This thread (article,novel, dissertation lol) is not about which cue is better and isnt shaft comparison. The purpose is an analysis of two of the biggest players in production cue manufacturing. There are different aspects of both companies that have given them popularity and right now they both seem to be the top dogs in terms of event sponsorship and brand recognition.
What Predator has going for them:
Marketing
Marketing...Marketing..oh wait marketing! Predator's marketing department kills it. The popularity of a product tends to create an illusion of quality. Not that Predator doesn't produce high quality products, but products of mid tier quality can be turned gold by a good marketing team. The Predator website is sleek, full of contrast and has plenty of cool pictures and information about various products. The 314s and Zs just sound cool. The Vantage naming was kind of a flop in my opinion but if you look at all of the different series of cues, the buzz words and self produced prestige, Predator sells cues. I have definitely seen more people that aren't sponsored by predator have a full case of their products than any other brand. Out of those that don't like their playing cues, many buy the BK break cue series, which do break pretty well in my opinion. The Air jump cue is also fairly well known and although it doesn't have the prestige of the other products that Predator sells, it has some popularity. Predator appeals to those who like to match everything they own. As a result of brilliant marketing, Predator is probably the most commonly known production cue today. One area which I will refuse to give them credit for because I hate the color yellow is their gloves, and their sport cues, which both look very ugly in my opinion. If predator sold black and gray gloves I'd by a dozen.
Predator also does what every other cue manufacturer does. They sponsor champions (ahem Darren Appleton and that other Brit) who help endorse their products. This produces another illusion that one particular product will help a player improve their game by leaps and bounds. Cuetec is probably still alive today because of this phenomenon in marketing.
Technology
Next we take a look at technology, which in the scheme of things isn't necessarily unique and most of their "facts" are up in the air, but they are pioneers in laminated shafts and deflection. That being said the 314-2/3 shaft is a major success and I personally like it as well. The Z2/3 is used as the shaft most other cue makers compare to in terms of "low deflection". The Vantage shaft is kind of a Euro taper fat shaft hybrid that I'm not too interested in, but if it works it works.
BTW
I play with a Predator cue right now, but a specific cue for a VERY specific reason: joint and pin type. The Uni Lock quick release and steel joints of Predator cues are probably their biggest weakness. I play with an LE3 Roadline that is wood to wood and a radial pin. It hits pretty well and doesn't suffer from what I have seen countless times in the pool hall. The dreaded joint rattle. Uni-Lock QR pins tend to fail after some time which can be extremely frustrating considering Predator sells cues in the low $1000 price range with this faulty pin. Some have this issue, others do not which brings me to my next point.
Production
Quality and production are key factors in building a strong customer base and a loyal one at that. Predator products suffer from inconsistency at times. The ferrules have been known to fail on both both break and playing cues, the joints come loose and the sometimes look and feel cheap. Although many laminated shafts suffer from a lack of sturdiness. My friend who is a pro here in Texas can break pretty hard. The shaft on his BK2 is unlike almost any other in the world because it had to be "epoxy-ed back" together after the front end..well..exploded. Most blame these failings of production on Predators base of manufacturing.
China! Lead paint in toys, chemicals in electronics and dog food and faulty pool cues! Almost everyone has a heard a horror story about a product made in China and many American consumers steer clear as a result. Pool enthusiasts in the US tend sympathize and cherish American made products. Which leads into OB.
Price Range for cues: $400 to $3200 MSRP (Before Seyberts price)
Price Range of shafts: $295 to $345 MSRP (Before Seyberts price)
OB Cues. 'Merica!
Marketing
The name isn't as badass as one that reminds people of wolves, big cats and movies, but it is very unique. The first time I walked into a billiard factory I bought a McDerrmot because it was American made, however I remember seeing an OB with an OB-1 shaft. I laughed about the inherent Star Wars joke, which I'm sure was unintentional and paused at the name. Had I not just gotten off of work and was rushing to buy a cue before the store closed, I may have bought one. OB also has "American Made" in common with McDermott, a statement which tends to draw peoples attention and can mean they produce high quality products.
