Shaft Comparisions Predator, Smart, OB1

Bluey2King

Bluey2King

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Has anyone done a comparrison test of the low deflection shafts?

How much better is the new Predator vs the old?
Do Smart Shaft and the OB1 shafts compare?
How about local made shafts made of laminated wood any good compared to name brands?

The questions are to express my thoughts of testing on low deflection shafts.

Thanks
You guys are a welth of Great information.
 
Someone is going to tell you to use the search function, it might as well be me.

There are about 50 threads on shaft comparisons. Best of luck in your search
 
Bluey2King said:
How much better is the new Predator vs the old?
Click to expand...

Not better, actually worse. The quality of the old ones are just better. In terms of hit, the 314-2 has a stiffer hit than the 1st gen 314, which is not necessarily good or bad.
 
I am currently playing with a Predator 314-2 shaft on my cue but recently got an OB-1 that fits my J/B cue and started playing with it a little. Then I did some side by side comparisons on the Predator vs. the OB-1 and I have to say that I think they play almost exactly the same other than the "feel" of the hit. Both shafts have tips rated in the low 80's as far as the rating of their hardness so I don't think the different tips on the two shafts would equate to such a different feel of the hit, although it could add to it by a very small amount I suppose. Both shafts have a hit that feels comfortable to me.

According to Platinum Billiards deflection testing results the two shafts are basically identical in deflection ratings and I tend to agree after doing some comparisons on my own. The OB-1 is definitely whippier than the Predator with a softer feeling hit but they both have what I call the "wood to wood" type feeling of the hit that I like. They both are radial pinned shafts. I would be happy playing with either shaft from here on out.

I know the issues of these shafts have been beat to death in here but I wanted to give my honest opinion of the two shafts as far as my own personal experience with them.

On a side note: I don't think I could ever go back to a regular maple shaft now that I've built my game around these LD shafts.
 
IA8baller said:
I am currently playing with a Predator 314-2 shaft on my cue but recently got an OB-1 that fits my J/B cue and started playing with it a little. Then I did some side by side comparisons on the Predator vs. the OB-1 and I have to say that I think they play almost exactly the same other than the "feel" of the hit. Both shafts have tips rated in the low 80's as far as the rating of their hardness so I don't think the different tips on the two shafts would equate to such a different feel of the hit, although it could add to it by a very small amount I suppose. Both shafts have a hit that feels comfortable to me.

According to Platinum Billiards deflection testing results the two shafts are basically identical in deflection ratings and I tend to agree after doing some comparisons on my own. The OB-1 is definitely whippier than the Predator with a softer feeling hit but they both have what I call the "wood to wood" type feeling of the hit that I like. They both are radial pinned shafts. I would be happy playing with either shaft from here on out.

I know the issues of these shafts have been beat to death in here but I wanted to give my honest opinion of the two shafts as far as my own personal experience with them.

On a side note: I don't think I could ever go back to a regular maple shaft now that I've built my game around these LD shafts.
Click to expand...
My sentiments exactly! Describing the hit to a wood to wood joint is a good explanation. I have an OB-1 to fit my Schon, but since my game is built around a maple shaft, I feel that introducing a laminated shaft would be painting myself in a corner if I ever HAD or WANTED to go back to a maple shaft. For me, making the change is a big adjustment and hurts my game for a period of time until I adjust. That's not a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

IMO, by working on my stroke, I can attain the same spin characteristics as a laminated shaft. Just ask yourself "how much spin do you need?" If your technique and speed are fundamentally sound, then you shouldn't need much at all.

I completely understand how this technology is right for some players. I've read a lot from people explaining the difference in hit and I think your assessment is right on.

BTW, I'm selling a 5/16x14 OB-1 if anyone is in the market.
 
Bluey2King said:
Has anyone done a comparrison test of the low deflection shafts?

How much better is the new Predator vs the old?
Do Smart Shaft and the OB1 shafts compare?
How about local made shafts made of laminated wood any good compared to name brands?

