There will always be a new fad to get in the pockets of the people. Question is this, who are you beating with the $800, $600 Pristine, Predator cue/shaft that you were not beating with out it? No substitution for practice and hard work.
I highly recommend Mike Gulyassy. His cues are excellent, the hit is great and he is a great guy who stands behind his work. You can not go wrong with Mike.