My favorite sticks

[DogBreath]

Sticks - Vic Firth Signature Series Akira Jimbo.

Bundles - Vic Firth Rute 505.

Brushes - Regal Tip Hickory Handle 550W.

[NUTHA JASON]

vater 5a nylon tips manhatten. thick and strong and long. the way me girl likes her man.

j

[glynes]

My very favorite sticks were custom-made for me by my boss, out of Pao Ferro wood. a beautiful, dark, heavy wood. The template was a Zildjian 7A, but they were 2-3 times heavier, with a wonderful, smooth finish, and wore very well, They weren't weight-matched (after all, they were made by a civil engineer on a lathe in his basement!), but that never bothered me. They felt absolutely right in every respect. The only downside was that they left dark brown marks on the drumheads.
Unfortunately, after a couple of months of heavy (for me) hitting, one of them split (my very first broken stick!) ... I'm waiting for my boss to get the 'woodworking bug' again, and make me some more.
The Zildjian 7A's are a perfect fit for me, but I prefer a heavier weight. I tried the 'anti-vibe' version, and liked the feel, but again too light and they didn't wear well ... after just a week they looked like beavers had been at them!

[Wegadrummer]

as i said before :


Vic Firth sd2 bolero

i really love that drumstick, so... perfect balance and perfect grip (i have small hands)
http://sklep.perkusja.com.pl/images/VicFBolero.jpg

[mediocrefunkybeat]

My favourite sticks:

Vic Firth Steve Gadd sigs (When I want to rimshot, seeing as I just put my old snare on my electronic kit)

Vic Firth 7A - Very lively sticks.

Regal Tip 7A - Very hard to use, but a very good feel.

Oh and Wega, I probably have smaller hands than you :-P

[DogBreath]

Nutha, you aren't sniffing hickory smoke, are you? I thought the Manhattans only came in 7As?

[Dill X]

Vic First Thomas Lang Signature Sticks.

Their very thick sticks, but their light and give you a lot of power.

[mkv]

mu favorite sticks:

SD4-light and fast
SD10 - big heavy soundin but light

[Bonzo]

Pro-Mark 5A Japanese Oak, wood tip. They last a long time.

[DrUmStIcKmUrDeReR]

vic firth rock n american hickory

[Superlow]

Vic Firth 5B Nylon. The nylon sticks have the tip shrunk on now, no more glue. The tip is almost Garaunteed to last the life of the stick. The nylon sounds good on washy cymbals. For wood tipped sticks, I enjoy Vater Chad Smith Funk Blaster model. Its basically a 5B with a beefier tip. They have good power and definition.

[ewanlaing]

at the moment i'm using pro-mark 5b's with a nylon tip. they seem to be pretty durable, but i'm no expert. they are a lot softer than the tre cool signature sticks i was using before, so less blisters. are the travis barker ones any good?

[Brainstemm]

I'm currently using PRO MARK ROCK sticks. i like them very much and they wear decently not as bad as some Vic Firths i've played.

[Jason Dorn]

Vic Firth 5b's I love em but the tips dont last.

[bigbang]

vic firth 2b i can't use small sticks it's like playing wth pencils

[Bozzio-v-portnoy]

at the moment i'm using pro-mark 5b's with a nylon tip. they seem to be pretty durable, but i'm no expert. they are a lot softer than the tre cool signature sticks i was using before, so less blisters. are the travis barker ones any good?

Theyre ok. A bit too big for my liking, but light (for thier size), and they sure look cool!

[spacebeat3117]

Firth 5As you cant go wrong with. Other favs are Vater Fatback 3As and Vater 1As ,but those are both way larger.

[NUTHA JASON]

dogbreathy wrote:

Nutha, you aren't sniffing hickory smoke, are you? I thought the Manhattans only came in 7As?

oops i meant los angeles. boy is my face red.

j

[magand]

i like the Harvey Mason signature sticks. They are exactly the thickness and weight that i was looking for. i just fell in love. the best sticks ever

[somedrummer]

Vic Firth 5b's I love em but the tips dont last.

I have to agree. I bought a brick of them in December and am down to 3 pairs because of that. I am also in a ska band and the shaft just below the tips wears very bad on the hi hat. If someone knows sticks that have nylon tips, preferably a reinforced "below the tip part", and maybe a reinforced rimshot area that arent too heavy, please contact me. Oh yeah those would be my favorite sticks if someone could find them. Thanks,

Rob

[chino_Ocio]

Ehm... The one that works the best for me is de Vic Firth 5A model, but I also tend to play a los with the Vic Firth 7A's and I really enjoy the Zildjian Manu Katche Model, it's diameter is somewhere in between 5A and 7A, and it's as long as a 5A... works really good. And in my practice pad I don't know why... really like to use the Mike Mangini signature model, which I think is too heavy for drums and cymbals :s

[Speedy]

Pro Mark 5A Jap White Oak Wood Tip

[Pedro]

Normally I use the 5A Vic Firth. When I have less money I just buy the 5A by stagg (really good balance!!!)

BUT I haven't actually found yet my favorite sticks because my local dealer only has Vic Firth and some other crappy brands. I'm actually searching for a stick with a balance of the VF 5A, but with a finer tip.

[Raymond Bloom]

Pro-Mark 5A, american hickory, nylon tip

[Kevlar]

Ayotte Jammer...I didn't want something too heavy, but I've gotten so used to the bigger size of my orchestral sticks I needed more size. So a maple stick made sense. I like Ayotte's sticks because they've got no finish, and I just prefer the feel smooth but unlacquered wood.
Oh, BTW those orchestral sticks are Cooperman's Graham C. Johns #1. Very nice. I got a whole bag full of mallets and stuff if anyone wants to hear about those.

[GPinney]

what is your favorite brand of drumstick?

[Speedy]

Pro-Mark 5A Jap. White Oak

[jamsjr44]

I use Vic Firth 7A's wood tip and Promark 747's american hickory and sometimes the japanese white oak.

[Rudy McRudster]

I go between my Steve Gadd signatures and my Dave Weckls. But funny thing about my Weckls is that they are different sizes, one isn't made anymore, so I only use them on occassion.
Other than that I have the Pro-Mark hot rods which are nice but incredibly overpriced and Vater retractable wire brushes that I'm on my third year with. They last a while.

