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

So if I got this right

Is it accurate to say the original ob shaft (I'd be interested in the OB-2) has a softer hit than the predator, and the classic will have a firmer hit? The white ferrule aside, the firmness of the hit is the main difference? I know I want a 30" uni-loc shaft for my predator P2, and despite the name on the butt I'd prefer to get something made in this country (though the price point being better doesn't hurt).

I live at least 100 miles from anywhere that would sell either. I had a chance to test hit a Z shaft (at a regional tournament) and was floored that after playing a 314 for 3 years I was pocketing balls much better with the Z. I hate to guess wrong, but too many good things are said about the OB.
 
mr_griff said:
Is it accurate to say the original ob shaft (I'd be interested in the OB-2) has a softer hit than the predator, and the classic will have a firmer hit? The white ferrule aside, the firmness of the hit is the main difference? I know I want a 30" uni-loc shaft for my predator P2, and despite the name on the butt I'd prefer to get something made in this country (though the price point being better doesn't hurt).

I live at least 100 miles from anywhere that would sell either. I had a chance to test hit a Z shaft (at a regional tournament) and was floored that after playing a 314 for 3 years I was pocketing balls much better with the Z. I hate to guess wrong, but too many good things are said about the OB.
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Yes, the hit is firmer and more solid than a comparable Predator or OB1/2.

If you want the shaft that's comparable to the Z, you want the "OB Classic Pro" which has the smaller tip like the Z.

As far as comparing your 314 and Z - I've had my 314's wear down after a few years. Once the shafts get a little weak or thin, they play weird. So a new 314 can play a lot better than a 3 year old one too. Like right now on my two 314's, one is under 12.5 mm and plays terrible - the other is full thickness and it's fine. They both played the same when I got them 2 years ago.

As far as OB - the shaft to get is the one you prefer the tip size of - they both are low squirt but some prefer the small tip and thinner shaft (I don't). I have found the larger tip to be a little less touchy and more forgiving of small cueing errors.

Chris
 
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ShootingArts said:
Joey,

You are going to have that old worn out OB-2 sitting around that is worth little more than kindling now that the new shafts are out. Being a friend I might give you two or three times the price of kindling for it. I like a quiet hit.

Hu
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My two OB-2 will stay in the quiver until the OB Classic makes me swoon.
JoeyA
 
JoeyA said:
My two OB-2 will stay in the quiver until the OB Classic makes me swoon.
JoeyA
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I got to hit some balls with an OB Classic recently and I loved it! I have been playing with an OB-2 for about 6-8 months and love it too.

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

The OB Classic shaft (12.75mm tip) or OB Classic Pro (II) shaft (11.75mm tip) both do have a "stiffer" or "harder" hit than the OB-1 (12.75 mm tip) or the OB-2 (11.75mm tip). Both Classics do not have the foam type center running through the middle of them. The Classic shafts still DO have Low Deflection. That is created by a lighter tip construction and a smaller white ferrule, (no wooden cork screw looking ferrule). The Classic shaft price is the same as the OB-1 and OB-2 and as with all of their shafts, available in most joint sizes and over length size. As a distributor for OB products, I have been taking orders. Also, all OB products will be available at the Super Billiard Expo in Valley Forge, PA this week.

mr_griff said:
Is it accurate to say the original ob shaft (I'd be interested in the OB-2) has a softer hit than the predator, and the classic will have a firmer hit? The white ferrule aside, the firmness of the hit is the main difference? I know I want a 30" uni-loc shaft for my predator P2, and despite the name on the butt I'd prefer to get something made in this country (though the price point being better doesn't hurt).

I live at least 100 miles from anywhere that would sell either. I had a chance to test hit a Z shaft (at a regional tournament) and was floored that after playing a 314 for 3 years I was pocketing balls much better with the Z. I hate to guess wrong, but too many good things are said about the OB.
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TATE said:
What happened with me was I liked the shaft better and better each time I played over a period of about a week - especially on power shots, long draw shots, and hard follow shots. The Everest tip takes a little break in, then the hit improves too.

I'm still fine tuning the position play, but I've completely adapted to the short ferrule. With the tip broken in, the crisp hit is actually exciting!

Chris
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Chris,
When you get a new OB shaft, do you cut any of the Everest tip off? Also, what length of playing time does it take for the tip to be broken in.

