Hey there!
If you're using closed bridges the you can / should stay with a small pro taper.
Most 12,X shafts use that.
If you like to work on things and improve your playing you'll look at 11,X shafts; they're usually using a canonical taper, which greatly improves stroking accuracy for open bridges.
I'd stay away from Predator, it's just overpriced and quality is not consistent, so you can have really bad luck.
Mezz (EC7 or Axi) gets a vote from me too. Just gorgeous and high quality.
WX900 is a good shaft with 12mm. I do not like that Mezz doesn't do 11,X mm shafts, however.
Cuetec R360 series (CEV, CER) also get a vote from me. They are cheaper around 190$ , but quality and the R360 shafts are excellent.
A work mans cue, gets the job done, looks fine but decent.
Just get rid of the Everest tip.
And then you have 200$ left for a gift to your wife :wink: or something meaningful.
In general, check the tip the cue comes with and find out what you like BETTER. Most tend to use Tiger Everest, which is a horrible tip.
Try a Ultraskin M as a start and work your way from there.
Please also keep in mind: when you change cues you'll need to change your playing. It will take time to get used to the new cue. Do not go back to your old one.
Cheers,
M