I could be wrong, but when you use to go to OB's website and get a description of any cue it would tell you its made from the SR-6 design/format. You read it now it leaves out SR-6 and just says its stiffer and stronger. Are they still using it? I think the description for how they balance the cue is now worded different too. Not sure if it means anything but possible they changed how to balance the weight of the cue as well?
OB SR-6 construction?
- Thread starter Shotcy
- Start date
The shaft construction has not changed since Royce passed. Still SR-6 on the wooden ferrule shafts and SR-5 on the white ferrule shafts.
Are the butts still made with the SLC?
No. We recently change from the SLC to a more traditional core construction.
Do you feel the new OB cues new butt construction will hit the same as Royce's cues?
The balance of the OB cue, being able to put the weight bolt where I want is important to me, is that not going to be the same now?
I've liked the way OB cues hit before the change and without trying one out first with the new construction, I won't be buying another one or even recommend it since it has changed.
Ryan
Ryan,
Changing the way we build the core will result in one of the following: Some people will perceive it as 'better' some people will perceive it as 'not as good' or some people will not be able to tell the difference.I personally believe that the vast majority of pool players will be unable to tell any difference between SLC and the new method.
The balance of OB Cues and the ability to put the weight bolt where you want has not changed.
Feel free to try one for yourself, that is what we have always said.
Shane, thanks for taking the time to answer the questions being asked. Why was the construction method of the OB butt changed? Too labour intensive? Is the new construction method meant to improve the play of the cues? Are the cues still make with a one piece core (non SLC), or is it a typical 2 piece butt, with a connecting screw between the forearm and handle?
Thank you for the reply. You may be right, some people might not know the difference in construction. Every player has a perception of how they want there cue to hit.
I felt the same tho about OB cues when you changed the shaft construction, I had to relearn the shaft. No comparison in either shaft at all. I felt OB cues were more then production cues and now are going mainstream and for me that has changed my perception of OB. For a few years OB has driven the advertising for the SLC core and even if other builders have used the same method of building cues, OB has marketed it as unique and now is throwing that term in the garbage.
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Shawn, to answer your questions:
The primary reason we changed the core construction method was demand. Anyone that has ordered an OB Cue over the last 6 months has waited an average of 4 to 6 months to receive their cue. We have MUCH more demand than we do capacity so capacity had to increase if we were to make players happy.
Yes, the original core was very labor intensive and only allowed us to build about a third of what we needed to build per week.
As for the new core construction, we are now using a traditional A- Joint construction method but with an OB twist. We only use solid maple cores in our cues. With maple running from one end of the cue to the other you will get a consistent resonance with every shot. The feedback you receive after striking the cue ball will not be dampened or changed by having different density woods meeting each other in every part of the cue. It will provide a crisp clean feel.
We have also embedded a weight bolt in the core (just like in the SLC) so that we can continue to achieve a more balanced feel without having all the weight at the back or by having to add a metal collar to the joint. By constructing our cues this way we have also opened up the types of inlays that we can now do in our cues and are able to keep the same great quality in a more repeatable environment. It also allows us to be able to pick and choose which parts go together later in the process and achieve the best looks with the right weight and balance.
I hope this helps.
What makes players happy is getting a quality product, which is a big reason why you have a demand in the first place.
4 to 6 months is not bad if it's quality that people know they're getting.
I hope you - along with your customers - will be happy with the lesser demand of your product.
You are right and people will still be getting a quality product, that is not changing.
Unfortunately, most of our customers do not want to wait 4 to 6 months for a production cue. The most common complaint we get is the length of time it take to get our products, this is on a daily basis.
We do not expect the demand for our products to be less. We are just trying to fulfill that demand quicker. Once we do that and start to bring our back orders down from months to weeks, then we will be in a position to introduce more new products more often, creating more demand.
I feel the exact same way. Including the shaft change!
I take it you will be at the BCA show in Aug? Will you happen to have a cue made both ways there?
I am curious how many critics would be able to pass a blindfold test between the Royce construction and the new construction. As long as their shafts are made the same way as in the past, they will continue to receive new customers as more players try their products.
Full disclosure: I am not an OB customer as I shoot mainly Predators, but I have owned and used OB shafts on other cues and was very impressed by their construction and hit.
If the new construction of OB cues was never revealed, I doubt any of the critics would notice the difference.
Full disclosure: I am not an OB customer as I shoot mainly Predators, but I have owned and used OB shafts on other cues and was very impressed by their construction and hit.
If the new construction of OB cues was never revealed, I doubt any of the critics would notice the difference.
You are probably correct, I doubt people can tell, unless in a few years the old construction cues were solid and the newer ones had rattles in the handles or had finish issues, or warping or something. Right now, no way to tell outside of theoretical things.
I would like to try the two different cues though if they can bring samples of both to BCA show, I will be there with my son for Junior Nationals. Big fan of OB as a company overall although the Facebook posts by Royce's wife and employees do not read well. I have dealt with both Royce and Shane, both were very nice and had no issues with personally overseeing some shaft repairs I needed done.
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I'm a fan of OB Products. Been using their shafts for about 7 years. Recently I have purchased 3 OB cues. 2 playing cues and 1 break cue. As long as I don't see a drop in the quality of the cues or a change in their play ability. I'm okay with whatever change they make.
I think what means the most to me though is how well they treat the customers. I have contacted them about some issues. They have always been accommodating and very pleasant to deal with. As someone who works for a tech company in a customer service environment. I think that puts them at the head of the class.
I'm all about stand up customer service. As long as the quality of the butts and shafts don't change. I'm ok with change. I can respect them trying to keep up with demand.
I think what means the most to me though is how well they treat the customers. I have contacted them about some issues. They have always been accommodating and very pleasant to deal with. As someone who works for a tech company in a customer service environment. I think that puts them at the head of the class.
I'm all about stand up customer service. As long as the quality of the butts and shafts don't change. I'm ok with change. I can respect them trying to keep up with demand.
Yes, absolutely.
Ever thought about putting out any more sneakys?