The New OB Classic shaft - Test Drive - It's HOT STUFF!

Renfro,

Well, we don't have any fancy tests or robots or anything, but I can tell you this. Our original shafts tested to beat the original 314, and were so close to the 314-2 that it's hard to tell the difference, and the Classic is the same.

I usually play with an OB-2, and have been going back and forth between it and the Classic Pro for months. I can't tell the slightest difference in deflection or squirt. The spin is a little different as I feel I get a little easier spin with the OB-2, but maybe a little better control with the Classic Pro.

Remember, it's the effective Tip End Mass that makes the difference, not the total shaft weight.

Our non insert shafts, like the Radial we sent to Tate, are running just under 4 ounces, while the inserted models run about 4.1 to 4.2 ounces.

I hope that answers your questions!

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com

Royce,

The smaller tip places differently on the cue ball - that's why it feels like you're getting more spin. There is an adjustment period. Once you're used to the larger tip placement, the spin arrives equally well.

Basically, it all depends on what you are used to. Changing tip diameter defintely takes an adjustment period.

Chris
 
Tate,

I am going from the OB-2 to the Classic Pro, so the tip size is the same.

For those who haven't read the whole thread, the 2 new shafts we have developed are the Classic and the Classic Pro.

The Classic features a solid center and no sound dampening core. It also has a short white plastic ferrule. It's 12.75mm just like the OB-1.

The Classic Pro is the same thing in 11.75mm like the OB-2.

The launch date for both shafts is March 18th. Dealers will have inventory available for sale on that date. Production is coming along nicely so we should have a pretty good supply by the 18th.

Pricing will be released soon.

Thanks

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
If the ferrule is put i water ---will it float? If it's lighter than wood it will.


If you lay the shaft down, you actually have to put a weight on the ferrule, because it slowly rises into the air.

Just kidding - :wink:

Joe - it's not just the ferrule - the ferrule is part of an nseen unit that extends through the end of the shaft. Those last few inches are where the weight is removed by using light weight wooden materials.

I can tell that nobody believes a solid shaft can squirt this low - but I swear it does.

Chris
 
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Tate,

I am going from the OB-2 to the Classic Pro, so the tip size is the same.

For those who haven't read the whole thread, the 2 new shafts we have developed are the Classic and the Classic Pro.

The Classic features a solid center and no sound dampening core. It also has a short white plastic ferrule. It's 12.75mm just like the OB-1.

The Classic Pro is the same thing in 11.75mm like the OB-2.

Pricing will be released soon.

Thanks

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com

OK, I get it now. I thought you were comparing the OB-2 to the 12.75 mm Classic.
 
Will the Schon specific joints that came out last year be available at the launch, or will that take some extra time to develop like it did before? And in general, does it make that much of a difference compared to just using the regular 5/16x14? I've been using a 314-2 with a flat-faced joint since they don't make Schon joints at Predator and I'm considering switching to OB since my shaft just cracked and their customer service has sucked, and after reading about OB in this forum, especially recently, it seems like the way to go nowadays.
 
Sorry if i have missed the comparision of weights but i have seen the insert 12.75mm new shaft is 4.1-2oz what would an original ob1 5/16-14 weigh? (i have the shafts just not a means to weigh lol)
 
Royce,

I read something about special orders....How about an OB Break shaft Classic style and an OB Break Butt with the special rubber/tack grip :winknudge: Alright I would settle for the standard break shaft but I need the wrap dammit :cool:

Let me know what you can do.
 
Royce,
Thanks for the info I was about to get the scales out to check my original OB vs the new weight of the classic but your answer keeps me from bothering and the change would be negligible to MOI. And I do understand that the tip mass IE Front end mass has the most effect on deflection. I guess I will just have to check one out soon for a test drive. Am hoping it's a feel improvement as well as a little stiffening. John Showed me some neat stuff at derby a cpl years back using the OB for some deep draw action but I could never get the serious stun spin to work out because I was usually getting a touch of follow that I attributed to the lack of Perceived Stiffness. That was the only shortcoming I found with them. The predators don't like the top of the ball at all the way I personally come thru the ball and I can't play them without some bounce on the tip which puts a little deflection back in them. I may be a classic fan and convert before it's over.

Tate,
I follow your logic if you are spinning balls in from up the table without having to adjust your aim they have to be pretty consistent. I spin balls in length of the table as a standard test for anything someone hands me that they claim is low deflection.

Keep the info coming...
 
does it mean the there will be no hollow part in the shaft? whole piece is just wood? or are there any other stuff in it?
 
If the ferrule is put i water ---will it float? If it's lighter than wood it will.