[MunsieMan]

Zildjian Tre Cool....I love those sticks if you ever see me i have them in my hands some people ive known for 2 - 3 years have never seen me without my sticks

[aahznightsky]

Vic Firth for the most part

My favorite to use are the 5B

but for jazz I'll use a lighter stick sometimes, depending on my mood

I also use the hot rods bundles

and When I practice on my v drums I use 2Bs

[Alk3fan]

I use mostly generic sticks for practicing and playing on my own privately, mostly A5's. But when I am 'playing' I use either Vic Firth 5A, or my favorite stick, Pro Mark 5A, very durable sticks and have a great feel to them, but thats one mans opinion.

[Alk3fan]

Pro Mark 5A, very durable sticks and have a great feel to them, but thats one mans opinion.

Let me rephrase, Pro Mark 5A, new generation, Japanese Oak. Wood tip... my favorite.

[slingerlandradioking55]

My Favorite Sticks

Regal Tip Rock model
Vic Firth Buddy Rich model
Vic Firth Steve Gadd model
Regal Tip retractable brushes
Zildjian 5bs or Vic Firth 5as

[Anchein Vouivra]

Jack Dejohnette's Vic Firth signature sticks are incredibly comfortable until you start sweating. It's colored white, wich make them good looking, but this painting make them slide away. I lost them during shows too many times. They also broke quite quick (I'm kinda loud player) but I wish I could find the same feeling with unpainted or gripped sticks.

[Milo]

http://www.promark-stix.com/images/products/autograph_models/big/AUTOPW747W.jpg

Have used 747s(hickory) for years but when they came out with the Jap white oak Peart stick?? Fuhgettaboutit

[Paul Quin]

I useed Pro Mark 747's for years and years - but I was mostly playing fairly solid rock stuff. They lasted a long time - they rarely broke although they did use to peel from the middle thanks to too many rim shots - and the length and weight seemed perfect.

In the last couple of years, however, my tastes have changed. I have recently discovered the Dennis Chambers signature sticks by Zildjian. They are 16" long, small tip, slightly thinner than the 747's and have a great balance.

They have become my stick of choice. Now if I can only peruade Dennis Chambers to use my signature sticks . . . .



paul

[G-money]

Vater's 5As

Superlight and superstrong

[Breakbeat Milo]

VIC FIRTH Jojo Mayer Siganture Sticks.

So... so... so....soooo..

[Colin]

- Vic Firth Signature Series Danny Carey

- Vic Firth 5As

Vic Firth makes the best damn sticks...

[Breakbeat Milo]

It's so true what are you saying about Vic Firth....
They're just EXCELLENT!

[Gorm]

Vic Firth 5B Nylon. The nylon sticks have the tip shrunk on now, no more glue. The tip is almost Garaunteed to last the life of the stick. The nylon sounds good on washy cymbals. For wood tipped sticks, I enjoy Vater Chad Smith Funk Blaster model. Its basically a 5B with a beefier tip. They have good power and definition.

I enjoy Vic Firth 5B's as well, I have an old pair that i used for at least a year and a half and i had to replace them when the tip of the tip broke off.

PS. My first post, I surf Drummerworld all the time and i love the site. I look forward to talking with everyone.

[michaeldangelo]

I love the new Vic Firth Joe Porcaro Diamond Tip series, I use the Maple 5A model for all around stuff.
For lighter jazz I use SD4's.
And for more louder playing, I use the Stanton Moore Signature Stick.

Gotta love Vic Firth

[darkcherryfade]

This one is simple enough.

Mine- Vic Firth 3A.

[michaeldangelo]

I have 3 favorite models I always use: (all Vic Firth)

For general stuff:
Joe Porcaro Diamond Tip Series Maple 5A

For lighter stuff:
American Custom SD4 Combo

For louder stuff:
Signature Series Stanton Moore model

[Noah]

Vic Firth 8D suit me fine and excellent quality. vic firth all the way!!!!!!!!!

[Dannar]

I really like 2B sticks, any brand, I like them all. I just started using Vater and really like them so far. Vic Firth and Promarks are good too. I like to experiment with differnt brands Right now I'm trying to find the most durable, even though I use heavy sticks i go through them like crazy. I don't even consider myself a heavy drummer. The heaviest I get is Zeppelin, but the sticks are rubbish before I know what happend!! I have only broke one stick in my 10 years or so of playing though (it was a SD 9), I'm proud of that!!!

[thetourist]

I am starting to like the Gadd signatures. They are quite feathery feeling, well balanced, light, and stylish. I believe the tips also help soften some undesirable tones from my cymbals.

[RTDRUMS]

Just wondering what brand and size stick everyone is using.
Lately I have been using Vic Firth SD1 general. I know they are more of an orchestral stick but I love the way they feel plus there made out of maple.

[needforspeed182]

I use:

Zildjian Travis Barker Double stick
Vic Firth Steve gadd model
And pro mark brushes

[MaxRoach]

So......sticks......brands......i LOVE zildjian sticks for some reason.....i can't get enough of them. I use bill stewart's signature sticks now (i think they're like 7a's or something) and I lvoe them. But they do break fast if i'm playing heavy stuff....that's the only disadvantage. In that case, I just use vic firth 5b's (i just picked up sticks iin a hurry so i haven't tested other zildjian ones). I also use the black zildjian ones (iuno the size....a little bigger thatn 7A maybe?) for my pad sticks. . What do u guys use?

[Milo]

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39&highlight=sticks

[illy]

vic firth 5A naturals, and an occasional pair of 7A's.

[Speedy]

Pro Mark Japanese White Oak 5A Wood Tip.

[DrummerBoy_5]

Vic Firth American Classic Rock- they are great all around sticks that can be used for any type of playing

[Dill X]

Vic Firth Thomas Lang Signature Sticks

[onemat]

I use Promark 5B in OAK, 5C in Oak and 2B in Hickory. The 5C is Charlie Adam's signature model, basically a 5b but the shoulder is tapered a little differently. I bought a whole mess of them in Oak cheap because they printed Hickory on them! I think I paid $2.00 a pair.

Also for really nice quality sticks with your signature and/or the name of your band check out jeff at http://customdrumsticks.com/ He MAKES the sticks and at $2.75 a pair you can give them away or sell 'em at gigs!

[cjl71178]

I've been using Zildjian Z4A wood tips for the past six years...they're awesome. They remind me a lot like the Promark 747's, but they have a little bit more beef at the top of the stick. Not too thick and not too thin.

I'll have to check out that custom drumstick website...for $2.75, i might switch! LOL!

[Thinshells]

I just picked up 2 pair of verve 5b. I think they were $3.50 a pair. They are excellently balanced... perfect.

[boomboomda]

I use Drum Village drumsticks.

