Warranty and Uni-core Butt

First post here... did lots of research, and I am pretty much set on McDermott. Did consider Lucasi and Viking, but the kicker for me was the McDermott warranty.

Since the warranty covers warpage (in shaft and butt), then there is no need to buy a McDermott that has a tri-core butt. While tri-core help prevent warpage, it's a moot point since the uni-core will be replaced/fixed, at McDermotts expense.

From what I've read, McDermott essentially uses the same stock joint/tip/ferrel on their cues (unless I ugrade these features), so a cheaper cue should play the same as a fancy cue.

So my best bet is to buy a cheaper McDermott (say, an MG-9), and stain it/wrap it to resemble the Montana (M1-2A), or some other nice looking McDermott. Seem reasonable?

-T

[skor]

A cheap McDermott will play just as a fancy McDermott, when you get a fancy cue you pay for the art involved, the time invested and the rarity of the materials that are used.
As for construction and joint type it may change the way that a cue acts and feel, a single piece butt will feel different then a 3 piece but when it comes to vibrations and balance point, different joint types will provide different firmness to the hit.
All McDermott cues come with the same shaft (unless you get one of the I-Series shafts) so they should perform just the same.