The questions are to express my thoughts of testing on low deflection shafts.

Thanks
You guys are a welth of Great information.
Click to expand...

To do a true test you need a robot. And I bet the robot the companies use will give that company the best results ;) I can tell you though that for me, the OB has the a softer feel and has more flex than any of the Predator models, so it's really about what type of hit you like. Very few humans will be able to say that one deflects 10% less than another shaft.
 
cue builders original shaft
OB1
Predator 314 original
Predator 314-2
Sharp Shooter
Universal Smart Shaft
Tiger
Dominator

Those are what I've played with in the last year, and I like them in that order, but I think that they are all great shafts
 
IA8baller said:
I am currently playing with a Predator 314-2 shaft on my cue but recently got an OB-1 that fits my J/B cue and started playing with it a little. Then I did some side by side comparisons on the Predator vs. the OB-1 and I have to say that I think they play almost exactly the same other than the "feel" of the hit. Both shafts have tips rated in the low 80's as far as the rating of their hardness so I don't think the different tips on the two shafts would equate to such a different feel of the hit, although it could add to it by a very small amount I suppose. Both shafts have a hit that feels comfortable to me.

According to Platinum Billiards deflection testing results the two shafts are basically identical in deflection ratings and I tend to agree after doing some comparisons on my own. The OB-1 is definitely whippier than the Predator with a softer feeling hit but they both have what I call the "wood to wood" type feeling of the hit that I like. They both are radial pinned shafts. I would be happy playing with either shaft from here on out.

I know the issues of these shafts have been beat to death in here but I wanted to give my honest opinion of the two shafts as far as my own personal experience with them.

On a side note: I don't think I could ever go back to a regular maple shaft now that I've built my game around these LD shafts.
Click to expand...


This matches up exactly with what I've experienced as well.
 
so huh, I've seen some people now saying original predator (old) is slightly better than the 314-2 and that made me down. because couple of days ago I ordered a custom predator for my cue, then in the email they asked me weither I'd like an old predator 314-1 or a new generation 314-2, and I wasn't really sure, but I figured out myself (Oh yea the newer got to be the best) and I replied in that email 314-2 :( It's been a week now, and I think the cuemaker is finilazing that shaft for me and will get shipped to me soon...

now I feel like its thumbsdown for me hence some ppl actually mention the old predator is better than the newer. anybody else confirm that too? Cause I already seen three people saying that now.
 
asbani said:
so huh, I've seen some people now saying original predator (old) is slightly better than the 314-2 and that made me down. because couple of days ago I ordered a custom predator for my cue, then in the email they asked me weither I'd like an old predator 314-1 or a new generation 314-2, and I wasn't really sure, but I figured out myself (Oh yea the newer got to be the best) and I replied in that email 314-2 :( It's been a week now, and I think the cuemaker is finilazing that shaft for me and will get shipped to me soon...

now I feel like its thumbsdown for me hence some ppl actually mention the old predator is better than the newer. anybody else confirm that too? Cause I already seen three people saying that now.
Click to expand...
From what I've seen, the old one was more durable and had better wood.
 
JoeyInCali said:
From what I've seen, the old one was more durable and had better wood.
Click to expand...
:( :( :( It's too late for me I guess... unless if Rick Matzke from Seyberts will allow me kindly to adjust my order from 314-2 to Old 314-1. I just emailed him and asked him if the job hasn't been done for my 314-2 yet and if its possible to change order to old predator, lets hope he will approve of my adjust ;)
 
but the newer 314 deflects even less than the original - the second gen is a better shaft i think, but apparently people have had quality control problems with some of them.
 
asbani said:
so huh, I've seen some people now saying original predator (old) is slightly better than the 314-2 and that made me down. because couple of days ago I ordered a custom predator for my cue, then in the email they asked me weither I'd like an old predator 314-1 or a new generation 314-2, and I wasn't really sure, but I figured out myself (Oh yea the newer got to be the best) and I replied in that email 314-2 :( It's been a week now, and I think the cuemaker is finilazing that shaft for me and will get shipped to me soon...

now I feel like its thumbsdown for me hence some ppl actually mention the old predator is better than the newer. anybody else confirm that too? Cause I already seen three people saying that now.
Click to expand...

