Predator shaft straight away.
Joel. The laminated shafts are for (dedicated) seasoned players. Your game will improve better with a straight grain rock maple shaft. The hot rod shafts will throw your natural hit angle wierd...the angle that you need to learn. Alot.
Leather tips are a personal choice. I use the Le Pro soft. Some say that they are too hard. I reshape every month and replace every 6 months. Cost is...$40 per year.
The best Billiard cue you can buy is this: Your local custom cue maker will take a standard 19 oz. house cue...cut it in half, install a bolt at the new joint, provide a proper 16 inch pro taper on the shaft, and place a 12 - 14 mm leather tip of your choice on there.
Cost is $120 tops. You now have a "Sneaky Pete" that is designed just for you and plays better than your buddies high $ stick.
Proper stance, stay down on your shot, follow through, hit only as hard as needed, then pot a ball.
Paul, I know your pain. Shawn.