[onemat]

I've been using Zildjian Z4A wood tips for the past six years...they're awesome. They remind me a lot like the Promark 747's, but they have a little bit more beef at the top of the stick. Not too thick and not too thin.

I'll have to check out that custom drumstick website...for $2.75, i might switch! LOL!

Matt replies: I forgot to mention, if Jeff (from customdrumsticks.com) doesn't have your exact stick, you can actually send him one and he will make them for you. On Drumzilla's Lair (Yahoo Groups) many drummers have reported being very happy with Custom Drumstick's work.

[Wegadrummer]

I use Vicfirth sd2 bolero.. period..

[System of Adam]

My absolute faves are the old Promark red stripe "jazz" model in oak but sadly they have been discontinued for over ten years

Next closest are the Oak 727s which IMHO are just a bit too thick

And if I can't find any thing else the modern Promark white Oak "Jazz" model although they are about an inch and a half shorter than the original "jazz" red stripe sticks.

[onemat]

My absolute faves are the old Promark red stripe "jazz" model in oak but sadly they have been discontinued for over ten years

Next closest are the Oak 727s which IMHO are just a bit too thick

And if I can't find any thing else the modern Promark white Oak "Jazz" model although they are about an inch and a half shorter than the original "jazz" red stripe sticks.

Hi Adam,

What size were those red stripe jazz sticks?

Matt

[sloppyjoe]

I really liked those vic virth american classic metal n sticks. Nice and thick with good rebound. Too bad I broke one in two days.

[Madzu]

Vic Firth Signature Series Peter Erskine... These sticks are amazing! I also like the vic Firth American Custom SD2 Bolero and the Vic Firth American Custom SD4 Combo... Go VicFirth!!!

[T.L.]

I couldn't agree more on the Peter Erskine Vic Firth's -- I've been using the Erskine "Ride Stick" for the past year and love them. A great stick for playing jazz ride patterns and a beefy enough to play pop / rock. Great sticks.

[mlehnertz]

Vater 5A (nylon or wood)
Vic Virth Generals & Boleros
Regal Tip 550W brushes

I make my own mallets.

[Isaac]

Vater Los Angeles 5As.

[nOOdles]

vater piccolo, made out of sugar maple. kinda large yet very light. (also break fairly quickly so i use them mostly for my v-drums)

[dum_drummer]

im not really fussy about brands but my favourite size is 5B nylon end

[superbatmat]

Vater Los Angales 5A for sticks and Clayton Cameron's signature brush...

[OZjazzer]

Regal Tip 'Jazz' NT nylons or the same stick with the E Series tip. Great cymbal sound. Love the the way Regal Tip's varnish feels too.

[nemo]

stagg and fic firth 7a
pro mark funk blaster and 5a
ayotte londoner mapel

[mediocrefunkybeat]

Regal Tip 'Jazz' NT nylons or the same stick with the E Series tip. Great cymbal sound. Love the the way Regal Tip's varnish feels too.

Are the 'E' type all they're cracked up to be? I'm interested because I like the sound of wood tips, but dislike the excessive chipping that seems to occur. Thoughts? Opinions? Do they really do what they claim and have the sound of a wood tip with the feel and durability of nylon?

[MECHT4NK]

I used to play vic firth 5A's but then I stopped for a while and then when I picked it up again the only non broken pair that I had left was a pair of VF 2B's and I gotten used to them so been using them ever since.

[Sticksman]

Right now, the Danny Carey signature sticks... Great for doing twirls and for heavy playing.

[OZjazzer]

Are the 'E' type all they're cracked up to be? I'm interested because I like the sound of wood tips, but dislike the excessive chipping that seems to occur. Thoughts? Opinions? Do they really do what they claim and have the sound of a wood tip with the feel and durability of nylon?

I think they are more a like a cross between wood and nylon, but definitely more like wood. It's easy to fool many drummers into thinking they are hearing 'wood'.
I actually like nylon Regal Tip NT's, which indicates 'narrrow shoulders'. This makes a HUGE difference to to cymbal sound and enables me to use nylon heads most of the time. The more 'woody' E Series just give me a different colour which is handy in some situations. The thing I hate about wood tips is that the sound is changing from the minute you start using them on cymbals, they start wearing and chipping, and there goes the consistent sound. You'll notice that the E Series feel nice and bouncy on the cymbals too. Give them a go, but see if you can get a model that suits you with the narrow shoulders.

[DoubleBassUrFace]

i use some chopped vic firth 5a's, and some ahead jj sticks.

[jonholden]

Im new here, and my favorite sticks would have to be Pro-Mark 720 Intruders, or Pro-Mark 420's, (Mike Portnoy) and of course Pro-Mark Rock Knockers, cuz there basicly a full tree haha

[Mike St.Clair]

Vic Firth SD1 Generals. I never knew there were other sticks. Back in the day, I believe I used the Promark 808's or Billy Cobhams or something like that.

[jumping joe]

carbo sticks. 5B. anything else would break to quickly and a concert could quickly build up to $100 Au.and in yes i say there slogan is correct. the feel better than any wood sick. less vibaration and the can pinpoint the balance point because it made out of carbon. Yes i am aware about cymbal warranties but they guaranty that the stick will break before it damages or breaks the cymbal. so fingres crossed.

[xkevinx]

ayotte jazz master
vic firth dave weckl signature series (original)
vic firth american classic 3A
pro mark hot rods

[DrumGod]

I love using 7a NOVA sticks i dont no if anyone ever herad of them but they 5Euro in the drum shop near me when vic firth promark etc are like 12-15 euro. They great they have a lovely feel to them and i a stick breaker king but these last me so much longer then any other stick i used be fore. I wont use anything else. They are actually vic firth but have apperence blemished ie they aint pretty enough to be called vic firth

LONG LIVE THE NOVAs

[hateplow]

Vic Firth 7A's. pretty beefy, but not TOO heavy.

[fourstringdrums]

Right now my favorite sticks are Vater 7A Nylon and Vic Firth Plastic Bristle Rutes.

[aahznightsky]

I dont think this was mentioned in this thread, but i have switched sticks

Promark Japanese oak wood tip ... the 727 model.

great feel ... and since i switched to thinner sticks i feel i can play alot "quicker" and smoother

[NouveauCliche]

Just got in my drum stick order today actually:

12 pairs of wood tipped Joe Porcaro diamond tips sticks in a 7a made from hickory. I got the last batch of the ORIGINAL Joe Porcaro versions, not the Vic Firth version, from drums in the wind.

