The Best Drum Sticks
Whether you’re playing drums for your school, drum line, or rock band, the type of sticks you use can dramatically alter your sound. Players all have brand preferences, but the size and design of the sticks can be just as important. If you play in a punk band and hit the drums hard, you may need thicker sticks. If you play in a church, you may need quieter sticks. If you’re unsure of where to start, don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of the best drumsticks available so you can spend less time shopping and more time jamming.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best drumsticks, we considered size, design, and price. For example, if you wanted a sturdy pair of sticks that are loved by pros all over the world, the Vic Firth American Classic 5B sticks may be just what you need. If you wanted something more affordable for a beginner, the Ohtomber maple drumsticks pack a serious punch for a low price. Read on to see all our top picks and find the sticks that are right for you.
Wogod 5A Maple Drumsticks
If you’re not sure where to start in your search for drumsticks, this is a great place to begin. These well-rounded sticks are made of maple, so they’re lightweight and smooth to the touch. They have a wooden water drop tip, making them versatile enough for almost any genre of music. Best of all, the 5A size is an industry standard, so you can start from there and branch out to find the ideal size for you. For beginners and pros alike, these sticks are the perfect starting place for any stick bag stockpile.
Pros:
- They’re smooth enough to make them comfortable in the hands but firm enough that they won’t slip easily.
- They’re fairly affordable for two pairs, making them a great value.
Cons:
- They may not be as sturdy as thicker hickory sticks, but they’re still well-rounded and great for the price.
ProMark LA Specials 5A Hickory Drumsticks
If you play rock, punk, or metal music, you’re probably prone to breaking sticks. Rather than heading to the music store every few days to get a new pair, you can stock up with this three-pack of sticks from ProMark. These nylon-tipped sticks have a bright attack that’s perfect for rock and metal and the 5A size is great for all kinds of players. Whether you’re on stage or in the practice room, these sticks are of great value.
Pros:
- These are made of hickory wood, so they’re more durable than maple and other alternatives.
- These are more affordable than other ProMark sticks, but they still have the solid quality that ProMark is known for.
Cons:
- Some sticks may have a slight warp or unbalanced weight that sets them apart from the ProMark line, but for the price the quality is great.
Ohtomber Maple Drumsticks
Don't break the bank
If you’re a beginner and you’re just starting to acquire new gear, drumsticks may be the last thing on your mind. However, they’re still important to have handy. There’s nothing more embarrassing than showing up to a gig without any sticks. If you want to stockpile sticks without dipping too deep into your bank account, these sticks can be a great option. They’re standard size, have wooden tips, and are a great starting point for any style of music. You can’t go wrong with this bargain.
Pros:
- These are made of maple, so they’re lightweight and won’t cause unnecessary friction on your hands.
- The 5A size is great for kids as well as adults, so your children won’t outgrow them as they get older.
Cons:
- They may not be as durable as other brands, but for the price, they can’t be beaten.
ProMark H-RODS Hot Rods Drumsticks
No more noise complaints
The drums are one of the loudest, if not the loudest acoustic instrument in modern music. There’s no shortage of complaints from parents and neighbors that practicing the drums can get too noisy, but what if there were a way to quiet your playing without having to change your drum set? These sticks do just that. Composed of 19 birch dowels, these hot rod sticks are made for a lighter touch and a softer sound. They’re much less dense than traditional sticks and they’re still comfortable to play. Whether you’re playing an acoustic show, at a church, or in a small venue, these can be a great way to keep your noise level to a minimum.
Pros:
- Even though they’re lighter than normal sticks, you can still hit hard with them.
- You can use tape around the birch dowels near the tip to change the resonance of the sticks and increase durability.
Cons:
- These may break apart over time if you play extremely hard, but they’re perfect for soft playing.
Vic Firth American Classic 5B
Although these may be some of the most expensive sticks on the market, Vic Firth’s consistent quality makes them a top choice for professionals around the world. Their artist roster speaks for itself. These sticks feature a teardrop tip and they’re sourced from premium USA hickory for top-notch durability. When it comes to playability, they’re a classic for a reason. If you’re looking for long-lasting, great-sounding, top-quality sticks, you can’t get any better than these.
Pros:
- These are thin enough for delicate playing but thick enough to hold up to heavy rocking.
- The sticks are well-balanced for an easy grip that won’t veer to one end.
Cons:
- They’re fairly expensive, but they’re well worth the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of drumstick tips are there?
Wood and nylon are the two main types. Nylon tips tend to be brighter and have a more powerful sound for rock and metal players, whereas wooden tips are a bit more well-rounded for all types of music.
What are the best size drumsticks for a beginner?
Most teachers recommend 5A sticks for new drummers. This is a standard size that works as a great starting point for beginners who are still figuring out the sound they’re going for.
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