What is your favorite barrel alternative?

Hello, For those of you who have tried several barrel alternatives I would like to hear about your impressions. I am thinking I want to use StaVin brand stave segments. I have heard the oak beans are good but I will store the wine in variable capacity tanks and StaVin claims the stave segments are the closest to using a barrel (less end grain per surface area and slower extracion of the flavors). Last year I used some oak staves that were medium plus of an unknown brand and they seemed to impart more caramel flavor than I liked. I know each company toasts to differnet levels but it is my understanding that this company works to have very consistent products since they sell them to wineries. There are also other brands of oak staves like Oak Boy but I can't find as much information about them. Any thoughts on the matter would be appreciated. Alex P