My New Earl Strickland/ Mike Gulyassy Ob-1 Shaft

JoeyA

JoeyA

Efren's Mini-Tourn BACKER
Silver Member
Well, I just got off of the telephone with Mike Gulyassy and have ordered a shaft for my existing Gulyassy cue.

There's been lots of talk about Earl Strikland's new cue on this forum. Mike Gulyassy is the cue maker. Since I already had one of Mike's cues and have been wanting to test drive one of the low deflection cues, I decided to order an OB-1 shaft for it which is what Earl is playing with. I thought about ordering the same old OB-1 shaft or maybe one of the other "special" tapers that Mike uses on the OB-1 shaft but decided to do something a little extreme.

Mike already knows the collar size, thread type etc and after talking with Mike, he has explained that Earl has done something REALLY RADICAL with the taper of the OB-1 and is playing VERY WELL with it. Earl is using the pressed Elkmaster tip.

So I was thinking about Earl...... Earl is one of the most and probably THE MOST INNOVATIVE POOL PLAYER in the world. He's tried more gadgets and techniques than anyone else in pool to keep on top of his game. I like ingenuity, originality, highly competitive people and sometimes I like to step out and take a chance on something new. So I asked Mike Gulyassy to make a shaft for me IDENTICAL to Earl's shaft in every way.

If it's good enough for Earl Strickland, it's good enough for me to try. I understand that it may or may not work for me but would love to be on the same page with Earl.

I'm just a competitive amateur, nothing more but I like the idea that Earl is working on his game AND I MEAN ALL ASPECTS OF HIS GAME, not just his equipment, but himself personally.

I expect to see a lot of good changes in Earl and I hope to see similar changes occuring in his fellow players, tournament directors and especially the spectators.

Knowing that core changes don't occur overnight, I also hope that OUR FORUM gives him a chance to change and make improvements in his life and game.

If AZ members want to see Earl straighten himself out and return to his game of old we should give me the chance to make these changes to himself, unencumbered by forum ridicule and piling on.

It would be great for AZ members to set the stage for the rest of the world to follow.

Those on this forum who don't want to see this happen should hang their heads in shame.

JoeyA

Mike Gulyassy 864-458-7662
http://www.babysproshop.com/Main.html
 
JoeyA said:
If it's good enough for Earl Strickland, it's good enough for me to try. I understand that it may or may not work for me but would love to be on the same page with Earl.
Click to expand...

Have fun with that Cuetec you bought a while back :D

(just poking fun)
 
Now all you need is gloves on both hands, an elbow pad, pilots glasses, a weight on your cueing arm, and you're good to go!
 
belmicah said:
Now all you need is gloves on both hands, an elbow pad, pilots glasses, a weight on your cueing arm, and you're good to go!
Click to expand...

We all love Earl... it's just too easy =/
 
great post!

A great post Joey and I'd say all of your thoughts and opinions are spot on.


The innovators fall on their faces a lot, that is the nature of innovations. A few innovations work, most don't, but innovators learn from their failures and successes and move on. Earl probably knows more about what does and doesn't work in the way of shafts and gadgets than anyone alive. Here is hoping that you both do well with the new profile.

Hu



JoeyA said:
Well, I just got off of the telephone with Mike Gulyassy and have ordered a shaft for my existing Gulyassy cue.

There's been lots of talk about Earl Strikland's new cue on this forum. Mike Gulyassy is the cue maker. Since I already had one of Mike's cues and have been wanting to test drive one of the low deflection cues, I decided to order an OB-1 shaft for it which is what Earl is playing with. I thought about ordering the same old OB-1 shaft or maybe one of the other "special" tapers that Mike uses on the OB-1 shaft but decided to do something a little extreme.

Mike already knows the collar size, thread type etc and after talking with Mike, he has explained that Earl has done something REALLY RADICAL with the taper of the OB-1 and is playing VERY WELL with it. Earl is using the pressed Elkmaster tip.

