OB-1 shaft review (also sniper tip)

R

radge69

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I ordered a OB-1 shaft from Platinum billiards last week, and recieved it a on Monday (a day earlier then expected). I ordered it with a Talisman medium tip. I've played about 10 hours with it now.

Weight: The shaft I recieved weighs 4 oz, my Schon shaft is 4.1, and my predator is 3.9, so right in the middle of them. I noticed no shift in balance using this shaft compared to my predator.

Look: The overall look of the shaft is very good. There are no noticeable flaws or glue lines that I could find. The ferrule is flush fitting and looks good.

Play: It's hard to describe the hit that this shaft has. It's softer feeling then the predator, but yet has more feel. Feels more solid then the predator. I thought the predator hit hard, but felt hollow. This shaft hits softer, but feels more solid. I haven't been a big fan of the Talisman tip, but thought I would try it again. They are just a little hard for my taste. My mind didn't change after about 4 hours of play with the Talisman. So I decided to put a Sniper on (my first try) rather then a Moori M that I normally play with. The install of the Sniper was actually pretty easy after getting instructions from Tiger. I have a homemade shaft spinner and have installed many tips with this now, and use a razor blade to trim the tips. The sniper took a bit to break in, but now is playing great. This combo gives me more english, and I'm still not 100% comfortable on how much english to use on some shots. Long straight in shots seem to be more true with this shaft compared to the predator.

Overall, I think that this is a great shaft and tip. It will take a bit to get used to, but IMO this is the best playing shaft I have played with.

If you have any questions about this combo just let me know.
 
I've said it before - I picked up an OB-1 shaft a few months ago and LOVE it.

Glad to hear I'm not just crazy in the head! Or at least, not ALONE in being crazy in the head. :D
 
I'm with you

I switched to the OB-1 earlier this year with the Moori M, and I won't shoot with anything else. (Unless they make an OB-2)

David
 
Thanks for the review. I have been thinking about getting one, but wanted to see some non-biased review out there.
 
belmicah said:
Thanks for the review. I have been thinking about getting one, but wanted to see some non-biased review out there.
Click to expand...
I think I can give you a non-biased review since I own an OB-1, 314 and Z2.
I bought my 314 two years ago. It took me a couple of weeks to adjust to the low-defelction, but I liked it better because it is much more accurate than my stock shaft and I can control the spin better. About five months ago, I bought an OB-1 and I played with it for a while before putting it down. I've been using it to break with. I liked the feel and sound, but it just didn't perform as well as my 314. A week ago, I bought a Z2. Got it home and played for a few hours. So far I have been very impressed with the Z2. I was a little worried that the smaller diameter would be a problem, but I actually like the feel of it better. The spin and control of this shaft is noticabley better than the 314 and more over the OB-1. So there you have it. My personal ratings in order of best, better and good.

1) Predator Z2, 5/16-14 with Tiger Everest tip. I bought this for my Schon . Pros: More accurate and better control over the 314 and OB-1. The smaller diameter actually feels better to me. Excellent quality of materials and fits perfectly to my Schon. Cons: The shaft is not piloted.

2) Predator 314, 5/16-18 with Talisman medium tip. I bought this for my Excaliber. Pros: More accurate and better control over the OB-1. Cons: Does not fit perfectly flush with the joint and the ferrule tends to absorb chalk.

3) OB-1, 3/8-10 with Talisman medium tip. I bought this for my Mcworter. Pros: Better feel than the 314 and better sound than both the 314 and Z2. I can generate a lot of spin on draw and follow shots. Makes a good break cue now. Cons: Too much deflection and not as accurate as the Z2 and 314. I got a splinter in my finger from a piece that came loose from between the glue lines. After that I had it conditioned and sealed and it's been fine since.
 
Thanks to you also.

I will most likely end up buying the Z2 because it is most like the style of shaft I have grown accustomed to. I usually play with a thin shaft (11.75 mm) and I like a more European taper than a pro taper. The Z2 should fit the bill.
 
I bought a OB-1 and will not play with anything else now. I have had predators in the past they make a great product, but the OB-1 IMO out performs the predator. When customers asked to hit with my shaft they liked my shaft so much I had to start carrying them. I don't particularly care for the talisman medium pro, so I put a wizard medium and now it hits like a dream. Now only if I could shoot as good as the shaft.

Matt
 
Last edited:
Never heard of a Wizard. Who makes it? Is it layered?

Also, what is the tip diameter for the OB-1? What about the taper?
 
Wizards are a layered tip sold through J&J they are very comsistent and I have not had any mushroom. The taper is long and the ferrule is 12.75 mm. I believe the taper is 11".
 
Thanx for the info. I like the construction of the OB-1, but I am afraid if I turn it down past 12.25 it would degrade the shaft quality.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top