There is no such thing as "best cue builder" as far as "playing" cues go.
Each cue is unique as far is "playing" is concerned.
I have had $10 cues that I thought "played" BETTER than some $3000 custom cues.
I have NEVER hit with a Southwest cue that I would even put in the Top 10 cues I...
I have only tried a few, but the Becue feels and plays more like a wood shaft than any of the ones I have tried.
However, I have only tried the Becue shaft paired with their carbon fiber butt, so it may feel/play a little different on a wood butt.