7 Best Drumsticks

Drum sticks seem like a very simple tool, and as far as musical instruments go, they are often overlooked as simply a glorified stick of wood.

This couldn’t be further from the truth, and anyone who has ever used a good quality drum stick will attest to the difference a good drum stick can make to the feel of playing the drums.

The different lengths, materials, and thicknesses of drum sticks are something that other musicians and fans may never notice, but any drummer worth their salt knows how important these details are.

The last thing you want is to slow down your progress or ruin a performance by using unbalanced, inconsistent sticks that may break at any given moment. It can be more expensive to repeatedly replace flimsy drum sticks than to research and purchase a higher quality stick that will give you confidence and value.

In this list, we’re going to highlight some of the best drum sticks currently available. If you’re new to drumming and want to make sure you’re getting the right drum stick for your needs, please feel free to check out our buyer’s guide and FAQ below where we break down some of the most common questions and features of modern drum sticks.

Best Drumsticks Buying Guide

When it comes to drum sticks there is a surprising amount of different features and characteristics to keep track of that can be difficult to spot for new drummers.

The sizes, materials, and shapes of the sticks as well as their finish can have a drastic impact on their durability, the sound they produce on different parts of the kit, and also the comfort and control they provide.

In this buyer’s guide, we have compiled some of the key features and characteristics and will explain the things you should look out for to make sure you get the right drum sticks for you.

Finding the right pair will help you to progress faster as a drummer and make you much more confident and comfortable when using them.

Drumsticks Materials

The material of your drumstick will have a massive effect on how durable and comfortable it is. There are several different types of wood, as well as carbon and alloy designs that all have different characteristics.

In general, wooden sticks are the most common and are a tried and tested design that gives a great blend of strength, comfort grip, and sound.

Generally oak is the strongest wood for drumsticks, with hickory and maple coming in just a little less durable respectively. Oak is typically a little more expensive, so be aware of this if you’re a beginner.

There are sticks made of persimmon but these are fairly specialist and produce a wonderfully rich sound, but are rarely used by beginners or amateurs.

Aside from this, carbon fiber is another very strong and light option that may last a little longer than even the strongest wooden sticks, as well as various alloy constructions that function similarly.

These are much more expensive than wooden sticks but will usually last quite a lot longer, meaning you will be able to get used to their feel and really bed them in well.

Drumstick Sizes

There are a few different sizes and the system for differentiating between them can be intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple.

The main sizes a beginner needs to know about are 5A, 5B, and 7A.

The number in these ratings corresponds to the thickness of the stick. The lower the number, the thicker the stick. A 7 is much thinner than a five and a five is much thinner than a 2 for example.

The letters indicate the style of drumming the sticks are intended for. The A rating initially meant that a stick was better for orchestral performances. Their thinness and softness made them ideal for lighter sessions that didn’t put too much strain on the stick.

The B rating indicates a more durable stick and actually signifies a stick is for band usage. Lesser known than these are S-type drum sticks which are designed for street usage and are the thickest and most durable designation.

Drumstick Tips

The tip design will make a drum stick sound slightly different when they hit cymbals and drums themselves.

Nylon or plastic tips are usually a little gentler than wooden tips and work well with electronic drum sets that don’t require as much force to be used.

Wooden tips are great for acoustic drums and can take a lot of punishment. Typically oval tips give a great crisp sound while teardrop tips are excellent for a classic overall sound on cymbals and drums.

Multipacks

Drum sticks are sometimes sold in multipacks and these can be of great value, as long as you already know you like the stick.

If you’re a beginner it’s better to get individual pairs until you know what you like and what suits your style. Another option is to consider a carbon or aluminum drum stick that lasts far longer than wooden sticks.

Best Drumsticks - FAQ's

When should I replace my drum sticks?

Generally, there will be some telltale signs of a drum stick that is ready to be retired.

The first is that the tip has sharp edges or is a very different shape from its standard shape. A damaged or sheared tip can damage your drums so don’t hesitate to replace them when this is starting to happen.

Severe splintering and damage around the neck can throw off the balance of the stick which is also a sign it’s time to get a replacement.

Also, if the wood of the stick feels soft or one stick is giving a noticeably different sound, it’s time to send your drum sticks to drum stick heaven.

Do I need special drum sticks for electronic drums?

No, you don’t need any special sticks for electronic drums, but nylon tips can be a little gentler on your sensitive equipment and will last a very long time when used with electronic drums.

Do drummers tape their sticks?

While some drummers like to do this to make their sticks stand out and give a little extra grip to the stick, it isn’t a very common practice because it can make a difference to the sound your drum sticks produce.