Awesome feel, really durable, and that diamond tip shape just sounds BEAUTIFUL on cymbals.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I use bangor bashers and they last me longer than any other stick ive ever used, and they only cost me 1.50 a pair

[I Drum Happily]

I really like the Steve Gadd models. For one thing, they're black, which is cool. Also, they seem to last a very long time. Most of all though, the barrel tip is amazing and it has a lot of balance.

[CanadianBonzo]

Vic Firth Classic American Hickory X5B...they're pretty much 5B's with a more balanced head and a little bit longer length. Really hold up well, give out a nice tone

[MrChillyWind]

Dudes, you guys gotta try ludwig 2B. They're great

[Fat Elvis]

Vic Firth Steve Gadd Sigs -- anything that helps me feel a little more like gadd.

[kimsbutt]

ahead joey jordinson module, even though im not a metal drummer! there great, id never use an other stick again

[THIEB]

I use a lot of sticks !

Even in the same band.

From the 5A Ahead to the zildjian 7A.

I use a 5AN Vic firth for practising at home...

The use depend of the feeling I want on the track. But I try to never use any signature model, but it's only a question of opinion...

[The Note]

I simply cant play with too thick sticks, so i use vic firth 7a.

I got a really good grip on them, so its easier for me to play.

[Wegadrummer]

Vic Firth sd2 bolero.. perfect for my wierd hands..

[Drummer Karl]

It`s the Dave Weckl signature line of Vic Firth!!
I love the SDW2 (Evolution)

[fxt_fella]

Yea, the Dave Weckl's are really nice. I'm not too fussy with sticks, but these days I'm loving my Vic Firth SD10 Swinger's.....the Steve Smith signature model are also nice. They feel really weird when I picked them up, but I do rip around a kit a hang of a lot quicker. Must be those long tips they have. I won't use anything by Zildjian anymore though, they snap like toothpicks.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Vater Pro Rock Nylon Tip 5A (approx)
Vater Chad Smith Funk Blaster 5B
Vater 5A Los Angelas

[zildjian_dude101]

Ahead have recentley become my favorite because of the amazing response they have on the drums.

[kzdruma]

Best Sticks: Vater 7A Nylon

[fourstringdrums]

Best Sticks: Vater 7A Nylon

Definately, that's what I play now, although sometimes I want to look for something even a tiny bit lighter :)

[TitanSound]

Vic Firth 2B's wood tips, sometimes i'll use nylon for the extra ping sound on the ride.

[toolskid]

Zildjian Session Master

occasionally Vater Piccolo (I love the sound on cymbals but prefer the weight of the Zildjians)

[Panos_from_greece!]

vater 5A hickory !!I think it's the most versatile stick and the most durable

[Lil' Drummer Boy]

I like Hot sticks they look cool and have good balance and durability!!!

[roll_model]

I'd have to say either the Vic Firth Signature Series Thomas Lang sticks or the Kenny Aronoff one's. Heavy sticks that give you that much more power.

[Johnest]

Right now, i use Vater Virgil Donati's assault model. Before that, i have used some Vic Firth Dave Weckl evolution but they are too lite for my taste. And, in the 80's, i have use Pro-Mark 747 model with nylon tips that they don't produce anymore i think.

[thrice981]

Its a hard debate... Travis Barker Sig. or vic firth 8D Id have to go with the 8D. It just somthing about Vic Firth That makes sticks so warm and durable. And I also like the Vater Sugar Maple 7A. But the weird thing is... I play Mostly Rock. Well you heard my oppinion. People are so Oppinionated in this forum

[burnthehero]

Still using good ol' Vic Firth 5A.

[Slayer_metal_head]

Vater 3A and i want some Ahead 3A s

[janus]

Vater virgil donati assault or chad smith funkblaster

[mitchmitchell]

i like regal tip 5A hickory tip

[Cymbalrider]

I'm going to break away from hickory for a while.
I have some Promark Oak 5as...they feel great. I have dealt with Vic Firth 5As for years, but these are much better. Even better than the Zildjian sticks I happen to have. (have a pair of the Antivibe 5as mainly for my electronic kit and the dip sticks and some 5bs for general percussion use.)

In the future I will use oak or maple drum sticks. I still have the first pair of sticks I ever bought (8-9 years ago) a pair of Vic Firth SD1s. They are in great condition and still maintain the painted lettering. Something tells me they were made better then....


Oddly the only sticks I've ever had to break or crack (other than my marching sticks) are all hickory. Of course those were too. I've never seen a maple stick break or an oak one, so I'll be using those.

Anyone else like the other varieties of materials yet? I haven't been bold enough to try the plastic or 'carbon' ones or whatever. Too bad they don't have birch sticks...wonder why?
They have birch handled mallets....(better than that Rattan crap lol)

[Blastbeatz]

Zildjian Absolute Rock Hickory(my faves), Promark Hickory Rock Knockers, 5b Nonames Maple(light &loud), Vic Firth 7a Hickory

[ewanlaing]

boring old me, i like the plain basic vic firth 5B's. i have become very accustomed to them.
i also have the pro mark hot rods (the original sized ones).
not sure who made my brushes, as it doesn't say on them. my drum teacher says thy are good ones, but there isn't any sign of a company on the sticks themselves.

[KzSgDrummer]

I gotta go with Wegadrummer on this one - Vic Firth Boleros. I first discovered them when I was doing orchestral work since that's more or less what they're made for, but I just started using them on drum set. Thick so they fil out my also-small hands but incredibly lightweight and a great focused tip. Now if only maple didn't break so damn easy.....

Also I use Vater Fusion wood tips as my workhorse sticks (love the bead tip), and I got a couple pairs of the Gadd and Dennis Chambers signature sticks I'll use on occasion.

[LumberjackIvan]

Drum Set - Vic Firth 5b
Marching Snare - Delucia
I can't play with a lighter stick due to my marching snare experience. It's hard to switch from Delucia's to anything smaller than 5b. Plus, I break sticks constantly. Sometimes the most expensive part of playing drums for me are the heads and sticks. I agree that Boleros are awesome orchestral sticks.

[Class A Drummer]

my favorite stcks are my 747 rock pro marks. not to light but not to heavy nylon tipped. also it has a sumo wrestler on it so i like that

[sly1965]

The sticks size i play with are 5B from Zildjian made from american rock maple, no nylon tips. For the practice pad, Vic Firth SD1.

