It changes the hit. You will feel the vibration or response of the hit as it travels through the shaft to your hand. Wood to wood provides a softer hit, similar to a one-piece cue. The stainless steel joint absorbs the vibration and provides a little harder or stiffer hit. A rubber bumper is used to protect the butt plate.
Longer cues are available at an additional charge.
The weight depends on the exotic woods used in construction. Most cues range from 18 to 20.5 ounces. The cues balance out right around 18 inches from the butt, on a 58-inch cue. Balance is more important than weight in determining how heavy a cue feels. A well-balanced cue will feel and play much better.