OB Shafts and Cues

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Smitty37179

New member
Does anyone have any input on the OB shafts or cues? How do they match up against the Predator stuff? I'm looking to get a new cue and not really sure which avenue to take. I know I like the Predator's and I've played with an OB II once for a few minutes and liked it. Any input would be helpful. Thanks
 
The new OB Classics are great! I went from the OB2 to the Classic Pro and love it. Also, the warranty on the OB shafts is awesome. I had a cracked ferrule, and had it repaired and back in my case in less than a month.
 
No offense, but try using the search option on the forum. This topic has been hit pretty good so you should find some good thoughts and opinions.

Welcome to AZ!
 
I've used the OB1 for 4 years with a Sniper tip. Love it! It gives a soft feeling hit, but solid. Not stiff but far from whippy, takes english with ease. It takes a little getting use to if your more used to a solid stiffer shaft, a little goes a long way when it comes to the OB, as you'll see. I tested the new OB Classic at the OB booth at the BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships. Was very impressed and thinking of getting one also. I can see it being a nice addition to my cue case.
 
I don't know about the OB cues but I seem to recall reading that they were made by Joss. If thats the case then they are of high quality.

As for the shafts I own a OB1 and OB2. I am a true believer. I like to think they are the hotrods of shafts. You can impart spin to the cue ball with these shafts like no other (IMO). Also, the minimal deflection has helped me use right and left spin without worrying about having to compensate. The ferrule looks a little strange at first but the hit seems pretty dang good and I think having the woods ferrules helps with that a lot.
 
TheNewSharkster said:
I don't know about the OB cues but I seem to recall reading that they were made by Joss. If thats the case then they are of high quality.

As for the shafts I own a OB1 and OB2. I am a true believer. I like to think they are the hotrods of shafts. You can impart spin to the cue ball with these shafts like no other (IMO). Also, the minimal deflection has helped me use right and left spin without worrying about having to compensate. The ferrule looks a little strange at first but the hit seems pretty dang good and I think having the woods ferrules helps with that a lot.
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Isn't it made from layers of pressed linen?
 
Classic LD?

How does the Classic achieve its low defection? I understand that it is not hollowed out at the tip to reduce mass there.
 
Welcome to AZB, Smitty. I had a Z2 shaft, and I switched to the OB-1 almost three years ago. I prefer it much more. Just my opinion of course.

The search can be your best friend with stuff like this, for future reference :)
 
Smitty37179 said:
Does anyone have any input on the OB shafts or cues? How do they match up against the Predator stuff? I'm looking to get a new cue and not really sure which avenue to take. I know I like the Predator's and I've played with an OB II once for a few minutes and liked it. Any input would be helpful. Thanks
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Although I didn't particularly care for the playing characteristics of the earlier shafts, as far as I'm concerned, the Classic and the Classic Pro are the "Next Gen" of low deflection shafts that also incorporporate superior feel.

As far as I'm concerned, the OB Classics have set the standard for all LD shafts. I encourage everybody to try one. I got mine a few months ago (to replace a 314-2) and I like it more and more every day. I especially like it now that I've shaved and hardened the Everest tip. THAWAPP!!


Chris
 
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Saturated Fats said:
How does the Classic achieve its low defection? I understand that it is not hollowed out at the tip to reduce mass there.
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Lighter materials in the front core. The smaller ferrule helps too.

It's hard to tell without some kind of measurement, but some players feel like the Classic's are not quite as low deflection as the OB 1or 314 or Z. I didn't have to adjust aim much switching over from a 314-2.

Chris
 
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TATE said:
Lighter materials in the front core. The smaller ferrule helps too.

It's hard to tell without some kind of measurement, but some players feel like the Classic's are not quite as low deflection as the OB 1or 314 or Z. I didn't have to adjust aim much switching over from a 314-2.

Chris
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Chris, I just purchased an OB Classic entirely based on a review you posted a couple of days ago. Have known you from the forum for years, and have always respected your opinion, and at times, have felt that we're similar in what we like in a cue. Back to the OB. I bought the Classic, not the Classic Pro. I hope it was the Classic that you were posting about a while back?
dave
 
Saturated Fats said:
How does the Classic achieve its low defection? I understand that it is not hollowed out at the tip to reduce mass there.
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None of our cue shafts are hollow.

The OB line of shafts does get drilled all the way through, but the tip end is filled with a special machined balsa wood pin. The remainder of the hole, all the way down to the joint, is filled with a sound dampening foam core.

The new Classic line of shafts is only drilled for the first few inches, which receives the same pin as our OB shafts. This combined with the small light weight ferrule is what keeps the cue ball squirt down.

I hope that helps!
 
Tokyo-dave said:
Chris, I just purchased an OB Classic entirely based on a review you posted a couple of days ago. Have known you from the forum for years, and have always respected your opinion, and at times, have felt that we're similar in what we like in a cue. Back to the OB. I bought the Classic, not the Classic Pro. I hope it was the Classic that you were posting about a while back?
dave
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Hi Dave,

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, it is the Classic, which is the 12.75 mm. I have two of their shafts now and like them a lot.

So far, I have not heard a negative about them from other players. I switched from a 314-2 and adapted quickly. My friend also switched over from a conventional shaft and it took him longer.

Let me know what you think after you've tried it for awhile. I like mine better each day.

Chris
 
I got my OB Classic Thursday night and immediately took it out for a test run. And I was very impressed. To put this into perspective, I use a Keith Josey, who is well known for superior wood selection when it comes to his shafts.
The OB doesn't eliminate deflection by any means, but it sure brings it under control and makes it predictable. While at the same time doesn't take so much deflection out of the picture that things become ridiculous. I learned with a traditional shaft that had what I consider 'controlable' deflection, so for example trying to play with a Z-shaft was what I'd call a 'humorous' experience!
The OB Classic makes it a little more real for me. Very excited to replace the tip with a milk dud and see what happens as I'm convinced it only gets better.
dave
 
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