Paint or Stain?

[jingle]

I'm looking at a few different models of McDermotts with butts that are primarily black in color. Some have a black onyx paint, and some use a black pigment stain. Is one better than the other?

I'm thinking maybe the stain would still allow you to see some of the "depth" of the wood grain whereas the paint wouldn't. Any thoughts/preferences out there?

 

[Snapshot9]

Personally ....

I previously owned a Black Huebler with red veneers. It was painted.
The cue was way too receptive to scratches and dings in the finish.
I am a little hard on my cues through normal playing. I am on the short
side and sometimes my cue catches a rail or something when I shoot.
It could have just been the finish coat on the cue, as it turned out nice
when I had it refinished before selling it, but I would recommend going
with stain. I like to see the grain pattern of woods anyway.

I suppose this plays into my aversion to strictly 'black and white' looking
cues.

 

[jingle]

Good point, thanks for your thoughts Scott. Has anyone else had a similar experience with painted finish vs stain?