Don't get swayed by other people's opinion without even having shot with the cue yet. The absolute worst things for your game is doubt.
 
JohnPT said:
Don't get swayed by other people's opinion without even having shot with the cue yet. The absolute worst things for your game is doubt.
Click to expand...

you are very right sir. but I can't really afford right now to buy both the new and the old to test them both. so thats exactly why I register here in AZB. for more thoughts and second opinions from a more knowledge people than me. therefore it could possibly save me some more money ;)


We got some people in here that if I can say it right, its somewhat a school of pool. and alot of ppl possibly have tried both shafts for long enough to judge and give me opinions
 
I recently started using an OB-1 to practise with. I was really impressed with it when I used the demo shaft at the BCA last year.

I have been shooting with a Sugartree for approx 18 months. After talking with Eric I have been using a super pro tip for approx 3 months.

My recent experience with the OB-1 with talisman medium tip was disappointing. I had no feel or feedback. The hit felt dead to say the least. I must say I did get plenty of action but I had no feedback.

I went ahead and cut the existing tip in half. This did improve the feel immeasurably. I was still a little disappointed compared with the standard Sugartree shaft.

I recently replaced the talisman tip with a Super Pro tip but haven't played with it yet. My goal will be to compare the sugartree shaft with the OB-1. Both will now have Super Pro tips.

I understand that hit and feel are subjective. To me whatever returns the most confidence in your game is important. This is the mental aspect for me.
 
I can see that there a few others that agree with my assesments of the OB-1 vs. Predator 314-2. Thanks for the responses. It makes me realize I'm not wasting my time when doing some of this testing and comparisons, which I've spent the better part of several hours doing, even though it's probably not very scientific. I know that some of the shaft issues have been beat to death here on AZ but maybe there are a few people out there that can use some of this information constructively. That's why I love this site. :D

And BTW, my son is using a Mcdermott I bought him and both he and myself want to try a Mcdermott Intimidator I-2 shaft on it to see what we think of it and when we get that shaft I'm sure I'll go through another whole series of tests and side by side comparisons and give my honest feedback about it, good or bad. Stay tuned.
 
asbani said:
so huh, I've seen some people now saying original predator (old) is slightly better than the 314-2 and that made me down. because couple of days ago I ordered a custom predator for my cue, then in the email they asked me weither I'd like an old predator 314-1 or a new generation 314-2, and I wasn't really sure, but I figured out myself (Oh yea the newer got to be the best) and I replied in that email 314-2 :( It's been a week now, and I think the cuemaker is finilazing that shaft for me and will get shipped to me soon...

now I feel like its thumbsdown for me hence some ppl actually mention the old predator is better than the newer. anybody else confirm that too? Cause I already seen three people saying that now.
Click to expand...


I've hit a couple 314-1's since I've had my 314-2 and the 314-1's feel totally dead to me, almost as if there is a crack in the ferrule or something. Very few folks have said they prefer the old ones and respectfully, I have no idea how anyone can prefer the old ones. The majority opinion is that the 314-2's play better and feel better than the 314-1's. To me there's no comparison.

You completely made the right choice.
 
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asbani said:
you are very right sir. but I can't really afford right now to buy both the new and the old to test them both. so thats exactly why I register here in AZB. for more thoughts and second opinions from a more knowledge people than me. therefore it could possibly save me some more money ;)


We got some people in here that if I can say it right, its somewhat a school of pool. and alot of ppl possibly have tried both shafts for long enough to judge and give me opinions
Click to expand...

Don't sweat it. If you ask around I think you would find more people for the 2nd gen. 314. Also, with these aftermarket shafts, its not long until something new comes up and people will tell you how better it is than your old model. Do a poll maybe that'll give you some peace of mind.
 
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