So I was thinking about Earl...... Earl is one of the most and probably THE MOST INNOVATIVE POOL PLAYER in the world. He's tried more gadgets and techniques than anyone else in pool to keep on top of his game. I like ingenuity, originality, highly competitive people and sometimes I like to step out and take a chance on something new. So I asked Mike Gulyassy to make a shaft for me IDENTICAL to Earl's shaft in every way.

If it's good enough for Earl Strickland, it's good enough for me to try. I understand that it may or may not work for me but would love to be on the same page with Earl.

I'm just a competitive amateur, nothing more but I like the idea that Earl is working on his game AND I MEAN ALL ASPECTS OF HIS GAME, not just his equipment, but himself personally.

I expect to see a lot of good changes in Earl and I hope to see similar changes occuring in his fellow players, tournament directors and especially the spectators.

Knowing that core changes don't occur overnight, I also hope that OUR FORUM gives him a chance to change and make improvements in his life and game.

If AZ members want to see Earl straighten himself out and return to his game of old we should give me the chance to make these changes to himself, unencumbered by forum ridicule and piling on.

It would be great for AZ members to set the stage for the rest of the world to follow.

Those on this forum who don't want to see this happen should hang their heads in shame.

JoeyA

Mike Gulyassy 864-458-7662
http://www.babysproshop.com/Main.html
Click to expand...
 
JoeyA said:
Well, I just got off of the telephone with Mike Gulyassy and have ordered a shaft for my existing Gulyassy cue.

There's been lots of talk about Earl Strikland's new cue on this forum. Mike Gulyassy is the cue maker. Since I already had one of Mike's cues and have been wanting to test drive one of the low deflection cues, I decided to order an OB-1 shaft for it which is what Earl is playing with. I thought about ordering the same old OB-1 shaft or maybe one of the other "special" tapers that Mike uses on the OB-1 shaft but decided to do something a little extreme.

Mike already knows the collar size, thread type etc and after talking with Mike, he has explained that Earl has done something REALLY RADICAL with the taper of the OB-1 and is playing VERY WELL with it. Earl is using the pressed Elkmaster tip.

So I was thinking about Earl...... Earl is one of the most and probably THE MOST INNOVATIVE POOL PLAYER in the world. He's tried more gadgets and techniques than anyone else in pool to keep on top of his game. I like ingenuity, originality, highly competitive people and sometimes I like to step out and take a chance on something new. So I asked Mike Gulyassy to make a shaft for me IDENTICAL to Earl's shaft in every way.

If it's good enough for Earl Strickland, it's good enough for me to try. I understand that it may or may not work for me but would love to be on the same page with Earl.

I'm just a competitive amateur, nothing more but I like the idea that Earl is working on his game AND I MEAN ALL ASPECTS OF HIS GAME, not just his equipment, but himself personally.

I expect to see a lot of good changes in Earl and I hope to see similar changes occuring in his fellow players, tournament directors and especially the spectators.

Knowing that core changes don't occur overnight, I also hope that OUR FORUM gives him a chance to change and make improvements in his life and game.

If AZ members want to see Earl straighten himself out and return to his game of old we should give me the chance to make these changes to himself, unencumbered by forum ridicule and piling on.

It would be great for AZ members to set the stage for the rest of the world to follow.

Those on this forum who don't want to see this happen should hang their heads in shame.

JoeyA

Mike Gulyassy 864-458-7662
http://www.babysproshop.com/Main.html
Click to expand...
Joey,

Did Earl pull the taper all the way back to the joint like he did on his other cues? I have never seen anything like the taper he used to play with. It was basically the same diameter from the tip to the joint.

Is that how you had yours tapered?
 
I wonder if the old is new again?

Ktown D said:
Joey,

Did Earl pull the taper all the way back to the joint like he did on his other cues? I have never seen anything like the taper he used to play with. It was basically the same diameter from the tip to the joint.
Click to expand...


Back in nineteen hundred and seventy there was a house cue like that in a place I played, a straight shaft going into a handle about where the joint would be. These were the big old tables and that thing actually played pretty good if you turned it right. It was severely warped which I think might be an issue especially with cheap wood, not an issue with the OB1 blank or Mike's shaft blanks obviously.

Now you have me wondering if the old has became new again.

