Each weapon has something to teach you. Today, modern practitioners use the lightweight rattan sticks ranging from 28 inces to 42 inches. The length, height and weight of the weapons provide variables that translate into "different methods". Today, depending on how you practice for fun, sport or self defence, the techniques will differ vastly.
Remy Presas, in his book Modern Arnis, 1974 pg 9
"The old practitioners believed that the cane was saced, thus blocking was aimed at the hand and forearm and not at the cane. Most of the students got hurt and they automaticallly lost inteest in learning Arnis. But with the research that I have conduced, I made it possible to have the student learn the art ithoug getting hurt."
In a conversation I had with Juny Canete, which resulted in an article for "Inside Kung Fu" magazine" I told him that I had come to the Phillippines looking for the "olise" close noded rattan heavy sticks.
He told me that very few of those types of sticks were used today. He said "He choose to use the lighter shorter lengthed sticks so as to modernize FMA. He claimed that he even invented the doce pares body armor to furthe protect the practitioner."
As such, you can "bang" the sticks as a training exercise. But, when you are training for focus, accuracy and self defense you must be able to "hit the hand" or any other vulnerable part of the body. With practice, you learn how to control the weapon's impact "on the hand" even with the heavy axe handle that weighs for than 3 pounds.
At any rate...have fun with your sticks. And consider trying various stick weapons.
Best Wishes,
Tuhan Joseph T. Oliva Arriola