[Wegadrummer]

I gotta go with Wegadrummer on this one - Vic Firth Boleros. I first discovered them when I was doing orchestral work since that's more or less what they're made for, but I just started using them on drum set. Thick so they fil out my also-small hands but incredibly lightweight and a great focused tip. Now if only maple didn't break so damn easy.....

yeah, i know they break easy.. i have been thinking of changing to Ziljian 7a.. the tip is almost like the boleri but the stick is thinner.. but, we will see what will happend..

[shuffle]

i have been thinking of changing to Ziljian 7a.. the tip is almost like the boleri but the stick is thinner.. but, we will see what will happend..


I have allways been so disappointed with Zildjian sticks... I like their feeling, but they break so quickly.

And I'm no heavy hitter at all. The Regal tip 5As that I use now last me forever

[Steady Freddy]

I've tried both the Gadd and Weckl signatures and like them both. I just don't like paying for them. Lately I've been going through 2 - 3 pairs a week.

I've pretty much settled on the Firth 5B both in wood and nylon and still use 5As a lot also.

[averypoordrummer]

vic firth 5B american classic

perfect in every respect

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

vater xtreme 5a's for me

[PreppieNerd]

Peter Erskine Signature Ride Stick
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/3/4/2/256342.jpg

They're fairly light, but thick, with an itty-bitty bead. I love them.

[Tom Miller]

I seem to have settled in on hardware, heads, and cymbals but sticks are always an on-going experiment with me. Not sure what's up with that... Guess I'm still searching for that magic pair that feel like a natural extension of my arm. Currently the subjects of my experiment are all Pro-Mark:

http://www.promark-stix.com/images/products/autograph_models/big/AUTOTX420N.jpg http://www.promark-stix.com/images/products/autograph_models/big/AUTOPW747W.jpg http://www.promark-stix.com/images/products/autograph_models/big/AUTOTX5ABW.jpg http://www.promark-stix.com/images/products/japanese_oak_drumstick/wood_tip/big/JOW5A.jpg

P.S. They are all lovingly wrapped with Ahead stick tape so that I don't end up putting someone's eye out during a show!

[cdawg_2010]

I like Pro Mark the best and my favorites are all nylon tipped and they are 747 Rock and 7a's. Im cheap and i wrap them in electrical tape.

[Ronnie]

I like the Jack DJ's also along with the Gadd's, I have the same problem with the slipping, I found that litly sanding them with 180 grit helps alot. That solved that problem for me. Careful not to sand to much or you'll end up with blistter's. Just litely rough them up, I dont even get past the paint, just gives a better grip.

[Drummer Karl]

I`ve found other great sticks I`m going to buy: the Vic Firth Jack DeJohnette sticks!!!

[deadbirdsoup]

I really like the red adrian young signiture sticks, they are just the right weight for me, around 5B me thinks....i also like vic firth of course, 5A and higher.

[Bonhamfan]

Just wondering what brand and size stick everyone is using.
Lately I have been using Vic Firth SD1 general. I know they are more of an orchestral stick but I love the way they feel plus there made out of maple.


Me and you use the same stick. I love them, and I will never change my choice, they are my stick choice.

[sgt.pepper1986]

I like Vic Firth 8d and 7a. I'm going to try Vater's sticks, though. I've heard Vater is really good.

[Simbe]

My "signature" sticks from VIc Firth, the MS2 model.

Oh, and Vic Firth American Classic 2B for everything that requries a lighter touch.

[val]

i've tried a lot of sticks but my favorite are the Pro-marck 5b Nylon : very confortable and balanced, durable and the Tip give a really nice sound

[cdawg_2010]

My favorite stick is the Pro Mark 747 nylon tipped rock sticks

[Drumkill]

I have been using Promark 737 wood tip now for about 17 years. I tried to find a comparable stick (as I have to buy them in bricks because the drum store that I go to won't bring them otherwise) but after 4 months, nothing. :-( $150 CAN later, I now have brick of 737s!!! Enough sticks for a couple of years!

[jbomber]

I love my Pro Mark 5As. Nylon tips. Great sound. Great balance. Great durability. Great price...

J

[Nick5]

I like the Vic Firth Steve Smith and the Vater Stewart Copeland.

[DrumProgressive]

Just regular Vic Firth 5A's or weckl's. Though weckl's are so slipery on sweaty hands.

Any1 else has that problem ?

[sgt.pepper1986]

I'm loving Zildjian super 5a wood tips right now.

[Madzu]

Zildijan "Dennis Chambers" Signature Stick... Amazing...

[Krutch]

mine has to be Travis Barker's zildjian signature sticks, or a normal 5A vic firth

[drumrdude15]

i use Promark 2BN they r semibig so i like them

[drumfury]

I like it simple
-Zildjian 7a nylon tiped
and a from the artist series Travis Barker sticks

[sonofagun21]

The ones I make myself. I can make 10 pair for what one pair costs!

[jollymosher]

i like the good old vicfirth 5a.. some times i like the 5an because they tips wont breakdown and become flat after a week or so like the 5a wood. ha, what ever works i guess.

[ElvinBaRkerDennis13]

anything i can get my hands on to play my drums!!!!
but for real...i play vic firth extreme 5 b's, vic firth buddy rich's, vater fastbacks (once they come out with a wood tip i will play these more)

[photon]

Vater 5B "Los Angeles" although I'm considering going to something heavier for the practice pad. But the last time I did that I had to start using them on the kit too because I just wasn't getting the same rebound.

With that in mind can anyone recommend what the next logical heavier stick up would be....I would like to stick with the Vaters...would it be 5A?

On a related note has anyone tried the new Vater "nude" drumstick with no finish. That looks really interesting to me...that would really eliminate slippage.

[Bonzo91]

I use the Vic Firth 5B their heavier than most sticks

[Bonzo91]

anything i can get my hands on to play my drums!!!!
but for real...i play vic firth extreme 5 b's, vic firth buddy rich's, vater fastbacks (once they come out with a wood tip i will play these more)

How do you like the Buddy Rich signatures?

[jangus]

Today I got some Vic Firth Peter Erskine signature sticks and I really like them. They feel great. It may be a permanent switch. Though Guitarcenter said they only had four pairs left and probably wont get any more (are they out of production?) so I bought their last 4.

