Amazing how this thread went from a question about Cuetec Avids to a thread about Carbon Fiber and low deflection. I started out with Cuetecs probably because the shop I went to had them on the shelf to try out, they were in my budget, and they were recommended by the owner/salesman because they rarely had issues compared to some others he had in stock. This was only a handful of years ago. I purchased one with the SST shaft and started at it. Played off and on a couple years and the cue stood up well, didn't get beat up much, but eventually I got a bit more interested and wanted something a bit nicer so bought an Avid Gold with a 12.4 or 5 shaft and within weeks got an 11.75 shaft for it. My pool improved some, got an invitation to play in a "ball in hand league", and then decided I wanted and even better cue, so I invested in a cynergy with the cf 11.75 shaft and the gorgeous leopard wood finish, and actually regressed a bit. Took someone with way more experience to point out that my fundamentals and skill weren't up to the level of the cue! My errors and mistakes were being pointed out by the cue for everyone else to see. I spent more time and energy into fixing my fundamentals and sold the cue to another player who was thrilled to get it, and he plays it very well. By chance I ran into a cuebuilder who understood and worked with me to put a cue in my hands that fits me, is a bit forgiving, and now that I have put in some work, actually is helping my game, and not only is it functional but beautiful as well. Absolutely not a thing wrong with Cuetecs, they are good for the money and play as well as the player is able. The most important thing I have found out is that you have to fix the YOU, before you blame the Cue!