Today I win the battle- went looking for cues at pawn shops- Seems crazy,I know , But today I bought a Limited EDition Pred. W. Hoppe-299.+ tax 320. 1 dent in the shaft,and a scratch.(cue and case) I just had to share the uncanny luck- I went looking for a drexler, that was coming out. The brass joint feels great,I think they used brass, for lubrication on the unilock. I even called 2 shop owners asking if they had cues stolen- To my surprize both shops had pred. Willie Hoppe's stolen. Both shop guys said no ID numbers,police don't care. It paid to be Honest- Went played 1/2 hr. They hit great. mark