i have had 2 of them and they were both beautiful,but i did not like the shaft taper.i think they have been hyped up to a mystical level here at AZ.now whenever one comes up someone just buys it no matter what the cost.it is crazy.the woods are great and they do have a good "hit" but i would say they play very well.it is all opinion though i like the way Kersenbrock,some old Southwest,Skip Weston,Gilbets,Martinez,Bender,Kikel,Olney,etc.play.if you like those stiff parabolic type tapers then you might not like the Sugartrees.his taper is almost the same straight back for about 14" and it produces kind of a whippy shaft that gives a little and certain shots.i am kind of wierd about my cues though.in a match certain tough or tricky shots come up that some cues don't handle well for me.really his taper just doesn't fit my style and he will change his taper for anyone i was told,and the taper is so long that it can not be re-tapered into a parabolic type taper.no offense meant to any Sugartree lovers.i love the way they look and like the way the are made and the way they just hit a ball,but i can't seriously play with one.the guy does have some bad ass wood.