Buying drumsticks: What really matters
20.2.2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Stephan Lamprecht
Drumsticks are the direct connection to the instrument - an extension of your arms. The perfect stick makes the difference between cramped playing and great grooves. I'll explain how drumsticks differ and which parts are important for sound and feel.
I wanted a drum kit when I was eight and got one when I was ten. And since then I've gained a lot of playing experience. After almost 50 years on the drums, I'll guide you through the jungle of stick sizes and materials.
Like in your wardrobe: the different sizes
Length, diameter and material determine the weight of a stick, which is between 40 and 70 grammes on average. You are more likely to play metal with heavy equipment - but you will feel this on your joints during longer sessions. Light sticks tend to emphasise the highs and are easier to play.
Almost all manufacturers use a system of numbers and letters to indicate size. There is only one problem: the designations are not standardised. Two sticks from different manufacturers can have the same size designation and still feel and play completely differently.
The number stands for the thickness of the stick, but is not derived from an exact value. Contrary to what you might think, a higher number does not mean a thicker stick - it's the other way round. A size 7 stick is more delicate than a size 2 stick.
As these are purely indicative, I recommend that you try out sticks from different manufacturers if possible.
The letters are probably derived from the original intended use. «A» is said to come from the word «Orchestra» and refers to the thinner version. «According to various sources, B» is derived from the word «Band» and is thicker than «A». «S» has a bit more oomph - these sticks were used to play music on the street («Street»), for example during parades.
Shortly summarised: A 5B is thicker and heavier than a 5A with the same length. Both are thicker than a 7A and thinner than a 2B. Everything clear? Hehe.
The centre of gravity of the stick also depends on the length and diameter. If you have already gained experience, you will know that this point is important for the correct grip. If the centre of gravity is close to the grip zone, the stick is easier to control. If it moves towards the tip, the power of the stroke increases - the oomph.
Some important models at a glance
In the huge range on sale from various manufacturers, a few favourites have emerged among musicians.
7A is more of a filigree specialist. It is rather light in the hand. Many jazz musicians use this stick because it can be played precisely and does not produce too much sound volume. It is also suitable for children and people with smaller hands. But I wouldn't play metal with it. It doesn't have enough oomph and you also need too much force.
5A and 5B are among the most popular models. At least when I look around the rehearsal rooms. At just over 40 centimetres long and up to 15 millimetres thick, they fit almost every style of music. The 5B is my stick on the classic drum kit - not too heavy, not too light, easy to control. It sits comfortably in the hand.
A 2B weighs quite a bit. I would therefore not recommend it to beginners. They get blisters more quickly and their hands cramp up. With a length of over 41 centimetres and a diameter of 16 millimetres, you have something noticeable in your hand that also provides volume.
A question of grip: the surface of the stick
Depending on how much your hands sweat, the surface of your sticks determines whether they stay securely in your hand or fly off. Don't worry: this has happened to everyone and anyone.
Painted sticks are the standard. The clear or coloured lacquer protects the wood from moisture and prevents it from warping. However, sweat makes the lacquer slippery because the moisture cannot penetrate the wood.
You don't have this problem with unvarnished sticks. The wood retains its rough surface and absorbs sweat. However, the texture can feel a little strange - I don't particularly like this and prefer lacquered sticks. Without a protective varnish, you also need to pay attention to storage: The sticks are more sensitive to moisture and need to be stored in a dry place to prevent them from warping.
Some suppliers offer special sticks for people with sweaty hands. Some have a rubber-coated grip zone, others are experimenting with a coating that reacts to moisture - the wetter the zone gets, the better the sticks adhere. One variant is waxes to increase grip.
In my circle of friends, there are also musicians who prefer a DIY solution: they roughen the grip zone themselves using fine sandpaper. There is also special tape that prevents slipping. I don't like the «foreign body feeling» though.
What should it be made of now?
Carbon or aluminium sticks are rarely encountered. They promise high durability and are popular with drummers who are committed to loud styles of music. None of the alternative materials convinced me in terms of playing feel. It simply «didn't feel right». That may be different for you.
