What mostly determines the "hit" of a cue?

[Pfan]

I have always thought that the design (taper) of a shaft is the major factor in the feel of a cue's hit. Especially after reading about the aftermarket shafts like Predator 314 and Z shafts. But having hit with a cocobolo cue, that certainly is a different feel, too. So, I guess the basic question is:
can a cue like a nice McDermott be made to hit like a Schon if a custom shaft is fitted to it?

[skor]

From my experience any part or material that goes into the cue affect the feel of the cue.

As for the Schon/McDermott issue, the Schon has a unique butt construction and no McDermott will feel and hit like a Schon even if you use the same shaft.

[KJ]

Pfan,
Your 'topic' heading is a different question from what you ask in your post
which is :"What mostly determines the "hit" of a cue?"
The single biggest factor that determines the 'hit' of a cue is the joint. The flat-faced wood to wood joint offers a distinctly different hit than a steel joint.
The reason for this is that the wood to wood connection offers a more natural conduit for the vibrations that begin at the tip to travel to your grip hand. With a steel joint cue, the vibration is disrupted by the steel joint collar. There is no wood to wood contact. This is not a big deal for everyone. Some people prefer wood to wood, some people prefer steel. I'll offer this for thought. A lot of cue manufacturers have started to isolate the steel joint with a layer of phenolic. Predator is a prime example (they even isolate the shaft insert in phenolic). Mezz is another. You still have the beauty of the steel joint but with a refined 'hit'.
SKOR is correct in that every component/material used in the construction of a cue will have an effect on how it hits. In theory, even changing the bumper will change the hit. But that's topic for another discussion.
As for the rest of the question, if you want a cue that hits like a Schon,
then I'd say buy a Schon. If a Schon is not in your budget then you could find a GOOD cuemaker in your area and have him install a steel joint collar. However, if your McD. has a 3/8 x 10 pin, I wouldn't recommend it.

[Pfan]

Thanks for the replies, Skor and KJ.