I had a chance to play with my new Hoppe conversion that Bob Frey did for me and i must say for a cue with stainless piloted joint it plays wonderful. It didnt take long for me to get in good form. I might just have Bob make me a purpleheart sneaky to match. Here is link to thread with pics of the cue.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?p=1497431#post1497431
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?p=1497431#post1497431