Hu
 
Yokel said:
Have fun with that Cuetec you bought a while back :D

(just poking fun)
Click to expand...

My name is not Travis Trotter. :p

Do you gamble at pool? ;)
JoeyA
 
belmicah said:
Now all you need is gloves on both hands, an elbow pad, pilots glasses, a weight on your cueing arm, and you're good to go!
Click to expand...

Do you gamble at pool? :p
JoeyA
 
Just got my OB-1 today /cheer

From the little i have used it (300-400 balls) I am very impressed. I was not expecting a noticable difference but I was very wrong. On a couple shots, the pockets just got bigger for me with this shaft. At least twice as big and that is HUGE. I can't wait to get it dialed in. I've never been one to think equiptment will take me to another level but like I said, a few shots now fall MUCH easier with this shaft :)

I think you will like it. overall, I love it. I do have a couple minor issues with it though /shrug

And yeah, duplicating Earl would never be a mistake unless its his table manners :)
 
CaptiveBred said:
Just got my OB-1 today /cheer

From the little i have used it (300-400 balls) I am very impressed. I was not expecting a noticable difference but I was very wrong. On a couple shots, the pockets just got bigger for me with this shaft. At least twice as big and that is HUGE. I can't wait to get it dialed in. I've never been one to think equiptment will take me to another level but like I said, a few shots now fall MUCH easier with this shaft :)

I think you will like it. overall, I love it. I do have a couple minor issues with it though /shrug

And yeah, duplicating Earl would never be a mistake unless its his table manners :)
Click to expand...

It will be another two weeks before I see mine but am looking forward to it. Those shots which are easier... by any chance are they cut shots?
Thanks,
JoeyA
 
CaptiveBred said:
I think you will like it. overall, I love it. I do have a couple minor issues with it though /shrug
Click to expand...

What are your issues? Critical comments are allowed!

I didn't know until I read it yesterday that Earl was using an OB-1. Now I feel validated (I'm using one too).
 
PKM said:
What are your issues? Critical comments are allowed!

I didn't know until I read it yesterday that Earl was using an OB-1. Now I feel validated (I'm using one too).
Click to expand...

If I see a response by CaptiveBred concerning his issues with the shaft, I will have to go to another forum. :D :D

While I haven't received it and won't for about two weeks, I do know Earl likes to spin the cueball and likes a lively cue ball. This shaft may be a little like a wild stallion now. Just guessing. :)
JoeyA
 
No, not cut shots. It is spin shots. The shaft/tip combo spins the ball so much more it really surprised me. Since I can get so much more spin, I can hit balls much "softer" which makes the pockets bigger due to "pocket speed" and accuracy. Draw shots are the most noticable. A HUGE ammout of draw compared to my super squirter shafts. I was not expecting such results at all.

Deflection/squirt is very different as well. I still do not buy this thought but, so far, its holding true - It seems as though I do not need to compensate my aiming point at all anymore. I know that is physically impossible and, most likely, the built in margin of error in pockets sizes are just accepting the balls... Anyways, This is a good thing, of course, and also a bad thing since it took a favorite shot away from me. I like to squirt the CB accross the line to force it to go an unnatural way. i.e. on a straight in shot you can create an angle by squirting the CB. It works real well and I use it all the time. Looks like the OB1 is going to make that alot harder unless I get brave enough to go way out there on the CB and force some squirt :)


The advantages for making pockets bigger is simply the ammount of spin the CB takes with little effort. This shaft/tip REALLY applies spin with little effort. Even "swerve" is much more noticable. Thats another thing I have to relearn lol The swerve this shaft produces, at low speeds with alot of spin, is quite amaing. The CB just whips off its line after a couple feet.

So, spin is very easy and is going to make a few shots per rack ALOT easier. That, in itself, should make me a ball stronger. All I got to do is do my homework and fully understand the aiming compensation needed for this shaft due to the physics. If I can get that automatic (which I will) I truly belive the shaft will have improved my game.



The things I don't like -

The hit feels solid but its light if you can comprehend that. I'm not much on feel so I'll be alright. I'm more of a 'results" consumer :) It is definitely a solid hit, just feels like the cue is too light. I'll get over that real quick.