The OB 1-2/Classic-Classic Pro naming can be a little confusing but not too shabby. The OB 1,2 punch is the maple ferrule simply because its extremely unique. Unique innovation tends to spread the word. There is merit behind its purpose as well. I have played for a few months with an OB 2 and can confidently say that it has less deflection than a Z2, but hits a little too soft for my taste. Back to marketing! OB sponsors a lot of streams and as result ends up on YouTube a fair amount as well. They keep themselves relevant and known! Their new break and jump cues I can't speak to personally but I have seen them here and there. Is the brand integration as good as Predators? Maybe not. They did however have Alex Pagulayan, Corey Deuel and Mike Dechaine plastered on their homepage. Subtract Alex who could come back with his recent victories and DCC and throughout the South, and add Allison Fisher and you still have some heavy hitting pros.
OB gets bonus points for Customer service, I didn't mention customer service in the Predator section because, well...there isn't much. OB on the other hand does. From what I have seen from knowing a sponsored player personally, to hearing stories at the pool hall they take care of their customers. If the warranty is violated but not from playing golf with a shaft, I have heard of them doing replacements at a reduced price. One of the most impressive things about OB is their presence and professionalism on here! I don't see blatant sales pitches on AZ. The OB guys tend to lean more towards being informative and checking on complaints.
Technology
OB definitely came on to the scene with innovation in terms of their wooden ferrule. The products they seem to be of reliable quality. The first gen shafts were different from Predator. Now their design which used to be more like Jacoby is similar to Predator and Tiger by laminating solids rather than laminating...laminates. Much like Predator with the 314-2, The OB classic seems to be the choice shaft of amateurs and professionals alike. Its funny how the 11.75mm shafts of production cue companies are advertised as "pro" or "high performance" but tend to be purchased by more amateurs than professionals
.
One of the biggest accolades that I have heard awarded to the OB Classic and now Classic+ is the feel. I can't attest to which shaft hits this way or that, but I do know people like it. In terms of production and technology, the sharpness of their points and inlays is pretty impressive as well. OB's cue designs are much more conservative than Predators. Design is something that is very subjective an opinion based but OB does fall short in variety. On the other hand their sneaky petes are much more sneaky than Predator's are. If they made an ebony sneaky pete with a birds eye forearm I'd have to buy it though.
Production
OB cues and shafts are made here in Texas and the quality seems very consistent. That did not used to be the case. Not in terms of quality but in terms of where the cues were made. The Joss made J-Line series, which hit quite well I might add, came before OB pruduced their own line of cues. OB does not sell a cue with a crazy joint style either. They rock the good ol 3/8 10 pin, however offer their shafts in almost every joint out their which is very convenient for those who do not want to use a cue maker or 2nd/3rd party supplier.
Now I have seen and heard of the wooden ferrules degrading over time. I had one person tell me theirs lasted 6 months and another about a year. That being said OB was extremely accommodating to them. Whether or not a wooden ferrule is bound to fail or its a matter of production and design is up to the physicists, my guess is the former. I also own an OB-2 shaft and it has a little gash on the side. That may be my fault but something sturdier would be nice.
Price Range for Cues= $459.00 to $1,119.00 MSRP (Before Seyberts price)
Price Range for Shafts= $235.00 to $268.00 MSRP (Before Seyberts Price)
In summary, both companies have their strengths and weaknesses. Predator is a master of marketing that does as it pleases, while OB who may not be as popular, seems to take care of their customers. Predator is a giant and has developed strong brand recognition. OB has been on the scene for 10 years now but seem to be up to standards to their Chinese manufactured competition. Both companies are at the top of the food chain in the production pool cue market.
With the information I have presented. If you had the option to invest in either company. Change something about either company etc. what would it be? You have to pick one!
