Now a good staff at your side is a nice thing to have. I wouldn't know, but that's what I hear. Most of what I know is from other's experience.
Quarterstaffs. Light and quick to learn, these wooden staffs are excellent once learned. It is a lot harder to kill with them though, the only draw back.
Spear. A good soldiers weapon of choice, the sharp point makes the thrust a killing blow.
Staffbladed. The blade on the end makes the slice lethal as well as the thrust. More expensive than a spear but well worth it
Sling Staff. A sling attached to the end of this staff makes it good for long range attacks as well as close up. Sometimes the sling gets in the way and gets you killed but they're a deadly weapon if you know what you're doin.