Ob1 Or 314 ???
- Thread starter THE FLASH
- Start date
i'd go with either an ob1 ob2 or one of the older 314's. i still think the newer 314-2's have some kinds in their manufacturing system
I"ve tried both and have a Z2 that I"ve been using for a year or so. I don't like any of them. I like a crisp hit and they all feel "mushy" to me.
I"ve been experimenting with using a regular shaft of the dimension that I like with a 3/8" ferrule and the hard tip that I llike.
I can tell almost no difference between the low deflection low squirt shafts and the one of my own design... my shaft with a short ferrule.
If there's a difference it's so minimal that I'm not able to discern that difference. Maybe somebody whose aim is 98% accurate can tell the difference but I just can't. So I'm putting my Z2 on the shelf and going with a short ferrule... or maybe no ferrule at all. I have two shafts that are made up that way and I like them too but the ones with the short ferrule seem to hit more crisply than the ones with no ferrule but with a pad. Maybe I should try no pad.
Remember the idea, as I understand it, is to reduce end mass so the cb does not squirt as much. Maybe it doesn't take a Predator or an OB to do that?
I"ve been experimenting with using a regular shaft of the dimension that I like with a 3/8" ferrule and the hard tip that I llike.
I can tell almost no difference between the low deflection low squirt shafts and the one of my own design... my shaft with a short ferrule.
If there's a difference it's so minimal that I'm not able to discern that difference. Maybe somebody whose aim is 98% accurate can tell the difference but I just can't. So I'm putting my Z2 on the shelf and going with a short ferrule... or maybe no ferrule at all. I have two shafts that are made up that way and I like them too but the ones with the short ferrule seem to hit more crisply than the ones with no ferrule but with a pad. Maybe I should try no pad.
Remember the idea, as I understand it, is to reduce end mass so the cb does not squirt as much. Maybe it doesn't take a Predator or an OB to do that?
Compared to good, unlaminated shaftwood, subjectively I'd say that of the hits (in crispness/pingy-ness(?)) it would follow the Z shaft, 314, Tiger, OB-1 in decreasing order.
Currently I have both ends of the spectrum in a conical tapered, short ferrule, no pad at 12mm single piece shaft that sings. The hit is awesome, and it deflects very little given the specifications. However, I'd say it's only limitations are, say, pushing the ball for a very controlled safe or position shot. It could be just me, but I keep it because the shotmaking is predictable and the sound is deadly.
On the other side is the OB-1 I have had taken down to similiar specs. The hit is totally, utterly different. It's more of a buttery feel, more a "donk" than a "ping" if that makes any sense. But so far as the shotmaking process, I can't compare it to anything but a confidence booster. Shots just seem to open up when the ideas of certain english applied does not have to be over compensated with swerve/squirt/deflection. And it does that. Remarkably.
(Oh man, the OB2's are coming...I'm so pumped!)
Final point: I know of many stronger players than myself that swear by the old 314's. So much so in fact that I've seen them snatch them off of other players in matches, cash in hand, since they are no longer in production.
Currently I have both ends of the spectrum in a conical tapered, short ferrule, no pad at 12mm single piece shaft that sings. The hit is awesome, and it deflects very little given the specifications. However, I'd say it's only limitations are, say, pushing the ball for a very controlled safe or position shot. It could be just me, but I keep it because the shotmaking is predictable and the sound is deadly.
On the other side is the OB-1 I have had taken down to similiar specs. The hit is totally, utterly different. It's more of a buttery feel, more a "donk" than a "ping" if that makes any sense. But so far as the shotmaking process, I can't compare it to anything but a confidence booster. Shots just seem to open up when the ideas of certain english applied does not have to be over compensated with swerve/squirt/deflection. And it does that. Remarkably.
(Oh man, the OB2's are coming...I'm so pumped!)
Final point: I know of many stronger players than myself that swear by the old 314's. So much so in fact that I've seen them snatch them off of other players in matches, cash in hand, since they are no longer in production.
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I have a newer 314 with a buzz in the ferrule end. :-(
I can only hear it when I bounce it on the floor. Still...
I can only hear it when I bounce it on the floor. Still...
KJ Cues said:
I assume he means when you tap the entire assembled cue on the floor. I know mine makes a buzz sound when I tap the bumper on the floor. It was really messing with me the last time I played. It just made me feel that something wan't right. It wasn't resonating the way it should. I do not know if maybe the ferrule is coming loose or something? I would like to know what the heck is up.
Do you think I should contact predator?
poolpro said:
Thats it.
When I tap the bumper on the floor I hear a buzz when the ferrule is close to my ear. The hit is ok if a little dead as far as feedback.
KJ Cues said:
Okay, I know you have a lot more experience dealing with these shafts and predator than me. My question is : In your opinion, what do you think the cause of this noise is, and what do you think they would do about it if I contacted them with this issue? Would it be covered under the warranty?
I mean if a tip comes off my predator cue, I am not going to call them and ask them to fix it for me. I was thinking it may have a slight separation of the ferrule or something. Wasn't sure that would qualify as a manufacturer defect.
JW
poolpro said:
i don't know anything about cue repair but i'd guess that either the tip as an air bubble between it and the ferruel or the ferruel isn't glued on well enough
poolpro said:
Sorry for the delay in my response, I had to shoot some finish at my shop and just got back. Also for my curt posts. I work on a time schedule and had to leave quick.
JW, you've zeroed-in on what I suspect the problem/buzz is; loose ferrule. About a year or so ago, maybe two, when the first Gen2 shafts were released, there was a problem with the bonding mtrl. used on the ferrules, hence many of them started breaking loose. This needed to be dealt with immediately so Predator issued a statement that if you had one of these shafts and were having an issue with the ferrule, to sent it in at your earliest convenience and they would correct it free of charge. This is definitely a warranty issue.
The symptoms didn't appear at the same time on all the shafts and I suspect that there are still a few out there that are going to require attention. But yes, it's covered under warranty. Predator has established Authorized Repair Stations throughout the country, any one of which is very capable of handling your concerns. Visit the Predator website to find a location.
If I can help further, just ask. KJ
bantay1 said:
And why is that? So if the greatest player in the world who played with every shaft imaginable and accepted no sponsorship from any cue company, said that in his opinion shaft x was better than shaft y, it wouldn't matter? I know that this is an extreme example but there are some very good players and gearheads on this board who have tried them all and can communicate their experience fairly well.
The whole point of this board is to get people's opinions on just about every subject that has to do with billiards.
I think seeking advice is perfectly fine and the more of it that is offered the more adept people become at filtering out what is complete nonsense and being able to use what makes perfect sense.
KJ Cues said:
Until recently I thought the buzz may have been in the joint of the butt or just in my head because I could not feel any bad vibes while playing.
Its a pain in the ass to ship your daily player when leagues are starting.
So far the fix to the buzz is to stop tapping it on the floor!
BTW, I bought this shaft at Valley Forge this year from the large dealer set up next to the Predator booth.
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