My OB Rift Speed Break Cue arrived today. I got the wrapless and purchased the weight kit they sell for about $25 that includes a long allen wrench.
Nicely balanced and has a very solid feel. I played around with the weights a bit and found I got the best results with the biggest weight added. Not sure where that put it at but it must have been around 20 ounces. That weight screw goes waaaaaay in there so I need to experiment with the weight a bit more.
I previously had the old style OB break cue, the Samsara break cue and was using a 16 ounce Elite while I waited for the OB to become available. No question in my mind whatsoever, at least for me, the new OB Rift is the superior break cue of the four. I've hit with a BK2 and BK3, I definitely like the feel of the OB Rift better than either of those as well.
The results were the clincher. There's no question the phenolic tip adds some speed to the break. I was using the iPhone break speed app and found my best results overall was with the heavier weight and using a regular stroke with full follow through while still maintaining very good control. In other words, no jumping at it, just a regular stroke. I was consistently getting between 18.25 to 19.5 mph like this. This is slightly better speed than I was getting with my previous cues but I also felt like I was getting better control with the Rift. I broke half a dozen 8 ball racks as well, 2 on the head ball and 4 on second ball. Again, the resultant spread of balls and balls going in on the break was encouraging.
I also have the OB Lift Jump Cue after having used the Samsara J/B and the Predator Air II. Again, the Lift seemed superior, at least to me. I have multiple OB2 Plus shafts.
IMHO, OB is providing some nice product advances for the pool industry and makes a quality product as well. Top that off with "Made in America" as well as a seeming nice bunch of people and you have a company we all should support whenever possible. One of their vendors has a note to call me when they get in the OB 136.
To be absolutely clear, I have no financial interest or incentive from OB. I simply like their products a lot and wish to offer my opinion. YMMV.
Nicely balanced and has a very solid feel. I played around with the weights a bit and found I got the best results with the biggest weight added. Not sure where that put it at but it must have been around 20 ounces. That weight screw goes waaaaaay in there so I need to experiment with the weight a bit more.
I previously had the old style OB break cue, the Samsara break cue and was using a 16 ounce Elite while I waited for the OB to become available. No question in my mind whatsoever, at least for me, the new OB Rift is the superior break cue of the four. I've hit with a BK2 and BK3, I definitely like the feel of the OB Rift better than either of those as well.
The results were the clincher. There's no question the phenolic tip adds some speed to the break. I was using the iPhone break speed app and found my best results overall was with the heavier weight and using a regular stroke with full follow through while still maintaining very good control. In other words, no jumping at it, just a regular stroke. I was consistently getting between 18.25 to 19.5 mph like this. This is slightly better speed than I was getting with my previous cues but I also felt like I was getting better control with the Rift. I broke half a dozen 8 ball racks as well, 2 on the head ball and 4 on second ball. Again, the resultant spread of balls and balls going in on the break was encouraging.
I also have the OB Lift Jump Cue after having used the Samsara J/B and the Predator Air II. Again, the Lift seemed superior, at least to me. I have multiple OB2 Plus shafts.
IMHO, OB is providing some nice product advances for the pool industry and makes a quality product as well. Top that off with "Made in America" as well as a seeming nice bunch of people and you have a company we all should support whenever possible. One of their vendors has a note to call me when they get in the OB 136.
To be absolutely clear, I have no financial interest or incentive from OB. I simply like their products a lot and wish to offer my opinion. YMMV.
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