[buccaneer]

ian paice's pro-marks: bit longer and thicker than most 5a's but not as thick as a 5b, ball tip and perfect taper

[DoubleBassUrFace]

I definatley use promark 5bs

:)

[screaming muffin]

vic firth dave weckl signature sticks (the old maroon coloured ones)

there are also dave weckls which are orange coloured, the newer ones, but they keep selling out so I haven't tried them yet

[countaferfer]

Steve Gadd Signatureby Vic Firth.
I'm going to try out soem Weckls soon though.
Right now I'm using Vic Firth 7a b/c nobady has any Steve's in stock!~
Are they out of production, because there are like 3 drum shops and at least 6 music stores within 20 miles and I've been to all of them and they don't have any?

[BellsOfRhymney]

Jeff Hamilton signatures ...for a few years now.

[incubotic]

Vater Super Jazz
Vater New Orleans Jazz
Dave Weck sigs (maroon colored ones)
Promark 729s
Gadd Sigs.

[deadbirdsoup]

i am currently using 5as but i change all the time really. i actually prefer heavier sticks, i tried out thomas langs sig vic firths and loved them! they wer very heavy and think but did not effect my playing at all, they give an amazing powerful sound!

[casper_french]

i bought a pair of vic firth dave weckl evolution sticks last year when they were going cheap at a drum festival, and have been playing them ever since. they're beautifully weighted (i like light sticks), and feel great. only problem is they're quite varnishy, so can get slippy if you've been playing for ages. but i love 'em.

[ZDrums24]

kit: rock/funk- VF X5A
metal- VF X5B
jazz/pit- VF 5A
marching: snare- either the VF Scott Johnsons (fast as hell) or Tom Aungst (sound really big)
tenors- Scott Johnson Vegas or the MT-1A
bundles: promark hot rods
havent picked my brushes yet...

VF's Bozzio model kicks ass in sound, they sound bigger than X5Bs but are smaller than 5As, but they feel weird as hell, so i use them for practice pad work only

[ZDrums24]

ah yes, you heavy stick guys should check out the vf danny carey model, its such a comfortable stick

[Mike Firth]

Vic Firth 5B
Vater XD-5B

[countaferfer]

I just picked up some VF 7As and am loving them,
I'm waiting to see how long it will take me to break them though.
I'm not a soft hitter at all.

[dLesage]

promark japanese oak 5a, wood tips. if those aren't available to me, vic firth 5a's aren't bad.

[Jivi]

I recently got the Steve Gadd signature sticks, I think they are quite smooth.

[fusssion]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned these......but....

Vic Firth's American Sound 5As. 5A w/ a round tip!! Great combo!!!

Peter Erskine Sig's for lighter stuff

Regal Tip Jeff Hamilton brushes

[Stu_Strib]

Just regular Vic Firth 5A's or weckl's. Though weckl's are so slipery on sweaty hands.

Any1 else has that problem ?

Yes, and with the Gadd sticks as well...

[ZildjianMan]

Pro-mark 747 rock natuaral
Ahead Lars Ulrich sticks

[Paiste 2002]

I think I read every reply in this thread, and I can't believe nobody else uses the Vater Pro Rock. IMO the best stick ever, and I have tried almost all the others over the years. Thin, fairly light, long, and very strong. It just feels right in your hands. I truly believe that Vater is making the best drumsticks out there right now, and there is pretty much a model for everyone.
Great site, I will come back and post some more when I get some time. Cheers.

[ege_the_drummer]

Vic Firth 5b classics

they stand up to anything i play and it takes me almost more than a month and a half to break them

[RePPiN_sC829]

I use generally any 7A (as long as its round tip). I started with Vater 7A manhattan, then i went to Zildjian 7A, and now i'm at Vic Firth American Sound 7A. I pretty much just switch around between all of them. However, this is just for my practices with jazz and symphonic stuff at school.

For Drumline, i use Vic Firth Ralph Hardiman (which i notice pretty much everyone else i know uses).

At home when i practice, i use 2B Vic Firths and Vater Rock. (I just use my drumline sticks on my practice pad)

But at performances, i ALWAYS use Zildjian D.I.P. 7A wood tip

P.S. who here uses regal tip as their main sticks? i think they're alright, but im just wondering is any other people use them.

[MAX ZNAEVSKY]

These are my favs: Pro-Mark Rock-Knocker (i use it almost 1,5 years)

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/2484/0068wi.jpg

and Ahead TLee Concert

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I've been doing a lot of searching for the 'right' pair of sticks recently and I was really impressed by some Vater Manhattan 7As. Unfortunately I caused a chunk to be taken out of the middle due to excessive rimshotting (I was getting the technique down, ok?) but they were excellent sticks. If I find more Vater dealers I will consider making a conversion permenantly.

Right now I'm using ProMark 5As. Nothing special with the size, but excellent sticks. Some slightly slippage problems in matched grip but that's most likely down to me rather than the sticks. I'm really impressed with Pro Mark as I've gradually become more and more annoyed with Vic Firth's sticks not lasting the distance.

I found my first pair of Vic Firth 5As lying around the other day (my first ever pair of sticks) and they just felt a lot denser and better made than the other Vic Firth sticks I had in my bag. I couldn't play with them though, they were cracked severely; I keep them for sentimental reasons.

[ege_the_drummer]

I used to use VicFirth 5As but i broke them too easily so i had to switch. They were good sticks though.

[jollymosher]

im like my man jason... im a vater player. 5a nilon tip. god do i love these things. and sooo much cheaper when u buy by the dozen.

[nealwd13]

fav sticks: Vic Firth Danny Carey Signature (SDC) their heavy but so durable and comfortable to play with.............

nd,

[Bexi]

My fave sticks are Vic Firth sig series John Dolmayan- 1 of my favourite drummers :D

[Drummer Karl]

So, I`ve found new favorite sticks...Vic Firth HD 4!!!!!
Can anyone tell me how good they are in quality etc. and are they great for jazz?

Karl

[Rhythmic Disciple]

Generally, I use Vater Chad Simth 'Funk Blaster' model. I prefer to feel some weight in my fingers and I use slightly longer stick too because I have a fairly short reach. The smaller/lighter sticks don't do it for me..saying that every stick has an application.

[Muckster]

All Vic Firth:

American Classic 5A
Dave Weckl Evolution
Steve Smith

[ATCQ]

I've found the greatest sticks for me.

Pro Mark Marco Minnemann signatures. They found 2 pairs at Guitar Center like in the stick rack thing. I always asked if they had them and they didn't, but I got back there and went through everything. Since they were the last two pairs, I got them for 5.00 each.
Good Deal.

[tentpole]

My fave sticks are Vic Firth sig series John Dolmayan- 1 of my favourite drummers :D
So you like System of a Down? I do too.

