I don’t think anyone here is playing for a living so really how big a deal is it. I have had a tip come off while playing 1 time in 30 years. I’m all about carrying as little as possible now. My cue case is a 2x4 . in the 2 spare shaft holes I keep my jump cue. If it happens it happens. I’ll grab a house cue and finish the day. I’m not playing to pay the bills or in the u.s. open so at the end of the day it’s not the end of the world.
It is a big deal when you need it, just like a spare tire is when needed.
Playing in my first State tourney decades ago, my cheap old Kmart cue (Miz's version which I've discussed before) popped its tip right in the middle of a very important match. We were playing for 12th or so at the time, race to 2 (not a typo) with over 600 players having been eliminated so far. It was getting serious.
When my tip popped off, my opponent's sweaters all started smiling, thinking I'd not have a spare for my cheap cue. Ah, but I had bought many of those cues and had a spare shaft which I pulled out immediately, much to the chagrin of those spectators.
I won that match then lost the next one. But that extra shaft saved me.
fwiw,
Jeff Livingston
PS It was the best $10 I ever spent.