[headmuses]

I bought one of those OB shafts for my Predator to try out. First week of testing I found the hit was a bit softer than a Predator 314 or Z shaft. They use an interesting ferrule made from the same wood used in the shaft as well there is a soft balsa wood core in the construction of the shaft as well. They use the same principle of a laminated shaft that the Predator is based upon, but construct it very differently. There is also a carbon fiber tip pad between the tip and the ferrule.

At first I didnt realy like the feel of the hit as I have been using Predators for the past 3 years, but after a week I love this shaft. I have more control of the cue ball, a lot less squirt or deflection and I am feeling more and more confident with the new shaft as I play more with it. If anyone here has a chance to take a few shots or even use it for a few racks, I recommend you try it out. I am pretty pleased so far. I think my 314 and Z shafts are retired....for now.

Headmuses.

[John_Furman]

headmuses, on Oct 16 2009, 10:20 AM, said:

I bought one of those OB shafts for my Predator to try out. First week of testing I found the hit was a bit softer than a Predator 314 or Z shaft. They use an interesting ferrule made from the same wood used in the shaft as well there is a soft balsa wood core in the construction of the shaft as well. They use the same principle of a laminated shaft that the Predator is based upon, but construct it very differently. There is also a carbon fiber tip pad between the tip and the ferrule.

At first I didnt realy like the feel of the hit as I have been using Predators for the past 3 years, but after a week I love this shaft. I have more control of the cue ball, a lot less squirt or deflection and I am feeling more and more confident with the new shaft as I play more with it. If anyone here has a chance to take a few shots or even use it for a few racks, I recommend you try it out. I am pretty pleased so far. I think my 314 and Z shafts are retired....for now.

Headmuses.

I went with the OB-1 from the Meucci black dot 3yrs ago. My first black dot was sent right back to them for a replacement. I wasn't a member of this board at the time or I would have been well aware of the quality control (as in non-existent) issues. Buyers beware and I certainly should have done my homework!

In any case by the time I had this resolved, I was set on dumping the black dot. I never really settled into or liked it!

Everyone in my room at the time was playing with a predator and a morri. I tried a few predator cues and had no complaints. I'd gone though more than a few morri tips by then and didn't care much for them either. Just my opinion… I don't profess to be an expert in anything other than my personal preference.

One of my teachers mentioned talisman tips. I became a member here and Larry brought the talisman message home for me. So I now play with the OB-1 and a talisman hard. I have enough tips on hand to last my life time, 'nuff said! I am very happy with the OB-1.

The one thing that all low squirt/deflection shafts have in common is reduced mass toward the ferrule. Different companies have different approaches to this problem. OB shafts accomplish this with the use of the wood ferrule and the balsa core. (If memory serves predator now markets a duel core design do they not…Hmmm.) Again I'm no expert! They work for me and I have enough time in that it's like a part of me now.

By the way Fast Larry is not a fan of the OB shaft! He's expressed that in no uncertain terms and I'm sure he'll chime in on this one. To each his (or her) own.

[FASTLARRY]

John_Furman, on Oct 16 2009, 09:10 PM, said:

I went with the OB-1 from the Meucci black dot 3yrs ago. My first black dot was sent right back to them for a replacement. I wasn't a member of this board at the time or I would have been well aware of the quality control (as in non-existent) issues. Buyers beware and I certainly should have done my homework!

In any case by the time I had this resolved, I was set on dumping the black dot. I never really settled into or liked it!

Everyone in my room at the time was playing with a predator and a morri. I tried a few predator cues and had no complaints. I'd gone though more than a few morri tips by then and didn't care much for them either. Just my opinion… I don't profess to be an expert in anything other than my personal preference.

One of my teachers mentioned talisman tips. I became a member here and Larry brought the talisman message home for me. So I now play with the OB-1 and a talisman hard. I have enough tips on hand to last my life time, 'nuff said! I am very happy with the OB-1.

The one thing that all low squirt/deflection shafts have in common is reduced mass toward the ferrule. Different companies have different approaches to this problem. OB shafts accomplish this with the use of the wood ferrule and the balsa core. (If memory serves predator now markets a duel core design do they not…Hmmm.) Again I'm no expert! They work for me and I have enough time in that it's like a part of me now.

By the way Fast Larry is not a fan of the OB shaft! He's expressed that in no uncertain terms and I'm sure he'll chime in on this one. To each his (or her) own.

Yes I will chime in, everyone here has a right to their own opinion, because I don't like something, does not mean somebody else will not like it, or have success with it. Like Mark Twain said, if we all agreed on everything, there could not be a horse race. I am glad to see you like it, and issue a favorable response. Many feel as you do.

[headmuses]

FASTLARRY, on Oct 26 2009, 10:46 PM, said:

Yes I will chime in, everyone here has a right to their own opinion, because I don't like something, does not mean somebody else will not like it, or have success with it. Like Mark Twain said, if we all agreed on everything, there could not be a horse race. I am glad to see you like it, and issue a favorable response. Many feel as you do.