Joe,

Actually, any material with a specific gravity less than 1 will float.

I am not aware of any suitable ferrule materials with a specific gravity that low. Most are at least 1.2 to 1.3, while many are way up there at 1.8 or higher. Maple is typically between .65 to .75, which is significantly less than plastic ferrules.

The ferrule does affect the hit though which is why we fest it was important to have it on our shafts. What we were able to do is design a system that allows us to use less plastic is typically used and still have the hit we were looking for as well as the durability.

Thanks!

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
Will the Schon specific joints that came out last year be available at the launch, or will that take some extra time to develop like it did before? And in general, does it make that much of a difference compared to just using the regular 5/16x14? I've been using a 314-2 with a flat-faced joint since they don't make Schon joints at Predator and I'm considering switching to OB since my shaft just cracked and their customer service has sucked, and after reading about OB in this forum, especially recently, it seems like the way to go nowadays.

The Schon version is created by Schon. They purchase our partials and install their joint hardware. I have not talked t Evan yet, so I can't say if they will be available right away or not. If you want one with the Schon joint, I would recommend calling your dealer or Schon and putting in an order. That way you be assured to get your cue shaft as soon as they are available.

As to whether it plays different, that is a topic which is open to debate, and is very subjective. It would be hard for me take a stand on either side.

Thanks!

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
Joe,

Actually, any material with a specific gravity less than 1 will float.

I am not aware of any suitable ferrule materials with a specific gravity that low. Most are at least 1.2 to 1.3, while many are way up there at 1.8 or higher. Maple is typically between .65 to .75, which is significantly less than plastic ferrules.

The ferrule does affect the hit though which is why we fest it was important to have it on our shafts. What we were able to do is design a system that allows us to use less plastic is typically used and still have the hit we were looking for as well as the durability.

Thanks!

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com

Hay Royce these shafts are going to cost the same as the current ones? any chance they'll be available sooner than you predicted?
 
Sorry if i have missed the comparision of weights but i have seen the insert 12.75mm new shaft is 4.1-2oz what would an original ob1 5/16-14 weigh? (i have the shafts just not a means to weigh lol)

Dave,

Typically, our brass inserted OB shafts weight 3.7 to 4.0 ounces. Mostly at the 3.7 to 3.8 range. Our shafts without a brass insert are a little lighter at 3.5 to 3.8 or so.

The new Classic and Classic Pro are a little heavier as they are solid and don't have the hole through the middle. The inserted shafts should be 4.0 to 4.3 and the non inserted shafts should come in at 3.8 to 4.1.

Of course these are estimates and can vary, but from the early indications they should be pretty accurate.


Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
Royce,

I read something about special orders....How about an OB Break shaft Classic style and an OB Break Butt with the special rubber/tack grip :winknudge: Alright I would settle for the standard break shaft but I need the wrap dammit :cool:

Let me know what you can do.

Jaw

Stay tuned!

Maybe this summer?


Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
does it mean the there will be no hollow part in the shaft? whole piece is just wood? or are there any other stuff in it?

f-50

Yes, there will be no hollow part in our Classic line of shafts.

Unlike the OB line of shafts, we do not drill out the length of the shaft. We do have some special treatment of the tip end, but it's still all wood and all solid.


Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
Hay Royce these shafts are going to cost the same as the current ones? any chance they'll be available sooner than you predicted?

poolplayer

Pricing has not been released yet, but should be out by the end of the week.

As far as availability, March 18th is the launch date and I don't see that changing. We should have dealer inventory to ship a few days before that, and we will have inventory at the Super Billiards Expo.

Thanks!

Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
Dave,

Typically, our brass inserted OB shafts weight 3.7 to 4.0 ounces. Mostly at the 3.7 to 3.8 range. Our shafts without a brass insert are a little lighter at 3.5 to 3.8 or so.

The new Classic and Classic Pro are a little heavier as they are solid and don't have the hole through the middle. The inserted shafts should be 4.0 to 4.3 and the non inserted shafts should come in at 3.8 to 4.1.

Of course these are estimates and can vary, but from the early indications they should be pretty accurate.


Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com

Thanks for that Royce.......

Your not planned on discontinuing the original OB shafts are you? I just ask as weight wise the original shafts are a perfect balance on my cue while keeping the weight exactly as i like it.

Cheers,
Dave
 
Thanks for that Royce.......

Your not planned on discontinuing the original OB shafts are you? I just ask as weight wise the original shafts are a perfect balance on my cue while keeping the weight exactly as i like it.

Cheers,
Dave

Dave,

No, we don't plan to discontinue the OB line. We are just adding to the product lineup!


Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com
 
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