The 3 main things that determine value in a cue are:
1. Who made it?
2. How Fancy is it?
3. What condition is it in.
1. and 3. are easy to define. For 2., definitions had to be created.
The definitions are not perfect, and the more creative custom cues become, the more exceptions there are.
Earl,
I'm glad to see you two are in touch. If you weren't, I was going to put you in contact.
Mark is a great guy, and I'm excited about his program.
Every high school senior with good grades who plays pool well should know about Mark & Lindenwood.
Earl,
You probably know about the Billiard Program at Lindenwood University that Mark Wilson runs. He is offering scholarships for pool players with good grades.
I can't think af a better way to attend college.
A buddy of mine in Bangkok has Kamui tips on eBay for $15. Yes, they are real:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271047488199&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT