After my first and second cue were stolen, I lucked out and found a brand new Earl Strickland autographed model and a black Scorpion at a pawn shop with a case for almost nothing. I used both of these for a few years when I was starting league.
I sold the Cue Tec and eventually sold the Scorpion.
Both played very good, probably being from the same factory but I do regret selling the Scorpion in a way. It was a decent cue and would serve anyone well
whether you are just starting out or later on. Absolutely nothing wrong with them in my humble opinion. I actually used the Scorpion for a break cue before I sold it and for that, it also worked well. The black Scorpion was also my wifes first cue.