You may need to experiment with a few different types of wood too to get the right characteristics for yourself. In Aus we get a good quality pine which is completely different to the European stuff, due to the growing climate. The European pine doesn't seem to last very long at all. If you can't get Jarrah over there, try mahogany or oak.

Experimenting with different designs is also the way to go when working out what stick is best for you. Try as many different sticks down at the pool as you can see. If you find one bat that you can flick well with use that front edge, find someone elses that you can back flick well with or control the puck on the back edge easliy and use that back edge joined with the other front edge. See what feels best for you for size (width and thickness) and work them into your design. Find what angle of bevel works best for you and add that too. Make a couple of different designs and modify them until you find what you like.

As Liam said there's a heap of bat making hints in the "Equipment and Gear" > "Can we have a bat making 'How to' please?" section of the forum.

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