I've always found choosing cymbals to be difficult. You have not only stick choice to think about, but how the new cymbal matches with your existing cymbals, how it sounds with your drums, and the loudness you're playing at...somehow when you focus on it it becomes harder to judge! I've definitely bought cymbals that sounded nice in the shop and, once I was home, was less thrilled about.
I would try both the tip and butt end of the stick, as they will reveal different kinds of attack and wash, at different dynamic levels and angles (direct and glancing hits), from the edge to the bell. Playing with brushes, mallets and hands also will reveal the cymbal's characteristics. If you're lucky the store you buy it from has a return policy, and so you can try it for a bit before committing to it.