I'm a total novice but my son and I recently started playing at a local billiard hall. I'm never going to need an expensive cue but I really didn't care to use the grungy cues provide by the hall. This was a really nice option. Not too expensive, but a nice looking cue that has to me (a total amateur) a nice feel. I do find that the consistency of weight and feel the cue provides is helping my game, as opposed to adjusting to a different cue stick every time we go play. The two pieces screw together smoothly and snugly - they've never come loose or 'unscrewed' themselves. I think it's a really nice starting point for a beginner. If you play a lot and become super competitive you'd probably move up to a more expensive cue, but for a simple recreational player like me, it's likely all I'll ever need.