OK, to bring closure to this, I've spent some dedicated time to the jump shot and have determined it's mainly the technique and not the cue. Since I'm only about 5'8" I use the dart method most of the time unless the CB is on the rail or very close to it.
I have been keeping my right wrist, (I'm right handed) too stiff. By keeping my wrist very loose it's much easier to get the ball in the air. I tried three friends dedicated jump cues, two of which were CF couldn't see a big improvement in them over mine. One friend has a no name jump cue, all wood w/ I think a 13mm shaft and he jumps very well with it.
Thanks for all the replies!