I've played with a predator shaft since the 314 came out and have used a predator stick for 10 years or so. I'm wanting a new stick and seen an OB cue that caught my eye. Will the transition from predator shaft to OB shaft be possible or not worth the trouble ?
switch from predator cue to a OB cue a step back or same level
- Thread starter oldschool2791
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They have a different hit to them, but overall I think the amount of deflection is very close. I can switch between my 314-2 and OB-1 shafts without any real problems, but prefer the predator since I've been using it much longer and the OB hits a little soft for my taste. Never tried the OB Classic shafts but it sounds like they would have a much firmer hit.
Differences between the similar products (314-2 vs. OB1 / Classic, or Z2 vs. OB2 / Pro) are minimal, mostly feel related. I can switch between my 314-2, OB Classic, or Mezz WD-700 and not have to adjust much if at all for differences in squirt, curve, etc. They each feel a bit different but I think playability is very similar. The tip makes a big difference too.
Scott
Scott
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While my Jacoby is in the shop, I'm borrowing a friend's cue. I use a Z2 on my jacoby, and he has both a 314 and an OB-1. TBH, The OB-1 deflects a little bit more than you might think. just keep in mind, you should always try the shaft out first before you decide to buy it, otherwise you'll have 2 shafts that hit completely differently.
Yeah I am making the same move with my old 8 point predator. OB-Pro shafts have a decent rep now that they fixed the ferrule.
Lesh
I switched from a Predator Z2 to and OB Pro.
It was no trouble at all, in fact I like the OB better.
The OB Pro has a more solid feel, and that's what
I wanted.
Hope this helps.
See, I'm the opposite of this. I miss my Z2. That really goes to show, though. It's up to the individual player. Plus, I've got a Jacoby edge hybrid shaft on the way. That thing hit beautiful when I tried it at the expo.
Same, same, but different.
I like predator shafts better than OB, but i hate the uni-lock predator uses and think that OB made a smart choice going with a stock 3/8x10 pin.
I also hate how the newer predator cues look, while OB has gone with more classical designs on their cues.
Predator gets a pluss point for making a extension for their cues, It sux that OB don`t.
So to me It`s pretty much a wash.
Personally I would rather choose a Mezz cue with a WX900 or Z2 shaft or a Schon cue with a Z2 shaft.
My subjective opinion is that those brands are a better choice.
I like predator shafts better than OB, but i hate the uni-lock predator uses and think that OB made a smart choice going with a stock 3/8x10 pin.
I also hate how the newer predator cues look, while OB has gone with more classical designs on their cues.
Predator gets a pluss point for making a extension for their cues, It sux that OB don`t.
So to me It`s pretty much a wash.
Personally I would rather choose a Mezz cue with a WX900 or Z2 shaft or a Schon cue with a Z2 shaft.
My subjective opinion is that those brands are a better choice.
Whatever you have..... my stuff is better. kekekekekek
It was a minor thing that caused a major issue with a cue maker who I will not name that was using OB shafts early on. It wasn't a ton of shafts, but a few of them were literally shedding the ferrules over time. Just what he told me, never witnessed it myself. But he said that OB knew about it and made a change with how they attach the ferrules.... I personally never saw anything but sweet sweet awesomeness from any OB shaft. Good hit and I like the rigidity of the 5 different OB shafts / cues Ive shot with, and a couple of those were years old.... no problems.
This cue maker was not the only instance I had hear something from random hall rats talking about OB shafts and how they compare to others. Always the same issue too, the ferrule. Prolly just a coincidence, and it is true that I haven't heard anything lately about OB ferrules turning into shrapnel.
By the same token, I have heard of Pred 314 pre-cat - Cat - 314/2 shafts shattering. But then they were being used to break with by gigantic hay bale tossing pig farmers.
Lesh
It was a minor thing that caused a major issue with a cue maker who I will not name that was using OB shafts early on. It wasn't a ton of shafts, but a few of them were literally shedding the ferrules over time. Just what he told me, never witnessed it myself. But he said that OB knew about it and made a change with how they attach the ferrules.... I personally never saw anything but sweet sweet awesomeness from any OB shaft. Good hit and I like the rigidity of the 5 different OB shafts / cues Ive shot with, and a couple of those were years old.... no problems.
This cue maker was not the only instance I had hear something from random hall rats talking about OB shafts and how they compare to others. Always the same issue too, the ferrule. Prolly just a coincidence, and it is true that I haven't heard anything lately about OB ferrules turning into shrapnel.
By the same token, I have heard of Pred 314 pre-cat - Cat - 314/2 shafts shattering. But then they were being used to break with by gigantic hay bale tossing pig farmers.
Lesh
BK2 shafts are basically 314's, as far as I can tell. They actually have a lower deflection rating than most other LD shafts, including OB. With the right tip on there, it's a sweet playing cue.
Ob of course, made in Texas, USA. <--- !!!, also, have brought in some OB XL shafts that are close to right on 13 mm instead of 12.75 mm. Love them, anyone looking for a 13 mm LD shaft, these are very good. I have pulled a few for testing out on a old Huebler, a old Meucci and a old Schon and really have been impressed. They have the Tiger Everest tips on them and in my opinion, OB came up with a winner at a 13 mm shaft. Nothing against Predator shafts of course, but, try to sell usa products as much as possible.
I can pick up either one and play fine without any adjustment.
Your line of aim is the same using either one.
The differences are subtle. Some feel the OB's hit is "softer" or "mushier",
but I think that has more to do with the sound the tip makes, than
the tip actually being softer. And the OB pro does feel/sound different than OB2.
I don't think it will be a purchase you regret, unless you're the type
to let little imaginary things get in your head.
Your line of aim is the same using either one.
The differences are subtle. Some feel the OB's hit is "softer" or "mushier",
but I think that has more to do with the sound the tip makes, than
the tip actually being softer. And the OB pro does feel/sound different than OB2.
I don't think it will be a purchase you regret, unless you're the type
to let little imaginary things get in your head.
Just to clarify, there's a world of difference in feel between OB1/OB2 vs. OB Pro/OBClassic.
The OB1 and OB2 have a soft feel. The OB Classic and OB Pro have a very firm, crisp feel.
The Predators I've played with didn't really feel soft or firm...they felt kind of hollow for lack of a better term. But one person's "hollow" might be another person's "perfect."