When it comes it drumming, there are many things one should be aware of. Most important, that choosing the right gear can make all the difference in the world.
And because of this, putting together a perfect drum set is not as simple as you may think. For some, it takes years of perfection and a lot of investment to achieve what they need. Every component you pick should be only the best. Do not worry a lot about the price, but how the part will serve you.
Drumsticks are some of the most underestimated drum accessories set parts. This is why I will be talking about the best drumsticks this year.
You will find a lot of reviews on the internet. But not many of them get into such details as what I will be sharing here.
There are drumsticks suited for different drummers and for different reasons. For instance, beginners and those who only want some fun in drumming want cheap drumsticks. On the other hand, professionals will prefer paying anything for a quality and durable balance.
You will discover that there are all kinds of drumsticks to meet these needs. It also depends on the music you play and your personal techniques.
I will discuss sticks you can rely on for electronic drumsticks and those for acoustic sets. Some of the sticks are also based on the materials they are made from.
When buying drumsticks, different features have to be considered. Durability is always a major issue for many people. Hence, I will also be mentioning some alternative material that will serve you well for a long time.
In short, I will be reviewing the best 16 drumsticks for all drumming situations and offer some tips in the buying guide section. Continue reading.
The Best Drumsticks for Drummers
1. Vic Firth American Classics
Vic Firth is a well-known brand for drumsticks. Anyone who needs the best sticks can never go wrong with any of their products. Hence, I wanted it to be top on this list.
Many drummers will pick these USA made drumsticks classic without a second thought. The American part of the name is true, and it’s what makes them quality.
The sticks are 5As and come with a wooden tip. The whole stick is made from hickory, which makes them durable. They can withstand all forms of punishment you throw at them.
5A drumsticks are designed for extreme drumming needs. And this one is versatile enough to serve in a wide range of genres. They are high-quality, and you can feel that whenever you are holding them in your hands.
You will like them because they are 5A, made from hickory with wood tops, and very popular with a wide range of users. They are suitable for light playing and very durable.
2. CooperGroove Performance
For a long time, I only known Vic Firth as the maker of quality drumsticks. But there are other companies that make excellent choices.
These CooperGroove Performance drumsticks are a great example. If you are a beginner or a young drummer, you will find these sticks very useful. They are designed to deliver incredible performance, and they do it well.
Also, for those who care more about comfort, these are the drumsticks to get. They have a remarkable grip, which will not slip from your hands.
Besides, the extra good grip means you don’t have to hold onto the sticks too tight. This will help you stay relaxed and protect your hands.
As if that is not enough, they prevent your hands from sweating too much. As 5B sticks made from hickory, comfort is a very crucial issue.
I liked it more because of the hickory and its good grip. They will keep your hands dry throughout the performance so that you can feel your drums with perfection.
3. Vater VH5AW Wood Tip
Ask any drummer about the best drumstick brands, and they will not fail to mention Vater. And these 5A drumsticks are a true representation of what the company can offer.
They are an alternative for those who need some quality drumsticks at an affordable price. They are made from hickory and bear a wood tip.
The drumsticks are well-balanced, which makes them great. You can be sure of ‘fast attack and response from your drums.’ This is a great feature that will make the sticks incredible for drummers of all levels. Vater is very specific with the hickory wood they use. It’s always their aim to pick only the best in terms of quality.
These drumsticks come in different finishes, including Sugar Maple, Nude Series, External Black, and Color Wrap. Hence, you can choose the option that is perfect for you.
4. Zildjian Maple Green Dip
Now Zildjian is a drum company that has been on the market for a very long time. Any drummer today knows who they are since that has served for more than 200 years.
It does not, therefore, come as a surprise that their drumsticks will feature among the best. Anyone from young drummers will enjoy these drumsticks.
They are 7As, which makes them particularly perfect for young drums. Zildjian has made them fit perfectly in those small hands while offering. A green dip and double coating ensure you get a great grip, and the sticks will not fall from your hands.
Maple wood is not only good for drums, as you can see from these drumsticks. It is lighter than hickory, and hence, these drumsticks may not be as loud as the others. For a beginner, this is a good thing.
