Hmmm.. I spend a wee bit of time on my sticks and also have given it some thought. I like trying out new designs to see what the effect is, and different wood is part of that too. The purchase of a band saw and a power file has made the creation of a stick a lot less painful and quicker.

The Hocking sticks I have tried and didn't like it for myself since I found it too long for me and the handle really uncomfortable for the way I like to hold a stick. I wouldn't mind getting hold of a block of that material though 18mm thick so that I can make my own sticks out of it to see how it goes... is that possible?

The type of wood you use is also a consideration that you make depending on how you play. Harder denser wood is good if you want the power it gives you, especially along the wall and smacking people. Less likely to break of course and that is an added bonus.
I have moved from harder woods to softer lighter ones now though, made from pine. Means making them more often, but that is easy, and the added speed and comfort of having a light stick is very nice.

One thing I have found is that once you have decided on a shape that suits you and you like, make a template from cardboard, since by the time a stick (especially a hardwood) is ready to be replaced the shape is hard to reproduce onto the wood for the next stick.

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