New shaft

[9ballrun]

I just got my OB1 shaft and played all weekend, it is awesome. I can not say enough about it. It has defiantly improved my game and shape is no longer an issue. For any of you out there who have not tried one I would suggest that you give it a try.

 

[Snapshot9]

Describe

the difference in hit if you can, and in the balance of the cue?

How much did you pay for it?

 

[mattman]

It has defiantly improved my game and shape is no longer an issue.

These are pretty strong words. If shape was an issue before the OB-1, it's kind of hard for me to swallow that changing shafts improved your skills so much, just after a weekend of use, that shape is not an issue any longer. Don't get me wrong, I have heard a lot of talk about the OB-1 here in recent and I see owning one in the future, but you make it out as a miracle, save-all device.

 

[9ballrun]

Not a miracle save all device, I know how to get shape but it seems like I don't have to try as hard to get there. Maybe its just my own confidence it the way it feels and works for me.

 

[9ballrun]

the difference in hit if you can, and in the balance of the cue?

How much did you pay for it?

I have used the 314 and z shafts before and I never really liked the way they felt. A lot of people use them and love them, but to me they felt like they were rock hard and stiff. This one feels softer to me, if that makes any sense. I bought it from gmcole, one of our own.

 

[pooltchr]

Not a miracle save all device, I know how to get shape but it seems like I don't have to try as hard to get there. Maybe its just my own confidence it the way it feels and works for me.

Now you are starting to make a more accurate assessment. The cue is a piece of wood, plastic and leather. It doesn't get shape. It doesn't shoot better than another piece of wood. If you are shooting better, it is because of something YOU are doing, not the stick. Often, getting a new cue makes a player feel better, and the mental attitude comes through in the playing.

If you are playing better, give yourself credit...don't give it to a piece of wood. Conversly, if you are not playing well, you can't blame the cue. It's all about what you are doing.

Steve

 

[mattman]

Often, getting a new cue makes a player feel better, and the mental attitude comes through in the playing.

Steve

I have been reading the book Pleasures of Small Motions and it says a similar thing. When you have a new stick, you are paying more attention to how your body moves and with the increased awareness, you shoot better.

 

[jbullerjr]

It doesn't shoot better than another piece of wood.

Steve

I would disagree with you here. Some tools just make the job easier. You CAN cut down a tree with a hatchet, but I would rather use an axe.

J.

 

[Snoogi]

Now you are starting to make a more accurate assessment. The cue is a piece of wood, plastic and leather. It doesn't get shape. It doesn't shoot better than another piece of wood. If you are shooting better, it is because of something YOU are doing, not the stick. Often, getting a new cue makes a player feel better, and the mental attitude comes through in the playing.

If you are playing better, give yourself credit...don't give it to a piece of wood. Conversly, if you are not playing well, you can't blame the cue. It's all about what you are doing.

Steve

I would disagree with you here. Some tools just make the job easier. You CAN cut down a tree with a hatchet, but I would rather use an axe.

J.

I suppose the difference between shafts is somewhat marginal, not so much until that of a hatchet and an axe. Different shafts probably have some differences but only to a certain extent or it makes the player feel better. I believe a lot still depends on how the player adjusts and performs throughout the entire game.

 

[pooltchr]

Thanks, snoogi, that was what I was trying to say. Yes, you will probably get better results from a Viking or similar cue, if you were playing with a graphite Wal-mart cue with screw-on tips before. But moving from a Lucasi to a Viking, to a Predator isn't going to improve your game. The tools are similar, you just need to learn how to use them to your advantage. If it's straight, got a good tip, and a solid joint, I think it's all up to the player.
Now if you are upgrading from a 36 inch cue to a 58 inch cue, then by all means, it's going to make the job easier. That would be along the lines of using a hatchet or an axe.
Steve