My OB-1 plays better now

R

raadkins16

Registered
Brief synopsis of my situation:

Decided to buy a new shaft last month, and researched around and ended up with the OB-1. I remember reading a couple of threads with people who are happy with the performance of this shaft, but explained it as having a "deadish" hit to it. After I received the shaft, I noticed this too and I knew I wanted to do something about it.

I remembered reading someone who had put a different tip and ferrule on the OB-1 and said it played exceptionally well afterwards.

I decided to send my OB-1 off to Kevin at Varney Cues. Great guy to chat with, answered all my PMs quickly and honestly, and got the job done really fast.

It now plays a TON better! It took me a couple games to get used to because of the huge difference it made, but with the combination of the Saber-T ferrule and the Everest tip, it now has nice firm hit and it no longer feels "deadish".

I will post pics of the new ferrule and tip job tonight.

Thanks again Kevin, and for those of you who are experiencing the same problems I have, it is definitely a worthy upgrade IMO.
 
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Glad you are happy and that I was able to help. I little hot rodding goes a long way. The combo you selected provides a nice firm hit and gives tons of feel. Down the road you'll love how the Saber T stays so clean and doesn't asborb chalk dust. Enjoy my friend...and lets hope you never miss another ball! ;)
 
Yeah - I really want to have that done too, but I just can't figure out how to let go of this shaft even for a week or two...
Jon
 
I don't know depending on location what Kevin's turnaround would be.. but I got it back EXTREMELY quick. I was quite impressed.. it looks like you are in Chapel Hill, I am in Virginia, so I don't think it would take long. (Might have to put my foot in my mouth as Kevin might be too busy for the quick turnaround all the time like I received)
 
raadkins16 said:
I don't know depending on location what Kevin's turnaround would be.. but I got it back EXTREMELY quick. I was quite impressed.. it looks like you are in Chapel Hill, I am in Virginia, so I don't think it would take long. (Might have to put my foot in my mouth as Kevin might be too busy for the quick turnaround all the time like I received)
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Minor repairs like that, I normally can get done and shipped back the same day I receive them for fastest possible turnaround time...no later than shipped back the next day in the worst case. I also ship back USPS Priority. I'm know whats its like for a player to be minus their shaft...so I try to make the upgrade as speedy a process as possible.:)
 
It is my understanding that the weight of the first 8 inches of the shaft determines the rate of deflection. Does the Sabre T ferrule and tip combination you installed weight more than the original? Do you think that would be good on a 314?
 
Yes the Saber T weighs slightly more than the original ferrule but the difference is too small to make a difference. Material type & ferrule construction makes the big difference in "hit"...as well as tip choice of course. And yes...its wonderful of the 314...I've done 100's...search Varney or 314 to read pages of info.
 
The Saber-T ferrule is undoubtedly heavier than the layered maple ferrule of the ob-1. I actually like how it hits, but my only concern is destroying it after numerous retippings without a lathe.
 
belmicah said:
The Saber-T ferrule is undoubtedly heavier than the layered maple ferrule of the ob-1. I actually like how it hits, but my only concern is destroying it after numerous retippings without a lathe.
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pm sent sir.
 
jondrums said:
Yeah - I really want to have that done too, but I just can't figure out how to let go of this shaft even for a week or two...
Jon
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I paid 35 for next day air. He got it, shortened my cue an inch, and I got it back 2 days later. 4 days total. If you're worried about not having it for next week's league or whatever... just pay the extra for 1 day. it's like $15 more than priority for a whole cue, probably a lot less for just a shaft.
 
Is it the ferrule that gives this shaft a "deadish" hit? Saber-T, Titan... what esle can be "almost" as good? :confused:

Talisman tips look like they are close to Everest in term of hardness. right?
 
Sensation said:
Is it the ferrule that gives this shaft a "deadish" hit? Saber-T, Titan... what esle can be "almost" as good? :confused:

Talisman tips look like they are close to Everest in term of hardness. right?
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Royce makes a wondeful shaft that many absolutely love...and they do play great...so I want to make it absolutely clear that I'm NOT bashing their product. Some don't like the "looks" of the wood ferrule, so they change it. Some don't like the softish/deadish hit the soft, hollow, maple ferrule provide...so changing to any premium ferrule will stiffen the hit & create more feel...which can also be tuned more with tip selection.
I would not compare a Talisman to Everest in any way. Just choose the tip you like.
 
I have an OB-1 on one of my Varney's and after KV put a Saber T and soft Tiger, I love it! It moves the ball effortlessly and has great feel. I was about to sell the shaft after I tried it new. Now its my favorite set up.
 
I am with you No Illusions, when i first got it I almost sold it right away, but I knew there was something that could be done to make this shaft work better for me. I am sure many people enjoy it the way it comes stock, but the ferrule and tip change are really working out well.
 
Varney Cues said:
As per your request...just so not to confuse anyone.;)
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haha... I was hoping they would assume as much but I can see how a few might think it was an accident on the lathe or something :D
 
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