Any serious pool players here? Looking for a new cue

I recently started playing again after almost 20 years. I picked up a cheap cue as a starter https://www.billiards.com/cues/vector-caliber-c3
While it's an ok cue, feel I need better. Looking at a max budget of $300.
Right now, front runners are

https://www.billiards.com/cues/j-pechauer-jp06-m

and

https://www.billiards.com/pool-cues/mcdermott-g303

With the Pechauer being slightly in the lead (reviews say it has slightly lower deflection and a better "hit")

Thoughts, experience on these cues, or something else?

Well, went and hit with a few different cues, Meucci, Joss, Pechauer and Mc D. To me, the Mc Dermott was noticeably better. So, I went searching again. Found this http://www.mcdermottcue.com/g324.php , but it wasn't on billiards.com. I used their web query to ask and received a reply w/i and hour and 20 minutes later it was on their site :) https://www.billiards.com/cues/mcdermott-g324 Very refreshing to get real customer service. Wife has given the go ahead to order next Friday :D

back in the day the McDermott's were the same cue from top to bottom, higher prices ones just got nicer inlays

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dejo

back in the day the McDermott's were the same cue from top to bottom, higher prices ones just got nicer inlays

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Yes, all the one's I'm looking at have the G-shaft. I hit with 4 different Mc D's and all felt the same. Really wasn't prepared for it, wanted a Pechauer...

Part of my dillema is my ocd. I want butt and shaft to look like they belong together. There are some beautiful stains and woods on lower priced G series, but just not what I like :dunno: