from $649-$1499. All are currently available for purchase through registered Predator dealers worldwide. Players and retailers can view the Ikon 2nd Generation online at www.predatorcues.com.

Clawson Custom Cues, dba Predator Group, announced that it will open a satellite office in Hong Kong by the end of this year.  All corporate functions, including research and development, as well as the company’s headquarters, will remain in Jacksonville, FL.
 
Predator Group is adding this international office for several reasons.  According to Karim Belhaj, Chief Executive Officer, “We have successfully marketed our products all over the world but, more recently, we have experienced enormous growth in China and other Asian markets.  Not only are these markets expanding but interest in billiards is on the rise as well. We want to capitalize on the many opportunities offered by this vibrant region and believe establishing a presence in the region represents a good first step.”
 
Since 2009, the company has been working to diversify its manufacturing base with the threefold goals of accelerating product development, ensuring a steady and more timely flow of product to its customers and increasing the value offered to players who choose Predator and Poison products.  A greater presence in Asia will allow Predator Group to work more closely with both customers and suppliers in the region, and thus enhance critical business relationships. Outside of the U.S., the company currently sources materials, products and accessories from Canada, China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and Taiwan.
 
Predator has also seen an increase in the amount of fake Predator and Poison products in the global marketplace.  “We’ve worked hard to build our brands around the world and therefore become a target for counterfeiters, most of whom set up shop in Asia,” said Belhaj.  “We may not solve the problem on our own but having our people on the ground in the region will give us greater knowledge and help us better protect our intellectual property.”
 
John Forrester, Chairman of Predator Group, stated “The company has reached a tipping point and it is time to formally open for business in Asia.”  He continued, “this is a strategic move for the company and, to ensure its success, our board of directors has asked Karim Belhaj to spend the next few months in Asia surveying the competitive landscape, securing facilities and recruiting the necessary personnel.  He will maintain his Jacksonville residence.”
 
ABOUT PREDATOR GROUP
Predator Group, an international billiards industry leader, is focused on bringing constant innovation and game-improving equipment to billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Group’s core brands include Predator Cues – high-end (professional level) cues with revolutionary technology to enhance performance, Poison by Predator – recreational cues with cutting-edge designs and Predator engineering for best-in-class playability, and Uni-Loc® – precision billiards equipment manufacturer. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com or look for Predator Cues and Poison by Predator on Facebook and Twitter

During December, Brunswick Billiards Facebook fans can register to win an exclusive piece of memorabilia – the limited edition Exposition Novelty cue, which was designed to commemorate the company’s 165th anniversary. To win the cue – a retail value of $999 – contestants must be a Brunswick Billiards Facebook fan and enter the sweepstakes by Dec. 31, 2010 at noon CST. The winner will be chosen at random...

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Pool & Billiard Magazine subscribers and pool fans have been invited to participate in an online survey being conducted by one of our advertisers - The Predator Group. The Predator Group is surveying billiards enthusiasts around the world like you to better understand who you are, your needs, and your perceptions about our marketplace.   

In exchange for your input, The Predator Group will enter every respondent who so desires to be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of several prizes, including current Poison and Predator cues and shafts, valued in total at more than $5,000. All prizes will be awarded by September 30, 2010.

The survey will take approximately 10 to 12 minutes to complete, and all responses will be kept confidential.
 
If you wish to participate in this survey, visit the link here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XG72NFK

The 10th Annual Predator International 10-Ball Championship moves to Manila, Philippines this year for the first time, with an expected world-class field from more than 30 pool nations!

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Leonard Bludworth will be inducted into the International Cuemakers Hall of Fame on July 10th, 2010 during the Southern Cue and Case Show in the luxurious Scorpion Room of the Marietta Billiard Club in Marietta, Georgia. Leonard, commonly referred to as "Blud," started doing cue repair in 1976. He was a master pool table mechanic and served as the equipment coordinator for both the men's pro tour and the senior tour for about 15 years. Around the same time he developed the popular Bludworth Billiard Ball Cleaner. It was also Bludworth's idea to take pool tables and travel the country setting them up for pool events...

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The Super Billiards Expo, set to take place at the Valley Forge Convention Center, will boast amateur and pro events and a great pool & billiard shopping experience in 150,000 square feet of exhibit and arena space, including exhibits from world famous American Cuemakers Association and International Cuemakers Association members. Pro events at the Expo include the popular Diamond Open 10-Ball Players Championship and the Artistic Pool Masters Championship. Pool & Billiard Magazine will be there as always, with expert coverage and our annual show special. Stop by Booth #L6 and say hi!

The American Cuemaker's Association is proud to present its 2010 recipient of the prestigious Cuemaker of the Year Award.  The American Cuemaker's Association (ACA) was established in 1992 to promote the American-made cue and cuemaker.  Beginning in 2008, the ACA initiated the Cuemaker of the Year Award to recognize an ACA member who has provided a top quality product in an ethical, honorable, and professional manner through the years.  The award will be presented at the annual ACA banquet at the Super Billiards Expo at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA, on March 18-21, 2010.

The 2010 winner is Prather Cue from Mooreland, OK.  Founded in 1978, the Prather family initially provided quality cuemaking components to cuemakers at a reasonable price.  Dan Prather  was joined by his two sons, Daniel Jr. and Jeff, in the mid-eighties and cue making became an important part of the business.  By 1990 the Prathers had become renown for their cues as well as their cuemaking components.  With Dan Jr.'s computer skills, Jeff's woodworking abilities, and Dan Sr.'s inspiration, Prather Cues really took off.  Dan's daughter, Jennifer, has also been involved in the business since its inception.  Today Prather Cue makes a complete line of cues including many custom "one of a kind" beauties.  They also continue to be a leading supplier of cue components to many of the world's cuemakers.  

Also to be recognized at this year's ACA banquet will be the recipient of the People's Choice Award.  This award acknowledges the cue buying public's choice of the their favorite cue on display at the ACA booth at the Super Billiards Expo.  Every ACA member can display one cue of which they are especially proud.  Attendees at the expo then have the opportunity to vote on their favorite cue.  The cuemaker whose cue receives the most votes will be recognized at the banquet with the People's Choice Award.  

Stay tuned for coverage of this event! 'Til then, learn more about Prather Cues at www.prathercue.com

The 26th annual Billiard Congress of America Billiard & Home Recreation Expo kicked off in Vegas with a brisk first day's business. The 150 exhibitors saw quite a few buyers on the show floor opening day, and exhibitors report that the nation's billiard retailers and billiard clubs are there to shop! When not shopping for new cues, pool tables, poker tables and gameroom accessories, buyers are attending one of several BCA seminars, from improving online customer appeal to marketing in challenging economic times. On the docket for today's activities: A seminar on "Generation Youth" - and a new benefit for exhibitors as BCA will begin signing up exhibitor space for next year's event, again to be staged in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for more details and photos from the show...

Greg Knight And Management Acquire Leading Billiard Manufacturing Company: The management of McDermott Cue Manufacturing, together with Greg Knight, completed a Management buyout of the company on April 10, 2009. Greg Knight, along with management, is excited to announce the formation of McDermott Cue Mfg., LLC of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. McDermott Cue is known for its internationally recognized brands, McDermott Handcrafted Cues and Intimidator High Performance Shafts. Its product line, which includes high quality two-piece billiard cues, shafts, cases and accessories, is sold worldwide in over 40 countries.

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