I purchased a Players Cue Pure X Series HXT30. I figured it'd be a good cue to learn off of and practice for the time being instead of spending a lot of $$. Scot from proficient billiards had the same recommendation. When the time comes I will spend more $$. Scot put a LePro medium tip on my McDermott shaft, Also have another shaft with a Predator Soft tip to play around with.