Thanks John and Larry

So far.....my opinion in the OB shaft has grown...I am stroking true, and with more confidence.... I feel that I can do the follow through, draw, and throw shots better with this shaft.

My score in league play so far is 8 wins 1 loss with the OB shaft. The loss was a stupid mental error on my part...took a low percentage shot and rattled the 8-ball right in the pocket.


Each to his own I say.

I will follow-up as league play progresses.

Headmuses.

[headmuses]

Ok its now been lets see...6 weeks of using this new shaft. My play has improved, I am more confident in making shots, and I am more and more comfortable with this cue now. It is a bit lighter than a Predator Z or 314 shafts that I had been using, so I honestly feel the balance is better for me. My biggest complaint is now having to relearn how much english to apply on the cue ball. At times I am finding the shaft is giving me more than I am used to. I am now at 18 wins and 2 losses in my Singles 8-Ball league play. A little better average than I have had for a couple of years, but it is early in the season and I have lots of time to screw things up.

Headmuses.

[Fast_Freddie]

I just ordered a Schon with an OB-1 shaft which comes with the Everest layered medium tip. I've played with this combination at a friend's place and loved it right away... zero vibrations even on a long draw shot and the hit was very true. Can't wait to get it!!

[headmuses]

Yes, let us know how you find the Schon OB-1 combination. It has taken me a few weeks to relearn just how much english to apply, it is getting more and more consistent for me. I am really starting to get close to where I can predict where the cue ball will end up now. Which in turn is giving me more confidence as the season progresses.

[Harky]

I have the factory shaft(s) that came with my Fury Evolution cue. I have 12 mm. Predator shaft, 12 mm. and 13 mm. OB 2 and 1 shafts respectfully. Every shaft has different characteristics regarding the feel and sound of the hit as well as the action or lack thereof on the CB. I would really like to try the FL juiced shaft as well just for my own personal experience. As FL often says, if you are good enough to notice the differences, it truly is a matter of personal taste. I am sure that FL will beat all of us with a broom handle. The question is how HE feels about using the broom handle.

[williamd]

mrcrawdad, on Jan 16 2010, 09:06 PM, said:

I personally think once your stroke is truly developed a stiffer shaft has some advantages worth considering.
Ok...Now that position improves because of your stroke and resulting cue ball control you wont need those constant exotic cue strokes. A simple game is hard to beat. ok,.....here comes the barn burner........
Now a seven foot straight in shot for all the bananas and you either duck or shoot it. Here is where the stiff shaft is going to save your ass......you split the wick and he goes home talking to himself how you only won because he scratched too many times!

Mrcrawdad

Have to agree with Mrcrawdad on this one! I got a smoking deal on a used OB1 shaft that an owner decided was not for him so I jumped on it.
After two years with the OB1 I find my preference is to use it for.....close in.....light touch.... style of play... as in 14.1. Moves the cue ball around really well with very little effort in this arena.
I run into problems with long shots on 9 footers which require letting your stroke out a bit ( as in 9 ball ) . For my play style ,which includes the use of some power on long shots at times, a tighter shaft with less flex provides more of what I am looking for in these shots.
I would sum it up that for me an OB1 is a "finesse" cue and not considered to be a power cue ( Too loose and whippy ).

Dave

[coolcuedude]

[quote name='williamd' date='Feb 17 2011, 01:55 AM' post='34881']
Have to agree with Mrcrawdad on this one! I got a smoking deal on a used OB1 shaft that an owner decided was not for him so I jumped on it.
After two years with the OB1 I find my preference is to use it for.....close in.....light touch.... style of play... as in 14.1. Moves the cue ball around really well with very little effort in this arena.
I run into problems with long shots on 9 footers which require letting your stroke out a bit ( as in 9 ball ) . For my play style ,which includes the use of some power on long shots at times, a tighter shaft with less flex provides more of what I am looking for in these shots.
I would sum it up that for me an OB1 is a "finesse" cue and not considered to be a power cue ( Too loose and whippy ).

Dave



So you would say, dont play 9 ball with it?

[williamd]

coolcuedude, on May 11 2011, 12:10 PM, said:

So you would say, dont play 9 ball with it?

There are many players who use the cue and are able to adapt to its nature just fine for all games.
With my own habits formed over some 50+ years of playing,much of my shooting is performed with instinctive reactions
to situations. I feel that the OB1 cue is requiring a different approach in some situations that my instincts will not allow me to embrace.
Like I said above ,I really respect the responce of the cue in lighter touch play. More than likely the problem is with me and not the cue.
If you can, try one out and see if it suits you in all situations. If you find that some shots are getting away from you at times,at least you have some input from another player

Good fortune to you
Dave