Best Drumsticks

Here are the best brands for drumsticks

Beginners usually start with rock sticks, which are usually heavier and thicker than others.

But after playing for a while, you're going to realize that you want to change your drumsticks to be more comfortable playing the drums, and that's why I'm here to help you!

Check Out all the options for these brands!

There are many different types of drumsticks

1. Standard Drumsticks:

• 5A: The most versatile, balanced stick. Perfect for all-around playing (rock, pop, jazz).

• 5B: Thicker and heavier than 5A. Great for louder genres like rock and metal.

• 7A: Lighter and thinner. Often used in jazz or by drummers with a lighter touch.

• 2B: Extra-thick and durable. Commonly used for marching band or heavy rock.

2. Nylon Tip vs. Wood Tip

• Wood Tips: Offer a warm, natural tone. More prone to chipping with heavy use.

• Nylon Tips: Provide a brighter sound, especially on cymbals, and last longer.

3. Brushes

Brushes are used primarily in jazz, acoustic, or low-volume settings.

• Wire Brushes: Create that classic “swish” sound, ideal for soft playing.

• Plastic Brushes: More durable than wire, but slightly louder and sharper.

• Retractable Brushes: Have adjustable bristles and are easy to store and customize.

4. Rods, Rutes, and Hot Rods

These are sticks made of bundled dowels or wood slats and are perfect for quiet or semi-acoustic playing.

• Hot Rods: Popular for acoustic sets or venues where volume needs to be controlled.

• Cool Rods / Blasticks: Softer or louder variations of hot rods, depending on build.

They produce less attack than normal sticks but more than brushes.

5. Marching Sticks & Mallets

For marching band and drumline use:Hot Rods: Popular for acoustic sets or venues where volume needs to be controlled.

• Marching Snare Sticks: Thicker, heavier sticks designed for powerful, precise playing.

• Tenor Mallets: Often have soft heads and are designed for multi-tenor drums.

• Bass Drum Mallets: Have large, padded heads for a deep, resonant tone.

6. Orchestral / Concert Mallets

These are used for instruments like timpani, vibraphone, xylophone, and marimba.

• Felt Mallets: Great for timpani and cymbal swells. Soft and round sound.

• Yarn/Wool Mallets: Common for vibraphone and marimba. Warm and less attacky.

• Rubber Mallets: Provide a bright, bouncy tone. Used for xylophone and some auxiliary percussion.

Choosing the Right Drumstick

• Beginners: 5A is a great starting point for most players.

• Rock/Metal: 5B or 2B with nylon tips for durability and volume.

• Jazz: 7A or brushes for lighter, dynamic playing.

• Acoustic/Church Gigs: Hot rods or blasticks to control volume.

• Marching Band: Use dedicated marching sticks or mallets.

#1 Beginner Sticks

As beginners, drummers tend to take the heavier sticks, usually "Vic Firth American classics"; made of Hickory Wood which can withstand a lot of shock and last longer. "Zildjian 5A Drumsticks" is another great option mostly because of its most popular and common size. And third, the "Vater American Hickory" which is well-balanced and heavier toward the tip for fast attack and response.