OB vs. Predator shafts. Which do you prefer and why??

K

KcKid77

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
So i've always shot with an original Predator 314 shaft, but have heard amazing things about the 314 2, and Z shafts, as well as the OB series of shafts. What are your thoughts??
 
Welcome!

So you're thinking of another low deflection (LD) shaft? I think if you do a search of the site, you'll see there's a lot of different opinions on the matter. A lot of it comes down to your own taste concerning hit and taper. If you can, try to shoot with each of them and see how you like them. Good luck.
 
Exactly. I am curious if anyone has gone from a Predator to an OB, and what they liked more or less about the OB shafts.
 
He was politely saying: Use the search function. There are only about 1500 threads on the exact same subject.

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KcKid77 said:
Exactly. I am curious if anyone has gone from a Predator to an OB, and what they liked more or less about the OB shafts.
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I used 314-2 a year ago than switched to OB-1 and OB Classic for around 2 weeks. Those OB shafts have a lot more feel than the 314-2 for sure but their hit are a bit soft to me. OB-1 has a lot of feedback, i call it vibration, and I really hate them. OB Classic doesn't have that much feedback and it feels more solid than OB-1, IMO. Unfortunately, none of those OB shafts stayed with me for only 2 weeks as they don't fit my taste.

After the break up with OB shafts, I had the chance to play with Mezz WD700 and it's my playing shaft right now. But it's abit whippy so I will change to Mezz Hybrid Alpha soon when I have enough fund.
 
Currently own all of them,.. Pre-Cat, Newer 314, Z2, Ob1, Ob-Classic. Actually bought two of each shaft for testing tips (I own a Cue lathe so trying different tips was painless).

The Ob and 314 seemed to be a toss up to me. Both hits seemed muted. I actually preferred the Pre-Cat over the two. It's all subjective..

The Z2 seemed to whippy, where the Ob Classic had a firm, crisp hit, that I really liked.

What feels right to me,... a light 17.5 oz., linen wraped, wood to wood joint cue with an Ob Classic (love the 11.75 pro taper), an a Kamui Black hard tip. All with a balance point of 19 3/8 inchs to end of butt (not including butt cap).

So,.. What type build player am I that would use a cue and Ob Classic Shaft? Good question,... I'm 53, 6' tall, 200 lbs. With a 34/35 arm sleeve length.

Playing ability: Been playing for 5 years. Did the APA and TAP early on. Now I only play BCA 8 Ball and currently a 9 handi-cap.

The cues, tips/shafts combos I've tried has been more than I can remember. Hope all this helps.

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I like the guys at OB cues. There is a gentlemen from the company on this site and he seems to always be a class act. I personally think the two products are fairly close, but I would tend to lean more toward the OB because of the representation here and because they are U.S. made. (I don't mind foreign made products, but try to by made in U.S. goods when they are equal to or greater than foreign product.)


Take it with a grain of salt though, as I prefer to use my Keith original shafts, I don't use either right now. I might try an OB in the near future.

Just my $.02,

Justin
 
The Ob Classics are the only shafts worth considering from the OB line, Imo..

Ob 1 and 2 have to soft of a hit for my liking..

The classics have a nice stiff hit , and what they lack in Ld ,they make up in feel...

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Predator 314-2 is a good shaft ,low deflection,fairly stiff hit , but the feedback is lacking..

Z-2 is the best for accuracy,and spin, has the lowest deflection out of any shaft within the Ob or Predator line, though Z-2 is unforgiving if even a hair off, and again the feedback is lacking...

It all comes down to preference , do you want LD with a soft hit, mediocre LD with stiff hit and decent feedback, or great LD with almost no feedback, or the lowest deflection possible with no room for error,, every gain requires a sacrifice with shafts..

"The Ghost" shaft will change having to make a sacrifice,, as it embodies great Ld, stiff hit ,and great feedback all in one....
 
I used a Z2 fat shaft for a while, then tried an OB2. I just liked it better... the hit is softer, and I tend to roll balls softly when I can get away with it. I like the reduced vibration, though I can understand how some might feel it's a little "mushier".

I have nothing against predator, I think they both offer pretty much the same thing. I could switch to a predator tomorrow and not be heartbroken about it.
 
played Predator 314 shaft for 2 years before switching to the OB1. Played OB1 for several years and really loved them, but recently (7 months ago) switched to the Classic and I love it. The OB1 are a much softer feel. they both are very LD. just a personal preference for a soft or solid hit
 
Fantastic....thanks for the replies!! I love the Predator shafts, although only using the original 314 shaft, i'm hesitant to move to the 314 2 shaft without exploring other options. I like the idea of the OB classic, as having tried an OB 1, not having a white ferrule was very weird to me...I felt like it messed up my aim. I'll have to try the OB classic, it seems to get pretty high remarks!! As for those who reply only to chastise me for making the post...i'm sorry I couldn't make a post more worthy of approval to you. I'll try better next time, as I'm a new user. I'm soooo sorry. (sarcasm) To those who contributed, I really appreciate it!!
 
KcKid77 said:
Fantastic....thanks for the replies!! I love the Predator shafts, although only using the original 314 shaft, i'm hesitant to move to the 314 2 shaft without exploring other options. I like the idea of the OB classic, as having tried an OB 1, not having a white ferrule was very weird to me...I felt like it messed up my aim. I'll have to try the OB classic, it seems to get pretty high remarks!! As for those who reply only to chastise me for making the post...i'm sorry I couldn't make a post more worthy of approval to you. I'll try better next time, as I'm a new user. I'm soooo sorry. (sarcasm) To those who contributed, I really appreciate it!!
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If you have a chance, try out Mezz shafts, they would never disappoint you.
 
TheNewSharkster said:
I have owned a 314, 314/2, Z1, OB1 and OB2. I like the OB2 shaft the best.
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I prefer the ob2 to to all the others as well.

In fact, I just cut down the ferrule of the ob2 about in half, removing the carbon disk. Also, with some sanding, it's probably around 11.50 mm now, and a nice Kamui tip and is downright THE BEST combination I have ever used.
 
Donkey Puncher said:
I prefer the ob2 to to all the others as well.

In fact, I just cut down the ferrule of the ob2 about in half, removing the carbon disk. Also, with some sanding, it's probably around 11.50 mm now, and a nice Kamui tip and is downright THE BEST combination I have ever used.
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I hope you know you have voided you warranty buy doing so. It fine if you don't care, but just letting original poster or anyone considering such know the facts.
 
Predator = Less deflection and less feel
OB1 = More feel and more deflection

I find that most of the LD shafts that have alot of
feel also deflect alot more.I play with a Predator for the less deflection
which may not be for everyone but that was the purpose of playing with
these things in the first place:)
 
I have owned 314, 314-2, Z, OB1, OB2, OB Classic and OB Classic Pro.

I like the OB Classic Pro the best with regards to low deflection and feedback. I also like the taper. It is a great LD shaft that does not have a dead hit!
 
I'm very unstable so I have a variety of 314's and OB's. They are both excellent shafts. If you are in doubt buy from a dealer that will exchange or refund your $$$ if you do not like it.
 
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