Need Help with OB Shaft Selection

[DJSTEVEZ]

I'm planning on picking up an OB Cue in the the not too distant future. To be honest I don't understand the differences of the application advantages of the different types of Shafts they offer. Basically, as I see it, it's about size and hit.

WRT the hit, it's Soft, Quiet Hit vs. Firm, Crisp Hit. I really don't know which would suit me better. I prefer to play 14.1 and find myself playing soft, slow roll shots whenever possible. That's not to say I shy away from a firm, hard hit when needed.

WRT size, I've played with the traditional 13 mm shaft for most of my pool playing days. I used a 13.5 mm on my Huebler and liked it as I have short, but wide (ok, fat) fingers. I have shot with a house Snooker cue on occasion (brass ferrule) and found my accuracy with it vastly improved because of the more narrow shaft. Bottom line, I would be interested in buying a regular size shaft (12.75 mm) as well as an 11.75 mm shaft.

If anyone out there would like to share their thoughts as well as what has worked for them I'd be most appreciative. Thanx in advance. -Steve

 

[anbukev]

I'm upgrading from OB Pro to an OB Pro Plus. I've contacted OB to check and see if I can have the OB Pro Plus in a pro taper instead of a conical taper and Shane Sinnott from OB Cues said yes. So you have options with the taper of the shaft. In terms of soft or crisp hit, I compare it to the feeling of a soft tip and a hard tip. I lean towards hard tips so I'm sticking with the OB Pro Plus. It's nice that OB Cues gives you many options.

 

[ENGLISH!]

I have both the OB Classic 12.75mm pro taper & 2 OB Pro 11.75mm European Conical taper.

I would highly recommend both.

I have a Kamui Super soft on the Classic & a Kamui Med. on one Pro & a G2 Soft on the other Pro.

What type joint in your cue? Steel or composite? That will affect the 'feel'.

One thing I will say is they are not whippy. They feel very much like a normal maple to me but with very, very low squirt.

I like 'em.

Good Luck with your decision.
Rick

PS Keep in mind that a tip can really effect a cue. So...playing around & finding the right tip for you is usually what it is all about.

 

[bdorman]

I prefer to play 14.1 and find myself playing soft, slow roll shots whenever possible. That's not to say I shy away from a firm, hard hit when needed.

It's hard to advise someone on the type of hit they might like because it's such a personal sensation. IMHO the "hit" has nothing to do with slow-rolling the CB or power shots; it's the sensation you feel in your grip hand and arm. Personally I like a soft, muted sensation so I've got an OB2 and an OB2+ (both with soft tips). Like most things, much of what you prefer depends on what you learned on.

Maybe others will know more about the hits of your existing cues and can compare them to OB shafts.

 

[DJSTEVEZ]

IMHO the "hit" has nothing to do with slow-rolling the CB or power shots; it's the sensation you feel in your grip hand and arm.

Thank you, I didn't know that. I know it will be the equivalent is speaking heresy here, but I've never cared for the hit of Schon Cues (although their beauty is undeniable), I've always found their hit to feel heavy & clunky. I've always liked the hit of Huebler & Scruggs, so I'll take from that I prefer hits on the softer side. Thanx again for the clarification. -S

 

[Busboy]

Can't go wrong with any of the OB shafts I my self like the Classic the best but I could play with any of them

 

[philly]

I like a soft hit also. I have the OB 2 plus shaft with the maple ferrule 11.75 mm and am using a morakami soft tip. Very soft hit, however I decided I like a regular maple shaft better with a pro taper. I didn't like the taper on the OB. I use the OB shaft strictly for 3 cushion now. Hope this helps.