I just have to say- thanks again to Joey, I think the amazing hit is the shaft taper,and wood quality (soft tip). My accuracy with this cue is good. I feel as proud as a new parent playing with my cue.I'm Excited to play and practice.The balance is great as well. Some people will laugh but when using 2 cues I have with the long Efren style taper- I push myself to play as Efren or Busta. I have a cue that belonged to 1 or the other and Efren won the Hollywood Billiards Tournament in Calf(1990 or1991) with the cue. and it really helps me play thinking ( a world champion had great success with the cue). mark