Hello,
To my recollection, I've hit with a Mottey, Wheeler, and Bender, and absolutely loved each of them. Though, none were ever mine, I did have extended time with them through many friendships over the years. I'd say these guys are up there and among cue maker royalty (with many others I haven't played with of course) and have earned the positive review.
I know there are mixed feelings about this guy on here, but, my favorite and most successful cue, which I still shoot with today, is a SLY cue, in it's original state, wood shaft, kamui clear black super soft. The SS tip still hits medium in my opinion.
I've had this cue for near a decade and I purchased it used from a pool room owner in Georgia who seemed very nice and reasonable. Currently I am playing with the Cuetec carbon shaft, 12.5, same tip. I screwed up, my joint is 3/8x10 modified, however, the shaft I've been playing with is a 3/8x10 reg. I'm not sure of the difference this makes, however, thinking of purchasing the 11.8 which I would get with the correct thread, then I could come back to let anyone interested know... My favorite aspects on the shaft are the taper and that it actually resembles the hit of my wooden shaft. On the butt, other than the look, it's slightly narrower than most I've played with which really fits my hand and the feel is great for me. Thinking of trying a Zan medium tip next which has been highly recommended to me.
thanks.