There are scratches and other signs of normal use, but I have taken good care of it. Please refrain from purchasing if you are concerned about minor imperfections, as this is a wooden product. The joint cap is included. The following is a product description: Shaft Name: HybridPro2 Joint Shape: Wavy Ferrule Diameter: 12.5mm Ferrule Material: NX Ferrule 22mm Tip: Kamui Athlete M Shaft Length: 737mm (excluding the tip) Taper: PRO2 Taper Construction: 2-piece construction (carbon) Ring Design: With ring Joint Cap: Included Remarks: A 2-piece carbon structure is incorporated into the center of the hard maple shaft, approximately 2/3 of the distance from the joint. This design maintains a solid feel while allowing the tip of the shaft to flex, reducing deflection (squirt).