I would agree with the previous poster, IF the cue was made in the USA. If not, then the $275-$350 applies. Just being honest. The cue could actually be made in Taiwan and be of better quality, but I would be leary of it due to overseas manufacture. Even though I know that Lucasis (China) are well made cues, I avoid them. There are quite a few struggling cuemakers here on AZB that appear to be making a sweet looking cue for a very reasonable price, and if I were in the market for a low end cue I would contact/support them. My next alternative would be an even less expensive Schmelke. They are an excellent value for practically nothing. Now that McDermott and Viking offer a lifetime warranty that INCLUDES warpage AND maintainance...that sorta ends the low end foreign stuff for me. There you have it...Tom