OB Classic vs. OB Classic Pro...

[Dakota Cues]

I have been wanting to try a new LD shaft for some time, and I've heard nothing but great things about these shafts, and the service behind them.

I have narrowed my choice down to either the Classic or the Classic Pro, but wanted to get some extra input before pulling the trigger.


First let me say that I am actually going to "Play" with whatever shaft I get, and not just "Try it out". I'm willing to put in the time, and deal with the learning curve to get to the other side, even if the new shaft feels different/strange/bad at first.


That said, my main concern is the tip size on the Pro. I mean 11.75mm is far smaller than anything I've ever used before. Now I've heard a few say that with the conical taper of the shaft, you don't notice it nearly as much since it's not like the first 15" of the shaft is 11.75. I am just a little worried that the "Feel" of the taper going through the fingers of my bridge hand is going to be a little distracting. That's why right now I'm leaning more towards the Classic, BUT that's also why I wanted to get some more input, and maybe hear from some players that have both in their arsenal. I want to use whatever works best, not just what feels closest to what I'm using now!


I guess my burning question is this:


"Is the lower deflection of the Classic Pro worth the extra time (if any) it takes to get used to the conical taper?"


Thanks in advance for the input!!!

 

[Monto P2]

I have tried to use a 11.75 mm shaft about 3 to 4 times, i mean on differnt cues at differnt times. But i have to get back to 12.75 or bigger. They do feel like very nice when you start with them, but gradually becomes difficult. I dont know but it just might be me. Considering that i have come to pool from a snooker background, i am still never able to adapt to 11.75 tips. I love 12.5 to 12.75 range, works the best for me.
I have played with an OB1 before, though it felt very good but i found it to be very whippy. I have never tried an OB classic or pro, but if i were you i would go for the 12.75 ob classic. What i have heard is that classics have a stiffer taper. I am actually now trying to move back from low deflection to a normal shaft.

Good luck:thumbup:

 

[scsuxci]

12.75

Unless you have the perfect stroke your room for error is far greater with the 11.75.I"ve played with a smaller tip and I did play real good but I play much more consistent with a 12.75 or a little smaller.The lowest I'll play with is 12.25.At least with a bigger shaft you can always take down if you choose but you can't add wood to the 11.75 if you find it to small.And also think over time with tip changes that 11.75 will slowly go down even more.I just got a Varney cue with a matching OB Classic and I still haven't even hit a ball with the cue yet.(working to much and to many kids):smile:
My buddy who is a real good shot took the cue for a test run and thought the Classic hit as stiff or stiffer than the 314-2 and said with the small ferrule it gives the illusion that the tip is smaller but its not.That might be something you really like,I know I like that look.The one thing I can tell you is,guys who hated the OB1 really like the Classic.I personally thought the OB1 felt good and the ferrule did not bother me but I did find certain key shots, the shaft felt weak.For me I love the short ferrule and the taper on the shaft feels real natural and not weird at all.Hopefully I get to play with it one day.Go with the Classic I think you'll right away,you made the right choice.GoodLuck Scott

 

[Dakota Cues]

Thanks for the input so far. I really appreciate it.

Is there anybody that has logged a decent amount of time with both shafts that would like to chime in here?

 

[cannon9313]

I have played with the classic for about 6 months now. And i love it. I had mine taken down to 12.5mm and have a sniper tip. It has a pretty firm hit with great feedback (at 12.5 its still stiffer than my 314 or 314 2). I have played with z shafts and i prefer a little more meat. Just not enough that it covers up the ball

 

[captdcb]

Thanks for the input so far. I really appreciate it.

Is there anybody that has logged a decent amount of time with both shafts that would like to chime in here?

I have been shooting for years with various shafts. I started with the Z and Z2 shaft and loved it then I tried the the 314-2. Didn't like it as much as the Z2. I read a lot about the OB shafts so I ordered an OB-1 and shot with that for a while It shot well but I went back to the Z-2. Then I ordered a OB-2. I didn't like the feel of the OB-2 so I had OB cues make me an OB-1 turned down to 12.25 mm. I like that shaft but it was warped and I need to send it back to OB cues. Then the Classic Pro came out and I ordered one. It feels great and and I am playing with that shaft now with the stock tip. Also i have tried the 314-2 fat shaft and couldnt beleive that I liked it since i have been playing with a thin shaft. But the Classic Pro shaft has a solid hit like I like in the fat shaft. The Classic Pro shaft and the 314-2 Fat Shaft weight the same. Both are great feeling shafts at 4.0 oz. each. So now... I am trying to decide which shaft I am going to stick with...the Classic Pro ....or... the 314-2 Fat Shaft. But I think it is going to be the Classic Pro....at least for today it is....haha. I have to many options and I really need to settle on one shaft.I play in a APA league and my skill level is 7.

 

[garczar]

Ob Classic

I just tried-out a Classic shaft sent to me as a demo by the crew at Ob. Hit is much crisper with a pleasing sound at impact. Deflection is basically zero out to two tips of english. Taper is much more agressive than orig. Ob1. If you like a fairly long taper you will want to re-taper this shaft as it grows in diam. pretty quick. Without a re-taper I personally would not use this shaft but thats just me. One thing I found a bit disturbing is that this shaft had a slight wobble to it. Granted,it is a demo but for a shaft selling for a bit north of $200 bucks it ought to be dead straight. BTW, I was able to try shaft for 12.00 in overnight shipping cost. Great service by a company committed to promoting our game.