Remember this isn't about the products themselves as much as the companies behind them. I don't think their is enough difference in technology in either company to truly set them apart. In fact I think it is their weak points that set them apart rather than what they boast.
Sorry for the grammatical or spelling errors.
What Predator has going for them:
Marketing
Marketing...Marketing..oh wait marketing! Predator's marketing department kills it. The popularity of a product tends to create an illusion of quality. Not that Predator doesn't produce high quality products, but products of mid tier quality can be turned gold by a good marketing team. The Predator website is sleek, full of contrast and has plenty of cool pictures and information about various products. The 314s and Zs just sound cool. The Vantage naming was kind of a flop in my opinion but if you look at all of the different series of cues, the buzz words and self produced prestige, Predator sells cues. I have definitely seen more people that aren't sponsored by predator have a full case of their products than any other brand. Out of those that don't like their playing cues, many buy the BK break cue series, which do break pretty well in my opinion. The Air jump cue is also fairly well known and although it doesn't have the prestige of the other products that Predator sells, it has some popularity. Predator appeals to those who like to match everything they own. As a result of brilliant marketing, Predator is probably the most commonly known production cue today. One area which I will refuse to give them credit for because I hate the color yellow is their gloves, and their sport cues, which both look very ugly in my opinion. If predator sold black and gray gloves I'd by a dozen.
Predator also does what every other cue manufacturer does. They sponsor champions (ahem Darren Appleton and that other Brit) who help endorse their products. This produces another illusion that one particular product will help a player improve their game by leaps and bounds. Cuetec is probably still alive today because of this phenomenon in marketing.
Technology
Next we take a look at technology, which in the scheme of things isn't necessarily unique and most of their "facts" are up in the air, but they are pioneers in laminated shafts and deflection. That being said the 314-2/3 shaft is a major success and I personally like it as well. The Z2/3 is used as the shaft most other cue makers compare to in terms of "low deflection". The Vantage shaft is kind of a Euro taper fat shaft hybrid that I'm not too interested in, but if it works it works.
BTW
I play with a Predator cue right now, but a specific cue for a VERY specific reason: joint and pin type. The Uni Lock quick release and steel joints of Predator cues are probably their biggest weakness. I play with an LE3 Roadline that is wood to wood and a radial pin. It hits pretty well and doesn't suffer from what I have seen countless times in the pool hall. The dreaded joint rattle. Uni-Lock QR pins tend to fail after some time which can be extremely frustrating considering Predator sells cues in the low $1000 price range with this faulty pin. Some have this issue, others do not which brings me to my next point.
Production
Quality and production are key factors in building a strong customer base and a loyal one at that. Predator products suffer from inconsistency at times. The ferrules have been known to fail on both both break and playing cues, the joints come loose and the sometimes look and feel cheap. Although many laminated shafts suffer from a lack of sturdiness. My friend who is a pro here in Texas can break pretty hard. The shaft on his BK2 is unlike almost any other in the world because it had to be "epoxy-ed back" together after the front end..well..exploded. Most blame these failings of production on Predators base of manufacturing.
China! Lead paint in toys, chemicals in electronics and dog food and faulty pool cues! Almost everyone has a heard a horror story about a product made in China and many American consumers steer clear as a result. Pool enthusiasts in the US tend sympathize and cherish American made products. Which leads into OB.
Price Range for cues: $400 to $3200 MSRP (Before Seyberts price)
Price Range of shafts: $295 to $345 MSRP (Before Seyberts price)
OB Cues. 'Merica!
Marketing
The name isn't as badass as one that reminds people of wolves, big cats and movies, but it is very unique. The first time I walked into a billiard factory I bought a McDerrmot because it was American made, however I remember seeing an OB with an OB-1 shaft. I laughed about the inherent Star Wars joke, which I'm sure was unintentional and paused at the name. Had I not just gotten off of work and was rushing to buy a cue before the store closed, I may have bought one. OB also has "American Made" in common with McDermott, a statement which tends to draw peoples attention and can mean they produce high quality products.
