anyone use pivoting with an OB-1 or Predator?

[PKM]

I've just started messing around with it, but it seems that if I use fronthand english it is close to the correct pivot point. (Aim with center ball and move my bridge hand to apply english, or actually with a closed bridge I can just adjust the bridge without moving my hand)

This would be a longer pivot point than indicated by the Platinum Billiards results:
http://www.platinumbilliards.com/rating_deflect.php
That would suggest you'd need to use backhand english with a long bridge. But I know some people have questioned whether those measurements are accurate.

Anyone else use pivoting to apply english with either an OB-1 or a Predator?

 

[mikepage]

I've just started messing around with it, but it seems that if I use fronthand english it is close to the correct pivot point. (Aim with center ball and move my bridge hand to apply english, or actually with a closed bridge I can just adjust the bridge without moving my hand)

This would be a longer pivot point than indicated by the Platinum Billiards results:
http://www.platinumbilliards.com/rating_deflect.php
That would suggest you'd need to use backhand english with a long bridge. But I know some people have questioned whether those measurements are accurate.

Anyone else use pivoting to apply english with either an OB-1 or a Predator?

Works reasonably well with my predator 314

 

[MOJOE]

I exclusively use BHE with my Predator. Works perfectly for me. I NEVER move my bridge hand once I address the CB at center. YMMV.

Peace, Joe

 

[JimS]

Well I'm confused. I thought the whole idea behind the Predator or other low deflection/squirt shafts was to not have to use bhe.

 

[MOJOE]

Well I'm confused. I thought the whole idea behind the Predator or other low deflection/squirt shafts was to not have to use bhe.

Jim, I still do see some deflection with the "low deflection shafts". Not nearly as much as a traditional shaft but some nonetheless. My bridge is only about 10-12" and I still use BHE. When I first started using the low deflection shafts, I did not use BHE and had marginal success.

One thing that I do when using BHE is aim to hit the ball thick or too thin depending on my shot length, speed and type of english. Of course this is done prior to the pivot. This is the hardest part to develop but I pretty much have it licked by now.

After reading some threads and learned most from our very own, Colin C. I tried using the aim and pivot and have had tremendous success with it. It may not work for everyone but my game has taken leaps since adding it to my arsenal.

I don't have any technical answers for you, can only say that it works very well for me!

 

[PKM]

Well I'm confused. I thought the whole idea behind the Predator or other low deflection/squirt shafts was to not have to use bhe.

Like Joe said, you'll never have zero deflection. I don't know if most people with low squirt shafts just use parallel english and compensate slightly with aiming, or use some kind of BHE/FHE, and unless you have a perfect pivot maybe still use some kind of compensation.

It seems having cue with some squirt could be an advantage if it leads to a more natural bridge length while using BHE. But then again, a low squirt cue helps either way if you accidentally hit off-center.

 

[Puck]

It seems having cue with some squirt could be an advantage if it leads to a more natural bridge length while using BHE. But then again, a low squirt cue helps either way if you accidentally hit off-center.

Absolutely...this is why I use solid shafts since I prefer a pivot point at a natural bridge position. The 314 shafts I have used typically pivot somewhere around 25 inches which is too uncomfortable for me. But that's just my preference.

 

[PKM]

Absolutely...this is why I use solid shafts since I prefer a pivot point at a natural bridge position. The 314 shafts I have used typically pivot somewhere around 25 inches which is too uncomfortable for me. But that's just my preference.

Well if those Platinum Billiards numbers are to be believed, then even a high-squirt cue doesn't let you use a bridge length of less than about 9 inches. Do people lengthen their bridge when using English?

Has anyone else tried to replicate those pivot point measurements? Your predator estimate is significantly different, and I think many would agree with a longer pivot point. Also, it doesn't seem like pivot point is ever a selling point for a cue, why is that? (besides the fact that no one seems to agree on it)

 

[Puck]

You can still use any bridge length with BHE...after pivoting with the backhand, slide the fronthand to the desired bridge length. Some might use a shorter bridge or a longer bridge depending on their stroke preference.

I think the pivot point is a function of more than just the shaft and tip. It seems to me that your stroke will have an effect, so different players might have different pivot points for the same cue. As you stated that could be a reason not to use it as a selling point. IMHO it's important to find the pivot point for your stroke and cue, not for the stroke of some testing robot.

(On a side note, I've tested the pivots for some house cues at dive bars...found the pivot to be around 5-6 inches for them.)

 

[WesleyW]

Well if those Platinum Billiards numbers are to be believed, then even a high-squirt cue doesn't let you use a bridge length of less than about 9 inches...

Not correct. First of all, for example, if you choose the Z-2, according to Platinum Billiards, the pivotpoint is 14.1". That doesn't mean every Z-2 has the same pivotpoint and is exactly 14.1". Some would be 14" or some will be 14.2 and some will has even more differences.
The second, pivotpoint depends on the strenght of your stroke. It you hit it hard, the pivotpoint will be shorter. That's why Platinum tested it everytime with the same speed 15mph.