Just curious on the majorities view here. Do you think its silly to use a Predator or OB shaft with a butt from say a Searing/Szamboti/Schick/Boar?
I am not sure on it as a lot of the big cuemakers pride themselves on the quality of their shafts but having an OB2 now I really really like it, but would feel awkward using one with a really nice butt once I can afford something from the above mentioned.
First of all I would never think any particular *pool cue* setup was "sacreligious*. Typically that word is used to indicate that there is some tradition that is to be revered. I don't see why any of the properties of cues 30 years ago are any more important or right than the properties of cues today. Some people dislike change, and/or are overly nostalgic. For those who answer yes to this question, I have to recommend a little bit of a reality check. We are talking about the piece of wood we use to hit balls. Some new things are better than old things. I like how we don't beat each other to death with clubs nearly as often as 10,000 years ago, for example.
I shoot with an Andy Gilbert cue and now a OB Classic shaft. I love it. It plays fantastic. The Gilbert shaft has a better hit, but the OB does everything else better *for me*. When I had my cue build, I was using Predator 314-2 shafts at the time. I had a partial shipped to Andy and he was perfectly happy to do the matching ringwork. That shaft actually plays better than the off the shelf 314-2 I use as a backup.
Keep the words of Yoda in mind: "when it comes to training Jedi, my own council will I keep!" In other words, this is YOUR cue. You are the one that has to make it work. It is a tool. Get what works for you. No one is more qualified than *you* to determine if a cue is right for you. It is the other guys issue to deal with if he/she is overly attached to the past, or whatever.
I think OB makes excellent stuff, Royce is a great guy, I support them. Get what makes you happy. If everyone thought that way, there would be no one left to criticize your *preferences*.
Good luck!
KMRUNOUT