OB-1 shafts quality & warp

[pw35235]

Hi,
I would like to know your comments on the OB-1 shafts regarding:
- quality history: any recalls or recurrent issues/complaints from players ?
- warp: how is the shaft resistant to warpage since its introduction

I have heard great things about them and will buy both 314-2 and OB-1 to fit onto my new Schon.

Thanks

[skor]

I got one as soon as I heard about it, that was before they were available at dealers so I got it directly from OB cues.
The quality of the shaft when it comes to construction and finish is as high as any after-market shaft that I saw.
It performs really well, it gives nice action and more spin then a 314 shaft does because it's more flexible.
When it comes to reducing deflection I find it to be very similar to the first generation 314 shaft which means that the 314² shaft reduces deflection better then the OB-1.

Although the wooden ferrule looks cool I like a "standard" white ferrule better, the wooden ferrule picks up dirt (chalk stains) and it's hard to clean, I've used a dump cloth and I think I took of some of the finish and since then when I move my finger on the ferrule area I can feel the "rings"

When it comes to warpage you have to understand that this is one of the problems of wood and these things happen and could happen from many reasons.
Mine had a slight warp after a couple of weeks, when I contacted OB cues they were amazed to hear about it and said that it was the first time they encountered a warpage issue...
I must say that their service was top notch and second to none, since I do not live in the USA I didn't consider sending it back to fix it (the shipment costs are not worth it...) and I was ready to live with it... OB cues sent me a new shaft for no additional costs !!!
So I feel safe to buy any of their products knowing that there is a great service behind it.
The second shaft is dead straight and I have no problems with it.

On a personal note, I still like the predator 314² shaft better and I use the OB-1 as a backup shaft.

[roju1645]

Hello Skor,
Can you also compare Z2 against OB1 and 314-2? Thanks
roju1645

[skor]

I only had a few shots with a Z shaft so I can't really comment on it.

[KJ]

Skor,
I'll take a shot at this one.

Roju,
The Z-2 is the most powerful shaft in the world. Period !
Now having said that, let me follow with; you better have the stroke to go with it. It ain't for rookies.
A good buddy of mine plays pro level. He's tall and plays a 62" Josswest with an 11.75 shaft that he's had for near 30 yrs. We used to play a couple of times a week in my store and during one session he put 13 racks in a row on me. Some time later I took him to Seybert's because he'd heard about the Z shaft and he saw a lot of top ranked players going to it so he wanted to check one out. Well, he liked it so we bought a Z partial which I lengthened to 31" and installed matching ring-work. After he'd played with it a month or two to get used to it, we hooked-up on my table again. I stopped counting at 16 racks and told him that I could have my brother come in here to rack for him so I could go back to my shop and work.LOL. His comment on the difference btwn. the Z and a conventional shaft is that using the Z shaft is 'cheating'. He also said, "it's taken me 30 yrs. of playing to get used to all the mental compensations (deflection, etc.) and now all I have to do is aim where you're supposed to and sink the ball. It's too easy, it's cheating."

Well, this guy plays about everyday and our sessions would generally go 5-6 hrs.
He certainly has the stroke to make the shaft work for him. I, on the other hand, can't play a Z shaft. I don't play enough hours a week to stay in stroke to the shaft. See what I mean ? You have to refine your stroke to the shaft. I'm no rookie, I've been playing off/on for 50 yrs. I just don't play often enough to adapt and stay adapted to the Z shaft. I'm currently playing a 314 and I like the hell out of that. Within 15 mins. on the table I'm in stroke.
Oh, by the way, the OB-1 is a great shaft also. The 'hit' is just a little too soft for me.

[McChen]

i play with a z2, i have several of them. i've heard a lot of people say you have to have a very good and accurate stroke to play with this shaft, but i never felt this was true in my experience. also people say you get more spin with this shaft, but i never felt like i got appreciably more spin than any other shaft or suffered from unwanted side spin. the shaft definitely has much lower deflection though, but i find that you do still have to compensate in many cases, but the compensation is smaller. i prefer the z2 because i like smaller tips and a stiffer taper, like a carom or snooker cue. maybe people that are used to more standard shafts find it difficult to adjust and thus think the z2 is more lively, etc. i definitely don't have the great stroke in the world and the z2 works great for me. just my experience...

[pw35235]

Thanks for your comments Skor. How's the wooden ferrule on your 2nd OB-1 shaft, do you still have the problem that the protective layer is gone because of cleaning. What is we clean with alcohol ?

I've tried the Schon shaft for 3 days now and find that it hits very well, but when you hit hard on the CB, it will deflect a lot. I also own a Predator 5K3, so I know how the 314-2 feels and hits like.

What I'm looking for on the OB-1: good solid hit, low deflection and better feel than the 314-2.

I'll go get an OB-1 and 314-2 next Monday and will post my comments then...

[pool808]

Hey KJ,
What do yout hink abut a Schon butt/Schon shaft combo.

[KJ]

Schon is a great cue. They are very attractive and very well built. In recent years they have modified the taper on the shafts to an appreciable level which IMHO now puts them slightly ahead of Pechauer. I've long now felt that Schon and Pechauer are the 2 finest semi-production cues built in this country. The better shaft taper on the Schon gives them the edge.

[pool808]

KJ,
I know that Seyberts don't offer an extended Z shaft. I used to shoot with Z a couple years back and i really like it but the reason i went to the bigger diameter because i was able to get an extended shaft. IS it possible to extend a Z2 shaft for me. Thanks