OB2/Predator Z

Matt_24

Matt_24

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I see some good players using these extra skinny shafts.

Now I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a 314 or 314-2 (love them both). I play very good (for me) with them. Love the low deflection, the feel, the ability to move the cue ball much easier.

But again....I see some good players using that little toothpick Z and I get curious...whats it all about. Is pool even more fun with a super skinny shaft?

Should I convert...and learn to master the Z or the "2" (OB2).

What is the deal?

What are you thoughts?

Matt <--Might need a "Z"
 
I think there is a construction flaw in the Z2. Twice I cracked a ferrule and I didn't do anything that would cause it. But the ferrule does look quite thin for the job it's supposed to perform. I got an OB2 and have not looked back.
 
NewStroke said:
I think there is a construction flaw in the Z2. Twice I cracked a ferrule and I didn't do anything that would cause it. But the ferrule does look quite thin for the job it's supposed to perform. I got an OB2 and have not looked back.
Click to expand...

I do some cue repair here in my area and i can't even tell you how many z2 shafts show up needing ferrule repair. I give them Predator's number and send them on their way.

BTW- No issues with ob shafts.
 
Matt 24

The OB-2 is designed to be about the same size from the 10" mark back to the joint as the OB-1. The basic reason for this is that when you are at a typical bridge length, the 2 cue shafts are not significantly different in your bridge.

The smaller tipped shafts do have less deflection or squirt than the regular sized ones, and yes they do spin the cue ball a little easier too.

It all comes down to a personal preference, but there are some performance advantages to the smaller tipped shafts.


Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
I've been playing with 314's for 13-14 years, an OB1 for a year or so, a retapered OB1, and an OB2. The change from 314 to OB1 took a little time. The transition to the retapered OB1 & the OB2 was minor. I can now transition back & forth between any of them. The difference isn't night & day...they just have their own characteristics & "feel". BTW, the OB2 doesn't feel small...just a *little* smaller.
 
IMO, you had better have a really solid stroke if you're going to use one of these "super skinny" shafts. They aren't very forgiving if you have any "wiggle" in your stroke. I've all but quit using mine for anything but messing around on the home table. But then, my stroke can get ugly sometimes AND for the most part I generally suck at pool.

Maniac
 
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IMO the only way to successfully switch to a skinny like the Z2 or OB-2 is if you have excellent tip positioning. Even a mm to the left or right and you will get significant rotation that will effect the object ball.
 
Matt_24 said:
I see some good players using these extra skinny shafts.

Now I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a 314 or 314-2 (love them both). I play very good (for me) with them. Love the low deflection, the feel, the ability to move the cue ball much easier.

But again....I see some good players using that little toothpick Z and I get curious...whats it all about. Is pool even more fun with a super skinny shaft?

Should I convert...and learn to master the Z or the "2" (OB2).

What is the deal?

What are you thoughts?

Matt <--Might need a "Z"
Click to expand...



I was curious myself, so I bought a Z-2 and never looked back. More draw and less squirt, I cant complain. I am gonna buy an OB-2 anyway, only because I hear more people prefer them over the Z.
 
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