I play with a South West and I fly with it all over the world. I break, jump, and play with one cue. It has remained straight, it plays awesome, and I could sell it for a lot more than I paid for it. The only downside was that it took ten years to get it (ordered in 1993, received in 2003.)
I think the biggest secret to South West cues is the way the wood is selected and dried. Being in Las Vegas, there is little or no humidity. The wood is cut several times over a couple years, and it slowly dries and stabilizes naturally to the dry climate. I think the wood ends up much more stable than kiln dried wood (JMHO.)
That, and great engineering originated by David Kersenbrock, produces a very solid playing cue.
If South West was willing to cut corners, they could fill orders quickly. But they won't, and I commend them for that.
South West is more than just a name. Its a company that produces a cue that is made without compromise.