I think you will get a ton of answers and just depends on how your hands react to a situation.
My wifes hands sweated a lot and when she tried a wrap less cue or a leather wrap, she stopped using here little talc bag. Possibly, for her, the irish linen wrap caused friction or something??
Myself, many people don't like this, but, I myself just keep some scotch brite and run along the shaft, giving it a quick ultra lite sanding and smooth to go. I have never used talc.
Just make sure you don't use steel wool, I've heard a few horror stories over the years when a couple people thought the green kitchen scotch brite pad was steel wool, not good !!!!!!!!!