5. Pocket Stix Maple
Maple sticks are not very heavy, which makes it the best material for junior drumsticks. If therefore, you are looking for a perfect pair of drumsticks for your child, these Pocket Stix Maple should be a great option.
Most drumsticks on the market are 16-inches in length, but these ones are 15-inch. And this is why they are called ‘pocket’ because they are portable.
These drumsticks are highly recommended for kits eight years and above. Some parents have given them to younger kids, and they still use them well. Kids are likely to harm themselves with drumsticks. This is why it’s important to choose a pair that keeps them safe.
The drumstick is 5A, which means that it can be used for a wide range of needs. You will like them mostly because they are the best sticks for kids, and they come with wooden tips. Drumming will be so much fun and enjoyable for your kids.
6. Vic Firth American Classic with Vic Grip
Well, here is another Vic Firth American Classic piece to consider. You may be wondering why there is another one, apart from the one at the top of the list.
But that is just one thing you should know about Vic Firth. They make versatile products that can serve a wide range of needs. And this is why you will notice these drumsticks are a bit different from others. But they are also 5A, made from hickory.
Apart from these similarities, the American Classic with Vic grip comes with a nylon tip. This makes them ideal for rock and jazz. Also, you will find them very useful on electronic drum pads.
Also, the American Classics with Vic grip offers a better grip. The grab material may rub off a little if you use them a lot.
Nevertheless, you will love these drumsticks because they are high-quality. They also come with a coating that keeps the grip intact. Also, they are made with great ergonomic features for the right techniques.
7. Vater Chad Smith’s Funk Blaster
Vater Percussion was established in 1956. It has been making some of the best drumsticks on the market, helping different musicians achieve their dreams.
Chad Smith has been one of the biggest endorsers of this company for more than 20 years. And therefore, you can rely on these Funk Blaster hickory wood tip drumsticks for the best performance. They are produced with better quality than other sticks on the market, which makes them worth considering.
They are a bit heavier than other sticks priced at the same level. But based on their dimensions, you may find them lighter than other 5A sticks.
The best thing about these drumsticks is they have great sounding abilities. Also, they are made from durable hickory.
8. Promark PW747 Japanese Shira Kashi White Oak
Many of us know who Neil Pert is in the drumming world. And most importantly, we know where Promark stands in terms of quality drumsticks. The company has been around since 1957, creating a good solution for drummers all over the world.
Promark does not fear breaking tradition concerning their products. They were the first to introduce Shira Kashi white oak to the US market and the first to make oak drumsticks in America. And therefore, this is a brand that has a great reputation.
Their PW747 5A drumsticks are made from Japanese Shira Kashi white oak and endorsed by Neil Peart. This oak is denser than hickory. If you consider how dense the hickory already is, then you can imagine what these drumsticks are.
They are a bit longer than the normal 5As and feature a thicker tapper. They are also equipped with an oval tip, which makes them sound better. In terms of quality, you can never go wrong with these sticks.
9. RegalTip 111NT Regal Hick Sticks
RegalTip was founded in Niagara Falls in 1957 and has since grown into one of the world’s biggest drumsticks companies. They offer a wide array of products, maintaining high-quality standards throughout the six decades of operating.
The company has been the force behind the revolution we see today in the drumstick industry. Their designs and innovations have been pivotal in shaping the market.
Today, they offer their 111NT Hick NT drum sticks, which offer great value for all drummers. These are the thinnest, yet one of the most durable drumsticks you can even find out there. The set comes with a 0.475 diameter, which is less than the normal 0.5.
This may not seem like a significant difference, but it is. The unique non-slip finish and a slightly sticky finish make them a great addition to the modern drummer’s collection.
They are made from hickory, with nylon tips, which make them more durable. This brand’s reputation is more than what you can get at this price range, and hence, products worth considering.
10. Zildjian Nylon Black Dip Drumsticks
Zildjian is not a very new company in terms of drum manufacturing. But in the world of drumsticks, it’s a new brand.
