Another "Gear Post"
This time, from the view of conducting.
Baton:
I've used a lot of amazing batons- all hand crafted. At the end of the day, you have to find the weight, length, and handle shape that fits you best. A baton is a conductor's "instrument" and no two conductors are identical.
I've been really satisfied with my batons from Chris Blount (www.custom-batons.com). During my second Master's at Messiah University, I was able to see how a graphite shaft functioned differently than one made from wood or fiberglass. Again, it comes down to personal preference- some conductors choose not to use a baton. The most important thing the ensemble needs from a conductor is clarity in beat patterns and gestures.