[dylan's alias]

Price isn't everything with pool cues. For the most part, the biggest cost in a cue is the design. Within each line by a manufacturer the cue is exactly the same except for the artwork/inlays.

Your best move is to try out a variety of cues. If you play regularly, you shouldn't have any problem borrowing a cue for an hour. Once you find a brand that you like, you can choose a price range and design. Be careful about the joint, though. Different joints will make the cue play very differently, even when from the same manufacturer.

Last bit of advice: If you like the weight/feel/design of your cue, you could consider upgrading the shaft. I ended up buying a Predator and after adjusting to it, felt like it really improved my game.

FWIW, I really like McDermott.