I have owned many different cues and own several today but I have to say this Meucci is my favorite. The cue is absolutely beautiful. The balck and white butt section really looks sharp. I know a great looking cue does not make you play better but it sure makes me feel like I do and half of the game is getting your head right. look at it this way, after getting your car washed doesn't it just seems to run a little better. The inlay is precise and urethane covered linen in the grip section of the but is a very nice touch. This cue also came with the Meucci Black dot shaft. The layered shaft is precisely constructed and I would go as far to say that it is equal to Predator Z2 performance. The shaft combined with the power piston technology in the but provides a clean, deflection free shot. The tapper of the shaft provides a very nice slim feel when stroked and the entire cue feels extremely well balanced. I have never spent more than $550 on a cue before but there is no buyers remorse here, a true beauty.