Bigger, fatter pins such as 3/8-10, 3/8-11, Radial and such, provide a stiffer hit for sure and offer more feel due to the flat face construction. Some believe that putting a chunk of steel in the middle of the cue, or a brass insert in the shaft will deaden the feel of the hit some what. But everyone has there own opinion and preference. I'm a firm believer in this theory and build my cues as such. You'll not see a steel joint Varney cue. With that said I've hit with a few steel jointed Searings & TS cues that hit better than anything...so basically if you like the construction style & hit of a cue...then that works for you.