My Opinion
What kind of cue do you shoot with now? Is it a production cue, and/or what kind? What weight are you used to playing with, and what joint style? Does the cue you use now 'work" for you, and you just want to try a custom cue, or you want to get a cue more set for your style? What is your style of play, what kind of shooter do you see yourself as, how would you describe your abilitites? If you can answer those questions honestly, then many of the people here on AZ could probably help you on the way to get a cue than can help your game, and try something that you haven't tried before.
My last question is whether you have shot with friends' cues, and what other brands have you shot with, and what made you like them or dislike them?
I have shot with a predator, cues with predator shafts added, both the Z and the 314, and currently I do not shoot with a predator shaft. I thought that I would never shoot without one, but after getting my current cue, the "hype" I believed about deflection and what these companies push to us has become a passing thought to me. I am not saying it isn't true, or that they are not good products. I just have started to shoot with a cue that i have not bought a predator shaft for, and I do not miss it one bit. I actually owned 3 shafts at one time for 3 different cues. My game is actually better, IMHO, and I was one to follow the predator masses. To each his own, but whatever you do, get lots of advice, and ask people for help in trying to find something that can better develop YOUR game. Try other people's cues out, and truly judge what YOU think it does for you. practice makes perfect, and so does test driving a cue. Now you may not have the money to keep buying and trading cues, but try out what you can around you. Most people that play pool are more than willing to let someone try out shots with their cue, because they want to let you see how good their cue is in their opinion. Use this knowledge to gain more knowledge, and you will be well on your way to the cue that is right for you, without all the hype.
BTW, there are plenty of nice cues out there in your price range, that can get you started on your quest. just let me know, and I can share of few ideas with you. But once again, the questions I have asked are important to this process.
Hope this helps
Michael