The company was started by Avedis Zildjian in the 19th century and has remained a strong brand with a great reputation. It split in the 1930s, with some of the family members starting other companies.
The Zildjian Nylon Black Dip drum stick comes with DIP material on the lower half. They are generally made from hickory, which makes them durable.
If you have a problem with sweaty hands, these are the drumsticks you should try out. Heavy-handed drummers will find them extremely useful. But hickory does not ‘snap’ well like softer wood, which may be an issue when playing faster genres.
These sticks feature oval tips, which ensure more flexibility around the pointed tips. You can rely on these sticks in terms of quality, just like you would for any Zildjian product.
11. Color Changing LED
The world of drumsticks has greatly evolved. Now different companies are using various technologies to make them more attractive and useful.
Here is a completely different product that I thought it wise to add to this list. The drumsticks flash in different colors.
There are many cases where color changing, flashing drumsticks can be useful. For instance, kids love them a lot. It would, therefore, be an awesome gift from them.
However, they are not the best sticks for actual playing. But they change colour with every strike, giving out a beautiful flash.
Like other 5A drumsticks, they are designed for different applications. The main difference is that they are made of polycarbonate and use batteries.
12. Maple Wood Drumsticks
From the flashing drumstick, we get back to the normal sticks. Versatility is often one of the main features drummers look for in their sticks, and these Maple Wood drumsticks will serve you well in this.
They are 5A all-around drumsticks made for a wide range of applications. They are made from maple, which is not as heavy as hickory, but easy to play with. If you need a solution for fast-playing with ease, these are the products you can rely on.
They come with wooden tips and offer a wide range of sounds. Their soft and warm touch should be great for any drummer.
You will love them if you are not sure of what you are looking for in drumsticks.
13. Vater VHFN Fusion Nylon Tip
Vater is a company that does not need any introduction. In terms of quality drumsticks, they have everything you can ever think of.
The only difference with the other Vaters I have mentioned above is perhaps that it comes with nylon tips. You will get the same size between 5A and 5B, and they are made from hickory.
Nylon tips are great for cymbals and a wide variety of music genres. They are also more durable, which means they will serve you longer than wooden tips.
14. Personalized Laser Engraved Wooden
Here is another very special pair of drumsticks. The personalized engraved laser drumsticks are a great gift you give to any drummer.
Personalized items make very good gifts, and this one is no different. They come with nylon tips and have everything you want to be written on it.
You get to choose from different fonts depending on what you like. And you can change them whenever you see fit. One thing I love about these drumsticks is that they are very sturdy. They will serve you for any drumming genre.
15. Ahead Lar Ulrich
If you are looking for the most durable drumsticks, go for these ahead, Lars Ulrich. They are a perfect solution for those who are often tempted to chew through their drumsticks.
They are made from carbon fibre, which is a durable man-made material. It is strong and performs well, even under duress.
These drumsticks from Ahead are also the most expensive on this list, three times more than regular sticks. Synthetic drumsticks are just as good as nylon ones. Besides, their price will not matter if you consider their durability and features.
They have been endorsed by a legendary drummer, Lars Ulrich, and hence, are great for rock drummers.
16. Promark Hot Rods
Cool and unique, this is how the Hot Rods can be summarized in terms of functionality. Playing an acoustic drum has never been this fun.
They are considered a stereotypical alternative drumstick. This is because they are made of multiple smaller strips of wood instead of being curved from one stick. As a result, their sound is very distinct, somewhere between your regular sticks and a jazz brush.
They are quieter but with more meat on the sound. You can use them for quiet drumming as well as other drumming needs.
I would say every drummer needs to have a pair of these drumsticks. They are incredibly sweet.
17. Vater 2B Wood Tip Hickory Drum Sticks
Vater 2B Wood Tip Hickory Drum Sticks are a popular choice among drummers for their durability and versatility. Made from hickory, a dense and strong wood, these drumsticks are able to withstand the rigors of intense drumming sessions and maintain their shape.
