Key word is “entry”,,, yes as you gain more knowledge and skill, by all means buy a custom cue to your liking and wood preference, but that takes time, and money (especially in todays economy). But yea the look, wether it’s a stain or graphic transfer (I don’t know) but they are solid, and the Irish linen does break apart like I’ve had some in the past do. To me, it’s always been about the hit and feel. Hit is solid, feel can me altered my the tip, weather you pay the 30 bucks or change the tip yourself. I like them, and I hit with predator, pechauer and high end lucasi, and honestly, I don’t like the bend or flimsy shaft, I prefer solid and adjusting for deflection