RvJim wrote: I like hickory because of its durability. Oak may be strong, but it doesn't flex so they still break easily.
Like Pete, I also prefer unvarnished. Varnished sticks make my hands sweat and I don't like that.
I have to admit to having never played (or previously heard of) unvarnished sticks. They sound interesting because of the sweating aspect. Are the tips nevertheless varnished?