The OB 1-2/Classic-Classic Pro naming can be a little confusing but not too shabby. The OB 1,2 punch is the maple ferrule simply because its extremely unique. Unique innovation tends to spread the word. There is merit behind its purpose as well. I have played for a few months with an OB 2 and can confidently say that it has less deflection than a Z2, but hits a little too soft for my taste. Back to marketing! OB sponsors a lot of streams and as result ends up on YouTube a fair amount as well. They keep themselves relevant and known! Their new break and jump cues I can't speak to personally but I have seen them here and there. Is the brand integration as good as Predators? Maybe not. They did however have Alex Pagulayan, Corey Deuel and Mike Dechaine plastered on their homepage. Subtract Alex who could come back with his recent victories and DCC and throughout the South, and add Allison Fisher and you still have some heavy hitting pros.
OB gets bonus points for Customer service, I didn't mention customer service in the Predator section because, well...there isn't much. OB on the other hand does. From what I have seen from knowing a sponsored player personally, to hearing stories at the pool hall they take care of their customers. If the warranty is violated but not from playing golf with a shaft, I have heard of them doing replacements at a reduced price. One of the most impressive things about OB is their presence and professionalism on here! I don't see blatant sales pitches on AZ. The OB guys tend to lean more towards being informative and checking on complaints.
Technology
OB definitely came on to the scene with innovation in terms of their wooden ferrule. The products they seem to be of reliable quality. The first gen shafts were different from Predator. Now their design which used to be more like Jacoby is similar to Predator and Tiger by laminating solids rather than laminating...laminates. Much like Predator with the 314-2, The OB classic seems to be the choice shaft of amateurs and professionals alike. Its funny how the 11.75mm shafts of production cue companies are advertised as "pro" or "high performance" but tend to be purchased by more amateurs than professionals
. One of the biggest accolades that I have heard awarded to the OB Classic and now Classic+ is the feel. I can't attest to which shaft hits this way or that, but I do know people like it. In terms of production and technology, the sharpness of their points and inlays is pretty impressive as well. OB's cue designs are much more conservative than Predators. Design is something that is very subjective an opinion based but OB does fall short in variety. On the other hand their sneaky petes are much more sneaky than Predator's are. If they made an ebony sneaky pete with a birds eye forearm I'd have to buy it though
. Production
OB cues and shafts are made here in Texas and the quality seems very consistent. That did not used to be the case. Not in terms of quality but in terms of where the cues were made. The Joss made J-Line series, which hit quite well I might add, came before OB pruduced their own line of cues. OB does not sell a cue with a crazy joint style either. They rock the good ol 3/8 10 pin, however offer their shafts in almost every joint out their which is very convenient for those who do not want to use a cue maker or 2nd/3rd party supplier.
Now I have seen and heard of the wooden ferrules degrading over time. I had one person tell me theirs lasted 6 months and another about a year. That being said OB was extremely accommodating to them. Whether or not a wooden ferrule is bound to fail or its a matter of production and design is up to the physicists, my guess is the former. I also own an OB-2 shaft and it has a little gash on the side. That may be my fault but something sturdier would be nice.
Price Range for Cues= $459.00 to $1,119.00 MSRP (Before Seyberts price)
Price Range for Shafts= $235.00 to $268.00 MSRP (Before Seyberts Price)
In summary, both companies have their strengths and weaknesses. Predator is a master of marketing that does as it pleases, while OB who may not be as popular, seems to take care of their customers. Predator is a giant and has developed strong brand recognition. OB has been on the scene for 10 years now but seem to be up to standards to their Chinese manufactured competition. Both companies are at the top of the food chain in the production pool cue market.
With the information I have presented. If you had the option to invest in either company. Change something about either company etc. what would it be? You have to pick one!
Remember this isn't about the products themselves as much as the companies behind them. I don't think their is enough difference in technology in either company to truly set them apart. In fact I think it is their weak points that set them apart rather than what they boast.
Sorry for the grammatical or spelling errors.
