I prefer Predators over OB's, in all tapers and sizes available..
( I own both shafts )
314 is 1st generation, its taper ,and 10 pie made the shaft less deflective than most other brands by a minimum of 28%..
314-2 -- its taper was more rounded to give even less deflection than the "314 1st generation"by 7 or 8%,,the 314-2 is about 35% less deflective than other cues on the market,both the 314 and 314-2 tip diameters are standard 12.75
ob1's are 12.75 in diameter on the tip, i.m.o. they hit like mix between mcdermott and meucci standard shafts only softer because theres cusion somewhere on the shaft ,I believe its in, or beneath the ferrule..
Predator Z is a smaller taper and smaller tip at 11.75 ,z's or 38% less deflective than other cues ..
Predator Z-2 tip diameter like the 1st 'Z' is european standard size at 11.75 ,,
because of the z-2 taper,, its 51% less deflective than other SHAFTS [including
oB] ..
OB 2 is a 11.75 tip,with a smaller taper as well , making it less deflective than the Ob 1.. but deflective to a degree none the less !!
The Predator has a firmer hit ,with the Predator shaft, I can use less of the cue ball ,and less power to achieve english ,and sets..
OB's hits are much softer than predator,, I have to hit the ball harder to get around the table ,, and I have to compensate the tangent line more with Ob's to achieve my desired english ..
Predators Trump OB's hands down i.m.o.