Those that are used in everyday work tend to be a bit longer than what are called "Market, or Show Sticks" and, are often configured into what is called a leg cleak or crook as well as what most people visualize, which is a neck crook. Market sticks, and show or "fancy" sticks are usually made of horn of some type, and are carved, more, or less intricately with Thistles, Dogs, squirrels, Pheasants, or even Fish for the head. It is the unofficial standard that the space between the shank and the nose of a neck crook should be the width of the four fingers of a persons hand, or wide enough to comfortably slip over the forearm. The leg cleak (which is used to catch sheep by a hind foot) has a spacing of one old English penny, (what ever that may be), or 31 mm, in more current units.

Probably the most important considerations in selecting a crook, are that it is comfortable to walk with and to carry, and that it balances in such a way that it feels like it is a part of your pace. The longer that a person uses a crook, as a general rule, the shorter lengths they prefer. Most people start out liking quite a long crook, even shoulder height, but eventually settle on a length that will touch the ground while hooked over a slightly raised forearm, or very slightly longer. Balance is also an important consideration, although it is quite hard to explain. The relative weight of the head, and the shank will make the tip of the stick almost want to rise off the ground between steps. Generally heavier, more bulky heads require heavier shanks to feel balanced. There are several quite nice crooks on the market that are made of aluminum and or plastic that are very strong, so if you intend to use your crook to catch sheep, one of these would likely be the better choice. Just remember that the best crooks are a real extension of you and are an outward expression of your personality, so find one that feels good to hold, that you like to look at, and that you like to walk with.