I could not be happier with my Viking. They actually offer 4 different joint configurations so you get the hit and feel you prefer. Standard is a 13mm tip but they can turn that all the way down to about as small as you like. They offer a myriad of tips to choose from. Their styles are pretty varied so you can find something as plain, or as ornate as you like. I also own a J. Flowers with CF shaft that I really like. I bought the 20-21 with leather wrap and abalone inlay. You can spend a good bit less for a standard cue, but you can't beat the upscale ones for beauty and function.
Please respond and let us know what you finally decide to buy!