The first staff was damaged. It was shipped with epoxy filler in the faults of the staff, and a crack along the length about dead center. One light hit on the bag to test it's integrity proved looks were not deceiving. It split along the crack.
I contacted customer service explained the problem(s) and they immediately shipped another one. This staff was a night and day difference from the first. It's integrity is good, no visible faults, and it has withstood two sessions of two-man staff drills. It is fairly well balanced, and overall for the price a good deal.

Would have been nice to get it the first time, however being honorable and making good counts big for me...Thanks for resolving the issue speedily, and for providing a good product !!!!