These are the same inexpensive Philippine cues that had been offered on Ebay. They used to sell for about $100. Apparrently, a US Dist. has made a deal with the Cue maker, and now the price is WAY UP. A friend bought one a while back. He IMMEDIATELY had to trash the shaft (bad wood, and warped). He bought a blank Predator and had a cue maker transfer the ring, he changed the joint as well. The hit is nice, NOW!