Before I recently received my Shaman Custom Cue I played with a McDermott MF8-5 Sword and an OB-1 for nearly 2 years.
I played as well or better with that combination than I have ever played, and I think the OB-1 made all the difference.
I am using an OB-1 on my Shaman and I am just now starting to get used to the different hit, but I think I will play as well with these as I did with the McDermott.
For my money OB-1 is the real deal.