Steven,
I 've know dick jaspers since 1989, He loves to use the wood joint , HE IS THE NUMBER ONE PLAYER , I don't know if he his switching to Titanium or Phenolic joint? ( longoni is marketing titanium , which is more expensive&durable)
Their is nothing wrong with the metal joint ,or ... it 's how do you feel,
I played with Schuler for the 15 years ,( great cue) but I felt better when switched to Longoni wood joint.