I've always noticed that practically any tip plays better as it gets down closer to the ferrule. I don't know if that's because the players simply get used to the tip or if there is some physical difference that we can measure or feel.

Regardless, I've enjoyed your detailed posts on the OB Classic. It sounds like it will be a big hit at the Super Billiard Expo this week.

JoeyA
 
Tennesseejoe said:
You probably told several girls you loved them ---but which one did you marry?
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I guess it's kinda like drinking a different beer. If you drink enough of it, it starts to taste good.

I really liked the Classic right away. Don't know if I could get used to the white ferrule! :shocked:

Ray
 
JoeyA said:
Chris,
When you get a new OB shaft, do you cut any of the Everest tip off? Also, what length of playing time does it take for the tip to be broken in.

I've always noticed that practically any tip plays better as it gets down closer to the ferrule. I don't know if that's because the players simply get used to the tip or if there is some physical difference that we can measure or feel.

Regardless, I've enjoyed your detailed posts on the OB Classic. It sounds like it will be a big hit at the Super Billiard Expo this week.

JoeyA
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Joey - it came shaved down low enough and well shaped. They take them down and shape them like Tiger does on their own installations. It's a dime shape and you can count 4 or 5 layers of leather on the sides (not counting the dome). You could take it down a little further or flatten it a bit without fear because it has a backing pad.

It took three days of hitting balls, about six hours of play, for the Everest to firm up enough for my liking - then it was terrific and I'm sticking with it.

The differences between Sniper's and Everest are interesting. Sniper is made from tanned/aged Boar hide which is tougher. Everest is made from pig skin. They are both basically made the same way. They both start off feeling about the same, but over time the Sniper gets harder and harder - maybe too hard for some.

I'm hoping the Everest stays medium hard. It feels great on this shaft. I think its a really good, all around tip.

Chris
 
I ordered one of each not sure which one I'd like. After hitting em, I prefer the classic. I like the thicker shaft myself and don't mind that it deflects a bit more as I've played with a conventional shaft for a long while.

Both shafts have an amazing solid feel, I can't believe how good they feel.
 
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MOJOE said:
I ordered one of each not sure which one I'd like. After hitting em, I prefer the classic. I like the thicker shaft myself and don't mind that it deflects a bit more as I've played with a conventional shaft for a long while. I have a new 3/8 x10 OB Classic Pro (11.75mm) for sale if anyone wants it. Will let it go for what I have invested, $195 shipped to continental U.S..

Both shafts have an amazing solid feel, I can't believe how good they feel.
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Where did you get them?

I want to order one, who wants to sell me one?

Jw
 
TATE said:
As far as comparing your 314 and Z - I've had my 314's wear down after a few years. Once the shafts get a little weak or thin, they play weird. So a new 314 can play a lot better than a 3 year old one too. Like right now on my two 314's, one is under 12.5 mm and plays terrible - the other is full thickness and it's fine. They both played the same when I got them 2 years ago.

Chris
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Thanks for the heads up on the 314. You can feel a noticable bump at the ferrule, you maybe its not playing at its peak anymore. I just know after hitting a few shots with the z shaft it really fit my eye and seemed that I could really split the pocket with it. It is a very small sample size but it's time to put a smaller tip in the case and try to figure out what suits me. I have always been leery of a euro taper, but it went off without a hitch. I think the OB-2 having a little more meat in the bridge area, might actually be better for me than the Z's more gradual taper.

Eventually I'll replace my 314 with an updated 30" version (ob or predator), but for now I'll give the ob classic pro a shot.
 
I wonder if there are any super deals at the expo? anyone have any reports? I would love to get the new classic but I can't make it to the show.
 
I picked up an OB cue - model 108 (wrapless, by Joss) with the OB Classic shaft. It was exactly what I was looking for when going to SBE. The price was $415 all in.
 
The retail price of the OB Cue model 108 (with a Cocobola wooden handle) and with any choice of OB's shafts (including the Classic) is $495.00. OB Cues has a 15% "Show" discount price tonmo took advantage of, or $415.00.



tonmo said:
I picked up an OB cue - model 108 (wrapless, by Joss) with the OB Classic shaft. It was exactly what I was looking for when going to SBE. The price was $415 all in.
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