I collect mainly "vinatge" cues...as far as current makers from the *collector* point of view...everyone knows what's hot in the last 5 years, (and which makers are backed up on orders for years etc.)...but which cues will hold their value 5 or 10 years from now, well maybe that's another matter...(e.g. I have a few Tascarella cues that I have collected along with my vintage cues)...
Gee what did a Gus go for in the 80's...(was it a few hundred $$$???)...and then we all know what they go for today...was does a Barry go for today, and what will it be worth down the line (heck if I know) etc....
As far as cues from the *player* point of view, well then I'm not the guy to comment at all on that...
Well maybe this was a little different perspective on this subject anyway....