Upgrading is the right choice but I’ve also cut sheets of poron and stuck them to the inside of the shell around the base of the shin where shots tend to find
I’ve used a few different variations of STX sticks. All were quality, especially for that price. I preferred the RX line but that was me.
Keep in mind the RX3 had the 5 sided shaft, so you may or may not like that. Also I somewhat remember STX intermediate shafts being on the smaller side as compared to other brands.
I haven’t worked with Bauer’s customs in a few years but they used to offer increased facing (I believe was the terminology) on custom skates, but I’d recommend finding someone who has fit custom skates above and beyond the my Bauer cookie cutter retail program.