Facebook feedback and unique design inspires Predator
to also create new Special Edition cue
 
Two finalists are now in the running to become the winner of Predator Cue’s MyKon Cue-Design Contest! The contest, held Nov. 8 through Dec. 31, 2010, gave fans the opportunity to contribute to the design of Predator’s next generation of Ikon cues.
 
Michael Zingale of Tallahassee, FL, and Mike Ipjian of Glenview, IL, were selected as the top two contest finalists by Predator based on their design submissions. A black, white and gray cue with pronged accents, Zingale’s entry balances traditional cue design with modern elements and materials. Ipjian’s entry – an ebony wood and micarta cue with turquoise accents – represents a bolder, sleeker version of the current Ikon 7 cue, inspired by elements of Predator’s original Blak Series.
 
“We were impressed by the creativity and level of detail exhibited by the many entries we received,” explained Karim Belhaj, president of Predator Cues. “We offer our special thanks to Michael and Mike for capturing the essence of the Ikon series in their designs.”
 
The winner will be announced and his cue produced this summer as part Predator’s next generation of Ikon. He will receive one of the cues inspired by his design.
 
Predator encouraged its fans to become part of the selection process by commenting on their favorite designs posted on the company’s website and Facebook page. One of the cue designs, submitted by Chris Demarest, also received an overwhelming response of positive comments.
 
“We were wowed by Chris Demarest’s design and his incorporation of the iconic Predator cat. While his design wasn’t a match with the Ikon series style, the Predator team knew we had to bring it to life,” said Belhaj. “The feedback received from our fans on Facebook convinced us to create a Special Edition cue from this exciting design, featuring the Predator cat logo on a background of cocobolo wood.”
 
Demarest will receive one of two pre-production artist proofs of his design later this year.
 
All three entrants - Zingale, Ipjian and Demarest - will receive an Ikon 6 cue from the current Ikon series. The Ikon series of cues first launched in 2008 with nine distinct models (Ikon 1-9), characterized as classic cues with bold details. The cues feature inlaid sleeves of exotic woods and the Uni-Loc® Leather Luxe™ wrap.
 
 
 
 
ABOUT PREDATOR CUES
Predator Cues, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance, professional-grade pool cue producer focused on developing revolutionary technology that enhances performance for billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., USA, Predator Cues is a division of Predator Group whose core brands also include Poison Billiards and Uni-Loc®. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorgroup.com. For information on Predator Cues, visit www.predatorcues.com or look for Predator Cues on Facebook and Twitter.