It's Been Done To Death, But... Which Shaft?

MattRDavis

MattRDavis

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I've used a Predator Z for the last 8 or 9 months and I've decided that it's really not for me. I love the action I can get on the cue ball, and the minimal amount of deflection, but... it's just not for me. The tip is too small, the taper is uncomfortable and most importantly, I just don't feel as confident with it as I should.

Right now, I'm debating between switching to a 314 or an OB-1; anyone with constructive input on these shafts? I've read through all the threads on the OB-1 but wanted to get a more updated opinion after you all have had them a bit longer and had more time to grow accustomed/tired of them.

Thanks in advance,
-Matt
 
I've had my OB-1 for a while and it seems to suit my preferences better than the 314 or a low deflection Schuler shaft. It has a nice feel along with the Schuler joint and that is what works for me. It sounds similar to the Z shaft by that it is low deflection and gets spin on the cue ball easily. It seems to have made my game a little more consistent. Hope that helps.
TP
 
How does the OB-1 hold up after continued play?

All the Predator shafts I've used have dinged easily, the ferrules have scratched, and with repeated burnishing you can start to feel the glue lines... any of these issues with the OB-1?

(Obviously not the ferrule scratching problem, but any other unforseen problems with the ferrule?)

Thanks for the reply,
-Matt
 
The ferrule holds up good. You think you would notice the difference when you are lining up a shot, but you don't. The first time I tried the shaft it just seemed normal. Now that you mention it the shaft seems pretty strong in resisting dings. A time or two it has bumbed something that would have given my schuler shaft a slight ding, but I never found anything on the OB-1. I am not sure if it resists the dings because it is laminated or just my imagination.
TP
 
shafts????

I personaly feel that the McDermott I series shafts play much much better than any Predator or Universal shaft i have tried, the I-2 shaft has exceptional feel and great taper and gets lotsa spin with hardly no deflection. I have not had an opportunity to play with the OB-1 shaft as of yet but I really don't like the idea of alot of glue/epoxy holdind the shaft together as I feel it will eventualy lose the feel, and i have had 3 Predator shafts split on me. Nik
 
Nik, what on earth are you doing to your shafts to injure them so badly? Did Predator repair/replace those 3 shafts that split on you under warranty?

I played with a 314 for years and now I play with OB-1 shafts. I find the cue ball deflection is identical with both shafts but I prefer the feel/hit of the OB-1. The tip is important, too... I've played with 314s and OB-1s with different types of tips and it has a noticeable affect. Moori's are my favorite.
 
shinobi said:
Nik, what on earth are you doing to your shafts to injure them so badly? Did Predator repair/replace those 3 shafts that split on you under warranty?

I played with a 314 for years and now I play with OB-1 shafts. I find the cue ball deflection is identical with both shafts but I prefer the feel/hit of the OB-1. The tip is important, too... I've played with 314s and OB-1s with different types of tips and it has a noticeable affect. Moori's are my favorite.
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FL wrote some time ago that he uses Predator 314s for doing his Big Cahuna masse shot. He wrote that the shaft gives out and that helps make the cue ball squirt properly to execute the shot. He also said he blows up the shafts like that. And not to use them for breaking...

Flex
 
I must live in a sheltered world. I've yet to see anyone destroy ANY shaft in person. One of these days, I will be so lucky, as long as it doesn't happen to me :D
 
I saw someone break a cue over their knee once.

Then I saw the cue's owner break them over their knee.

It was a satisfying experience.

-Matt
 
MattRDavis said:
I saw someone break a cue over their knee once.

Then I saw the cue's owner break them over their knee.

It was a satisfying experience.

-Matt
Click to expand...

No, but was it a 314 or a Z?

And did the owner feel the glue lines or scratch the ferrel as he cracked the shaft over his knee?
 
I've snapped a couple of valley shafts while breaking, in stroke.

As for the OP i am playing with the 314 an like it a lot. I also recently had the oppurtunity to play with a Tiger X shaft. If this shaft is not on your short list, it should be.

I played with a full Tiger cue, x shaft with a sniper tip, it was perfect. I loved it. I won't switch right now, due to recently purchasing the predator, however i wil Definately recommend people give them a look. i would LOVE to try a x shaft sniper combo on a sneaky pete.
 
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