[~tamadrummer~]

My fave sticks are Vic Firth sig series John Dolmayan- 1 of my favourite drummers :D
i use those too....very good sticks

[mattcarew]

I like the Ahead Lars Ulrich and Joey Jordison sticks.

[e0n]

Best sticks ever:

Pro mark Mike portnoy signature! The size and shape is absolutely perfect!

And don't forget the Vic-firth 5AN. Nice and solid sticks, but a bit too thick for my taste..

[drumjunkie9332]

Pro Mark 5A American Hickory Stinger Series

[DrumsUp]

Los Cabos 5B in Hickory or Maple. Made in Canada and less expensive than the rest, but excellent quality. Check them out at www.loscabosdrumsticks.com

[muzzdrums]

Vater power 5B and Concert, both with wood tips.

[foursticks]

Pro-mark Jazz Sticks in Japanese Oak - Brilliant, light and unbelieveably durable...

[mind_drummer]

I think I have found two that do me best !

#1 is Vater Fusion
#2 is Vic Firth American sound 5a

Both has some common point...

Next one isn't a pair of stick but a pair of sticks ! Vic Firth original rute... thoses rules !

[DrummerMom]

Zildjian Anti-Vibe 7A nylon tip and wood tip.

[hauk]

(sorry if this has been answered i didnt have time to dig through 6 pages)
i've heard occasionally that vic firths in general aren't very durable. is this true?

[drumguy44]

My favorite by far, is the Johnny Rabb 7A stick. Those sticks are so durable. Most of the pairs I've had have lasted me a year and that was when I was practicing 2-3 hours a day in college. That's right, a year with 2 hours a day of playing on them. It's a shame Johnny's company went out of business. I bought a box of the 7A's when I could still get them. If anybody knows of anyone that still has some, please let me know!!!

[JIM_fear]

Vic Firth 5A wood and nylon
Vic Firth Steve Smith signatures
Vater Splashsticks
Regal Tip classic brushes

[SAINTDRUMS]

Pro Mark 2B Nylon tip japanese oak. It just feels right.....

Saint

[Gretschdrummer]

Vic Virth sd4 combo.. great sticks and they can take a beating..

[my charts]

I am always amazed at Vater's designs. It seems like every time I think of what's missing from other sticks on the market, I run into a pair of Vater's that are just what I needed. They've got the right sticks for every situation.

[jali]

pro mark millenium II 7A hickory nylon tip.. that are drumsticks.. ;-)

[Sabian]

I used to break my sticks in a week. With my favorite millenium II pro-mark's now it takes about a month to break em'.

[hauk]

These are my favs: Pro-Mark Rock-Knocker (i use it almost 1,5 years)

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/2484/0068wi.jpg


never seen those before

[bonham990]

My new favourite sticks that ive come by are the Zildjian Trilok Gurtu signature sticks. I love the feel and espiacially the grip!!

[chump]

steve gadd sigs
sd4 combo - when i just wanna do something extra fast
vic firth american classic 5a are always stellar
some dave wheckl - forgot which one

[Big_Philly]

I use Vic Firth X5A. My techer recommended them a while ago and I was (and still am) very happy with them. Nice size and weight, good length.
I have grip-tape (which is actually meant to be put around tennis rackets) aroud the back of one pair, which is pretty cool. It feels very solid somehow, and you never lose any sticks.

[NightOwl76]

I've beat the unholy hell out of my drumsticks over the years until I saw an Ahead ad in Modern Drummer featuring Lars Ulrich of Metallica. I bought his signature Ahead sticks and I've never had to replace a single stick on account of hard playing. I don't even need gloves or tape with them, and my hands sweat profusely when playing hard for long periods of time. I'm very happy with 'em. Save the trees!!!

[figure_02]

I've beat the unholy hell out of my drumsticks over the years until I saw an Ahead ad in Modern Drummer featuring Lars Ulrich of Metallica. I bought his signature Ahead sticks and I've never had to replace a single stick on account of hard playing. I don't even need gloves or tape with them, and my hands sweat profusely when playing hard for long periods of time. I'm very happy with 'em. Save the trees!!!

But just wait, soon you'll have to replace some cymbals ;)

[On The Real]

Vic Firth 5B extreme.

Vic Firth 3A

Vic Firth Rock Rake

[PreppieNerd]

Pro Mark 707 Oak Nylons
Thin, solid weight, solid stick.

[jonnodrummer]

ive got vater los angeles 5A which are quite nice as they are a nice thickness

[chadrules]

ive only ever played vater, vic firth and zildjian sticks, and ive found them all to have their flaws and their bonuses. my favourite vater sticks are chad smiths funk blasters, vic firth is steve gadd nylon signatures and zildjian is taylor hawkins new signature stick. all sticks have superb durability and fantastic feel imo.
:)

[Jay.B.]

As much as I still really like the ahead 5A, after recent events I now have a new overall favourite stick...

VATER fusion nylon

[alias89]

I'll have to go with the Ahead sticks, Peter Criss signature

[rendezvous_drummer]

My new absolute favorite sticks are ProMark Japan Oak PW5AW. These sticks are freakin awesome.

[pdpzildjianpromark]

yup i use those sticks too

[foursticks]

The Steve Gadd signature sticks are my fav closely followed by pro-mark japanese oak jazz sticks (the Elvin Jones model, only in oak).

[canupullmenow]

For me, it's Vater XD-5A wood tip - superior feel to many other sticks I have used.

[Panos_from_greece!]

guys i dont think that there's a better model than vic firth jack de johnnette signature stick!!It is just awesome!!

[Red Sky Drummer]

As far as Vic Firth goes, I'm done.

The grain of the stick is always curved and not flat along the entire stick, which gives you the clean cut chunk out of your stick. I'm not even considered a hard hitter, but I got Vic Firth rock sticks, did the roll and pitch check. Took em' home and they broke that day while playing some Tower of Power. Tower of Power broke ROCK sticks.

...so then I got sticks meant for Metal. 2 days later, a songo takes a hung out of one stick.

I went Silverfox for a while, and they last, but they tend to warp, which I didn't think was possible.

Now, I like where I am.

5B Pro Mark Japanese Oak, wood tip. They last, great evensound, and there's a picture of a sumo wrestler on the stick, which is a nice touch.

[daddyyabjee]

I'm digging the Pro-Mark 747B nylon tips. I've had them for about 6 months and the tips haven't chipped yet, not even to a minor degree! Before that I was using Vic Firth 2B nylon tips, and i detected a slight flaking of the tips after about 4 months.

