Question about importance of Butt end....Input please!

[Rjmoncrief]

I have been looking for a nice sneaky recently but wanted to ask before I purchase something. How much emphasis should be put on the butt end of a cue regarding difference of playibility? Isn't the shaft the main component? How much of a factor is the butt in performance and feel. Does it make more sense to find the right shaft and put it on any decent butt to save some money? Or does it really make a difference? Say a butt from an Action or Players sneaky with a good quality LD shaft. Will this combo work as well as a higher priced cue?
Hope my questions are not confusing!
Input appreciated!
Thanks.....

 

[LifeAt35mm]

Balance and Weight

To my knowledge,

The butt helps regulate the weight and balance point of the cue. Both of these factors have a major effect on how the cue hits. Also density of some woods may effect the hit of the cue.

Example: Ebony is a beautiful wood but is naturally more dense and can increase the weight of the cue based on how much ebony is used may have a different feel than a cue made with a less dense wood.

But within a quality cue brand, the lower price cues should hit the same as a more expensive priced cue. At least that is what I was told and expect.

 

[bellmagic]

All cues are supposed to play like a 1piece house cue with a good tip and ferrule; you just can't break them down to carry them. Any decent 2-piece cue with a wood to wood joint should play really well. With a good layered tip(Kamui, Zan, etc) and a good LD shaft and ferrule, a good sneaky pete will be well balanced, and should play as well as a cue costing $1000 plus.