Morningstar and Paleoarts, both of those are nice spears. As to the staff question, I've practiced martial arts off and on for several years, and I think learning the staff would be a good start to learning the spear. Incidentally, Morningstar, I'm looking for a spearhead similar to what you have to put on a lance. Where did you find yours?
My spears come in two types:
1) A hewing spear (used more like a staff than a throwing weapon). 6-foot hemlock shaft with a 2-foot head from
museum-replicas.com. I'd still like to get a butt cap for it, but haven't saved up the money yet.
2)Some light-weight throwing spears made from cheapo trowels from a dollar store and some old broom handles I had lying around. I wrapped below the spearheads with cotton string, then smeared it with Liquid Nails glue to hold/waterproof it
K'Jev