[DreamTheater4life]

my favorites: Vic Firth 5a Nylons and also Pro-Mark Signature Mike Portnoy sticks. The may be thin but they last a long time.

Brush-type stick: Regal Tip Flares

[paul c]

vater 5a nylon tips manhatten. thick and strong and long. the way me girl likes her man.


lol man. promark 7A American Hickory wood tipped sticks are my sticks for life. theyre nice and small so i can get greater speed and accuracy with less effort.

[RTDRUMS]

xcel Ryan Torgerson sig model
www.xceldrumsticks.com (http://www.xceldrumsticks.com)

[wnameth]

Vic Firth: Neil Pert Signature 30th anniversary sticks
Zildjian: 7A dipped or John Otto sig hate the black marks it leaves tho)

[cnw60]

my favorite sticks are whatever's in my hands right now... ;-)

Vic Firth - Gadd sigs - all purpose stick w/ nice cymbal response
Vic Firth - SD1 maple - pad work and general practice
Pro-Mark timbale sticks - just to get a different feel and sound
Regal Tip brushes - wood handle, I dunno the #, and I just got a pair of Pro-Mark TB-6 brushes (w/ the heavy wire) and I like them a lot too.

[wnnabdrummer]

vic firth wood tip 2b. i tried promark, they break too easily. vf's hold up quite well.

[osc]

My favorite is: Vic Firth AS5A

[gringo998]

currently, promark japan oak ed shaungessey sticks
such a good stick, but ironicly enough, i dont use em for jazz, i pull out these vic firth ride sticks.

[Josh is a cult]

Vic Firth Jack DeJohnette signatures!
The Friggin RULE!

[drummerchick435]

Vic Firth 5A nylon tip, Vic Firth 5A wood tip (given for free from my drum instructor), and some cheap off brand 7A, and Vater brushes.

[cdawg_2010]

my favorite right now is the pro mark 747 rock nylon tip stick. i also like the 5a from promark and the only difference between the 2 is 1/4 inch

[moojii]

vatar 5b x-treme......nice!!

[Walfin]

The Vater XDs are nice. I'm currently using the xd-5a. Longer than normal 5a's but very light, lighter than the promark 5a I used before.

[PdoubleE]

the 747's are the perfect size stick for me.. But gotta go with wood tip ;-)

[NaturalRaZ]

*RaZ's thought*...

It's absolutely amazing how such a simple thread topic like this can get soooooooooooooo many various opinons, ideas, facts and heartfelt comments.

Thats what makes D.W............D.W.

[DreamTheater4life]

my favorites: Vic Firth 5a Nylons and also Pro-Mark Signature Mike Portnoy sticks. The may be thin but they last a long time.

Brush-type stick: Regal Tip Flares

I have a new favorite stick from Vic Firth: 7a Nylon tip

[catchagato]

Vic Firth 8Ds and SD4s along with the Rute 505s~

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

OLD Vic Firth 5As at the moment. I picked up an old pair a couple of months ago. They were in a shop with a very low stock turnover and these sticks had been in the corner for about 3/4 years. So much superior to the new firewood Vic Firth produces. They're just nice sticks. Wood tips, after daily use I have no tip wear. Although now I just said that I'm sure to get some.

[ledzeppelins666]

I got this 10 pack of Sound Percussion [cheap knock off brand] sticks in 5A, and if they still made them I would use for my entire career. They were the right weight, the right height and the wooden tips only really started to break after half a YEAR of bashing all the cymbals and drums. I got the same brand 5A's this year, and they suck! The tips shattered after an hour of playing JAZZ!. Also they felt like 2B's. And I like thinner sticks. Which really pisses me off. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...............

[hook & lateral]

Vic Firth Steve Gadd Signature drum sticks -- they're very nice, and they reward good stick technique, and Pro-Mark 5A's in Japanese Oak -- very well-balanced drum sticks for practice.

[catmanhairskank]

Vater David Silveria DSK model..17 inches..just under a 5b in diameter..and everytime i pick up a new pair..i see him on the paper thing that keeps sticks in pairs of 2..is there a name for what that is?

[Colin Dobie]

I use two different kinds: For the jazz band I play in, I use the 'carbostick' (carbon fibre sticks) because the give me a really nice sound on the ride and hi-hat, and allow me to move around the kit with ease.
I also use a pair of Stagg SO5B's, which are really chunky sticks that are great for rock drumming (I also play in a tribute band called the re-runs'), and the way I play requires me to feel confident, and i do with these sticks (I play with the kit set up for right handed and right footed players, and i use my left hand on the hi-hat, and it looks very unnatural).

[BWT hooligan]

I`ve tried many, but stopped on ProMark japan oak 5A nylon tip.
Great sticks, some say they`re kinda light though, but i am totally comfortable with em.

[Johnny from the block]

I used to play to play Vic Firths 5A, but the tips broke off pretty fast (the tip of the tip)
then I tried Pro Mark's 5A, wich where lighter and in my opinion better
I also tried Carbosticks 5B and those were really crappy
Now I have 3 peair of firths 5A (all were presents) and they reaaally are just 5B's with a false print on it or something, they are much heavier then my other firth 5a's

all this to say that I'm not really in to Vic Firth anymore, although i haven't tried many different sticks...

I think I'll go with the Pro Mark 5A ;)

[Drifter in the Dark]

Yeah, Catchagato! Glad to know someone else is rocking out with the Vic Firth 8D!

The 8D is my favorite stick of all time. Not too heavy, no too light, always straight (which is more than I can say for other companies). If I need an even lighter stick, I'll go for the Vic Firth SD4 maple. And if a I really need to play LOUD, the legendary Pro-Mark 747 works great.

[grahamo87]

Pro-Mark 2B wood tip, japan oak

[kzdruma]

I love vater 7a (manhatten)

[bodinski]

Was using 747 oak Pearts & like them a lot, but wanted a little more volume without switching to a fatter stick. Then I found the 707 Ed Shaughnessy model (also oak w/ wood tip). They are the same length & diameter, but with a shorter taper (more meat near the tip) & rounded instead of barrel-shaped head. They sound a little fuller & louder on my cymbals (especially the ride) and feel great! 747 users should check these out.

[0cean]

Regular Stick - I like the Vater Xtreme 5B sticks. I also have an Ahead 5A stick... but they aren't as comfortable as the Vaters.

Brush - The Vater Polyflex

I don't really use Splash sticks...

[Rockingfreakapotamus]

When practising - Ahead 5a's

Gig's - Promark oak 7A's acorn tip