I think the Lucasi Hybrid cues are pretty interesting from a marketing point of view. They are clearly going after a new market. It isn't such a bad idea, considering that cue sales are down this year. The golf club market dwarfs the pool cue market. New technology is constantly being introduced and hyped and many golfers consistenty go after what is new and exciting.
Although I personally would not consider a Lucasi Hybrid because it does not match my style what-so-ever, I do understand what they are trying to accomplish. As a cue dealer, I have a lot of insight into what players look for, and I must say, AZ members only represent a fraction of the cue industry. It just so happens that AZ members represent the part of the cue industry I like best.
The best advice I ever received when I started my business was, "if you only carry what you like, you'll have a great collection," meaning, that what you like is only a small percentage of what sells.
The Lucasi Hybrid Cues appeal to customers who are looking for something new and are looking for a technological edge (marketing is huge here as we all know!). With that said, the Lucasi Hybrid is a good value if it matches your style. It has an 8-piece laminated shaft with a low deflection ferrule and a lifetime warrantee against defects and warpage. That's not bad for a $208 cue. I am curious to see how well they sell.
Predator is going after the same market with their new Poison Cues that are being released later this month:
http://www.poisonbilliards.com/
I expect the Poison cues to be very popular; though they are not likely to be as popular on AZ members who prefer traditional designs.
I personally think that Lucasi makes an excellent cue for the money, which is why I chose them for some of my designs.
http://www.billiardwarehouse.com/cues/lucasi/lucasi_bw-pool-cues.htm
I do not know of any other manufacturer who can make these cues with such good quality for anywhere near the price.
Just my $.02