The shaft is a well made, low deflection high cuality carbon fiber and no funny sound, a perfect taper, it glides good between the fingers, great balance, I really like that Chrystal 12.2 tip. All my friends in the team approved and love the quality. I am giving you a well deserved 5 stars. The protectors are well made from metal, I like that. Unfortunately not knowing that there is a special order for a Universal Q-Loc it does not fit my Unilock Butt, other than that I am very please with the packaging for shipping the cue, it was well protected, thank you!