your going to have a hard time with people answering this question.. because they all feel different to each and every person...
and no only that there are many many different configurations of both joints with many different pins.. which all change the way the prespective joint used feels..
i would say the best advice is try several cues with several different combinations.. till you find the style of phenolic or steel you like and then the pin you like... hit is suggestive so something that feels great for one person, the next person hates it or loves it.. i personally only try to buy 5/16x14 jointed cues.. i try to stay in steel or ivory.. prefferably ivory but thats me.. i played with some phenolic versions that play great but it just didnt feel the same to me.. i also tried steel flat face 3/8x11 amd 3/8x10 pin, both feel totally different then the piloted versions with the smaller pin, and then you have the phenolic versions.. which i found some cues that play amazing in my opininion with them, i find it hard to buy them without trying them first so when i see one for sale i usually just browse right by it..
i think its a mental thing for alot of people... there is a huge love for south west cues , and the few i tried, were not for me.. so again there is something for everyone and you are going to have to try everything till you know whats right for you..
chris