Genuine Balabushka - really that great?

[bigshooter]

I have never owned a genuine Balabushka (the old original)but I have played with a few before and based on the hit only (not the value) I wouldn't have traded my Joss for it.
I realize they are the holy grail for collectible cues but from my experience they are not superior in playability.
Does anyone have one or has played with one?
What do you think?

[Cueless Joey]

A friend of mine has at least two of them.
The butts have nasty buzzes now but they still play great b/c the shafts they came with are old growth shafts.
Very stiff and are yellowish in color.
You put those two shafts on cut down houses cues, you still have two good cues.

[woody_968]

I new one guy that had one, and must say, if I didnt know what it was I would not have been impressed with its looks or hit.

[Pelican]

You are buying mystique. That creates collecible value.