The first attribute you should consider is the mouthpiece. There is a multitude of designs, but they fall into two general categories. Small mouthpieces include long tapers to small openings, small openings in blunted ends and small, but long nipples that fit in your mouth. This style works best if you are used to playing oboes, recorders and ocarinas. Blunted mouthpieces include short tapers, large open ends (like on cane flutes) and very short nipples. Those who've played tranverse flutes, saxes or brass instruments might prefer this style.
A second attribute to consider is what is known as back pressure, that is, how much blowing pressure needed to produce pleasing notes. Some flutes have little back pressure and thus, play easily and can be played for longs periods of time before your mouth gets tired. One drawback, however, is that it is easy to overblow and produce squeaky notes. Other flutes will have a fair amount of back pressure and are more difficult to blow, thus can be more tiring. However, you have a greater control over tone shaping via increased blowing pressure.
Another attribute is the shape of the flute, especially the top where the finger holes are. You may prefer a rounded square shape, a flat top, or dippled fingerholes, all of which have a flat surface in which the finger holes were bored. If you've played a guitar, you might prefer this design. Or you may prefer a finger hole surface that is rounded, especially if you've played other wind instruments.
Yet another attribute has to do with the diameter (actually the inner bore) of the flute. There are standard diameters normally used for each of the keys/tunings of a flute. Some makers will use larger than standard diameters which results in finger holes being closer together. This is an advantage for those with smaller hands and a disadvantage for people with larger hands.
Native flutes have two "foot" ends. One is the functional end and the other is the physical end. In some flutes, both of these ends are identical, that is, the physical end of the flute is also the functional end of the flute. An advantage to this style is the flute is short and easier to transport than the next style. Other flutes make use of tuning holes, numbering from one to four holes (sometimes referred to as the four directions' holes) near the physical end of the flute. These define the functional end of the flute, even though the flute is physically longer. This style is useful when the maker adds a carving to the end of the flute. Longer flutes tend to feel more balanced.
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