The construction is amazing but the laminates are different thicknesses. I really do not like that. I was expecting each line running down the shaft to be the same thickness. Some are normal size (3/32") and some are less than a milimeter and some are bigger. If I were OB1, I'd demand my maple plywood be consistant from whoever I buy it from. If he makes it himself, he should retool to correct this issue. Don't get me wrong here. This has 0 affect on the shaft. Its just a shame to have such a woodworking masterpiece and let this happen. I must also say that each laminate is cut very clean no matter how thin it is. Even the < millimeter layers are as sharp as can be and that is very difficult to do without some good tools and knowing how to use them. So another thumbs up there.

The stock shaft taper is too thick. Thats a preference so its not a problem but I do think its slightly bigger than anybody who would buy the OB1 would want. I assume only serious players who know what they want would buy this shaft and most, if not all, serious players like a slimmer taper. I am just going to adjust. There is no way I am going to trust a regular shaft mechanic to touch it :)

I also do not really like the ferrule (sp?) Its interesting but it leaves unanswered questions for me. Like - do I have to have a backed tip for it? Does replacing the tip have any additional problems since I may have to sand it square? Sanding really thin wood can be problematic and these layers that make up the ferrule are really thin. But the real reason I do not like it is - it looks different. people will notice it and ask questions. maybe thats what OB1 wants. I however, do not want anybody to see I have a special shaft for my own reasons... I'd rather it looked like a regular shaft.


Here is what I can say that would be a benifet for most players -

Low squirt for sure. less knowledge of your shaft is required to play at a higher level. Alot of lesser players do not realize that "aiming" and "pocketing balls" are different things. Pocketing balls is applying all known advantages/corrections (physics,helper english, pocket speed, pro side, etc...) to make a pocket take the ball. With this shaft, you do not need to know all the different aiming corrections when using spin. Its an exponential equation that can be cumbersome and this shaft seems to eliminate most of the corrections required for all the various shots. That, in itself, would have saved me, at least, two years off the learning curve...

No warping due to the construction.

I'm not sure of the terminology but the shaft will deflect the same no matter which way it is turned. This one can sound unimportant but high level pool is a game of minutiae and a little bit more defelction than you were expecting may make all the difference in the out. Why gamble?

Spin is applied with little effort. Again, that takes the learning curve down a few notches as well...

And the owner of OB1 gives money back to the sport. That is always a reason to buy a pool related product.

I think shafts like this are the future. IMO, any good cue maker should make something like this for all their high end cues. It is obviously a superior product compared to solid maple. There are too many benifets to ignore if I were the cue maker...


Thats all I got to say on it lol Alot I know :)
 
CaptiveBred said:
Anyways, This is a good thing, of course, and also a bad thing since it took a favorite shot away from me. I like to squirt the CB accross the line to force it to go an unnatural way. i.e. on a straight in shot you can create an angle by squirting the CB. It works real well and I use it all the time. Looks like the OB1 is going to make that alot harder unless I get brave enough to go way out there on the CB and force some squirt :)
Click to expand...

Interesting comments. I'm actually in the camp of a determined C-player, and decided to upgrade to an OB-1. Hopefully I will reduce my learning curve, like you said.

I am curious, for the straight-in shot, why is there an advantage to using squirt instead of just aiming to cheat the pocket? Or is it just that you're used to the squirt?
 
The construction is amazing but the laminates are different thicknesses. I really do not like that. I was expecting each line running down the shaft to be the same thickness. Some are normal size (3/32") and some are less than a milimeter and some are bigger. If I were OB1, I'd demand my maple plywood be consistant from whoever I buy it from. If he makes it himself, he should retool to correct this issue. Don't get me wrong here. This has 0 affect on the shaft. Its just a shame to have such a woodworking masterpiece and let this happen. I must also say that each laminate is cut very clean no matter how thin it is. Even the < millimeter layers are as sharp as can be and that is very difficult to do without some good tools and knowing how to use them. So another thumbs up there.

Are you sure that you know how it is made. Unless I have the wrong idea in my head. I don't see a difference in size at all Check this out
 
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