My sticks are and will remain made of wood. You mainly have the choice between three types:
- Hickory, a hardwood from America, is my personal favourite. The sticks are durable and absorb shocks well. Even after hours of sessions, my wrist problems are kept to a minimum. However, depending on how intensively you play cymbals, you will notice the first notches on your head quite quickly.
- Oak is more robust. Most manufacturers have some oak models on sale. However, the wood is noticeably heavier, which is why it is suitable for hard playing and heavy use. Oak sticks are too heavy for my small hands and for me - I notice significant fatigue after just over an hour.
- Maple is the lightweight among the wood species. However, the low weight comes at a price: the sticks wear out more quickly. In return, you can play a thicker stick that is still lighter in the hand than the other variants. Maple is a good choice for fast playing styles. However, if you play cymbals hard, they wear out more quickly. In return, they sound warmer in my opinion.
Head shape: trial and error is the order of the day
The tip shape also plays a role. Nylon tips hardly wear out, but can come loose and fly off at the worst possible moment with very inexpensive models. They are nevertheless popular in the metal sector. You can hear the difference especially when playing cymbals. In most cases, the tip is made of the same wood as the stick.
Playing leaves its mark on the natural material. At the latest when the tip appears significantly flatter and deformed, a new pair is due.
The tip shapes at a glance:
- Drop (teardrop)
- Ball
- Acorn (Acorn)
- Barrel
Each variant sounds different, creates more volume or sounds warmer than the others. The teardrop shape is the absolute classic - and my personal favourite. One of the reasons for this is that the sound remains relatively constant, regardless of the angle at which you hit the cymbal or head.
It's all about technique - my advice for anyone starting out
It's best to start with the golden mean. A 5A made of hickory with a teardrop tip works for all playing styles. The sticks are not too heavy and not too thin, your wrists will thank you for it and you can develop your technique - because that is the most important thing. For smaller hands, a 7A may also be the right choice.
Also, don't let the advertising influence you too much. Almost every manufacturer has «Signature» variants of well-known drummers on sale. But let's be honest: if you strap on the same skis as a World Cup winner, it won't make you a crack skier.
Check the quality
You've made your decision and the newly purchased pair is in front of you? Then briefly check the quality before you sit down to work on the kit
A stick must be absolutely straight and even. The quickest way to check this is with the roll test: place the stick on a smooth, flat surface and give it a push. It should roll evenly, not bump or wobble. You will feel even small bumps when playing - a warped stick will react unevenly.
Check the surface: it must be smooth, the paint applied evenly, without any noticeable unevenness. Otherwise, leave it alone. In the truest sense of the word.
Look at the head too. It should be cleanly moulded and show no cracks or chipping. With a nylon head, check the fit: it must not wobble, otherwise it will fly around your ears later.
Drumsticks should be like identical twins: exactly the same length, weight and thickness. Brand manufacturers usually ensure this at the factory. The deviations would have to be considerable - or your hands would have to be very sensitive - for you to feel them. The following trick is better: hit a hard surface with both sticks. If the pitch differs, something is wrong. In that case, swap them around.
There is no one perfect stick - just your stick
My journey to the drums began in the classic way. Nagging my mum was successful.» And when the music department at school recognised my talent after trial lessons «, I got my first instrument and lessons.
My first kit - a Sonor, my pride and joy - enchanted the neighbourhood (not) at practice. As a child of the 80s, I quickly moved towards electronic sound generation: The hexagonal pads from Simmons were right up my street. Various bands followed. But the professional dream turned into a regular hobby. The Simmons kit is long gone, but electric drums are here to stay. By the way, you can also find e-drums here.
Several times a week, I spend a few hours on my e-drums. My favourite stick for this is a 7A hickory from Tama, which I've stocked up on to be on the safe side. On the classic drums, which I'm currently experiencing a renaissance, I use a 5B hickory acorn from Pro-Mark.
The point is: you evolve. Your hands become stronger, your fingers more agile, your taste and feel change. Keep an open mind and experiment. Your perfect stick will feel just right in your hands.
Tell me: What is your stick of choice and why?
Header image: Stephan Lamprecht
Hamburg local, bookworm, and ice hockey fan. Dad and granddad. Constantly tinkering around with my smart home setup. I love DIY, the outdoors, fashion, and cosmetics.
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