The wood tip provides a warm, natural sound on cymbals, while the 2B size is suitable for a variety of musical styles and playing techniques. Many drummers prefer hickory drumsticks for their balance and feel, and the Vater 2B Wood Tip Hickory Drum Sticks are no exception. They are a reliable and high-quality option for drummers of all skill levels.
18. ProMark Classic Forward 5A Hickory Drumsticks
ProMark Classic Forward 5A Hickory Drumsticks are a classic choice for drummers looking for a well-balanced and versatile stick. Made from hickory, a dense and strong wood, these drumsticks are able to withstand the rigors of intense drumming sessions and maintain their shape.
The 5A size is a popular choice for its versatility, suitable for a range of musical styles and playing techniques. The forward tip design allows for a more controlled and focused sound on cymbals, making these drumsticks a good option for both live performances and recording sessions. The ProMark Classic Forward 5A Hickory Drumsticks are a reliable and high-quality choice for drummers of all skill levels.
19. WOGOD 5A Drum Sticks Maple Drumsticks
These drumsticks are made of maple wood, which gives them lightweight and extra flexibility. They also feature a wood tip that produces a warm cymbal tone. The straight design of the drumsticks ensures durability for precise playing and dependable performance.
The wood used in the production of the drumsticks has been seasoned and kiln-dried to ensure stability and prevent warping. The brick of 12 pairs of drumsticks provides a long-lasting supply for the user. Overall, these drumsticks offer a high-quality and reliable option for drummers.
Best drumsticks buying guide
Best Drumsticks for Rock
A rock drummer needs a good pair of drumsticks. You need to make sure they are powerful enough to produce the right sound and strong enough to withstand the punishment.
Vic Firth American Classic 5B is one ideal choice for a rock drummer. It is heavy, but not too heavy, which means you can play powerfully and first.
Another good recommendation is the Vater Chad Smith’s Funk Blaster. When you think about inspiring rock drummers, Chad Smith always comes up. These drumsticks are the roar behind Red Hot Chili Pepper with their funk-rock. They are thicker than 5B, which is why they make a better sound.
Best Drumsticks in The World
There are so many types of drumsticks on the market today. Knowing the best one depends on personal preferences.
However, there are some features that can make all the differences. Stick weight is one such feature. For rock drummers, 5Bs are the best, while you probably want to get them 7As or something lighter for kids.
Drumsticks can cause injuries if you don’t pick well. Having said that, Vic Firth American Classic drumsticks are my personal favorites.
What Is the Best Brand of Drumsticks?
There are several brands of drumsticks. Most of them make quite remarkable products, but there are some who are not just good.
If your focus is on the brand, consider Vater, Vic Firth, and Promark. These are the big names in the world of drumsticks. Zildjian is also good, but leave them for drums.
What Are the Most Durable Drumsticks?
There are no drumsticks that are indestructible. Any drumstick can serve you for as long as you want, depending on how you use them.
Nevertheless, there are some sticks considered most durable. These sticks feature synthetic fiber as the primary material, instead of wood. A good example is the Ahead Lars Ulrich drumsticks. They are made to last long, and they do a great job at this.
Which Drumsticks Are Best for Beginners?
For a beginner, you don’t need expensive drumsticks. Consider a light drumstick, with the right weight too. These Vic Firth Kidsticks are recommended for ages 3 to 8. They are lighter and short than normal adult drumsticks.
For adults, try out the Vic Firth American Classic 5A drumsticks. They can still be used for professional drumming both on acoustic and electronic sets.
What’s the Difference Between 5A and 5B Drumsticks?
The main difference is in their sizes. 5A drumsticks are lighter and smaller in diameter, while 5B is heavier and larger. They differ based on diameter, length, and weight.
Conclusion
Getting the right drumsticks can help you achieve your drumming goals with ease. And did you know that the wrong drumsticks can cause you health complications? Well, now you know, it should be easier now to pick the right tools.
I have been drumming for more than 20 years now and understand what it takes to have a perfect kit. Good drumsticks give you the courage to innovate new sounds.
I hope this guide has been helpful. The 16 best drumsticks in this year mentioned above are all from good brands.
