DO NOT use those rods or blasticks- they will make your drums lose all punch. And muffling the drums too much will make them lose their natural resonance. I would start using a light sticks like 7As. If you hit too hard with them, they will break- simple as that. I found that they substantially reduced my volume, especially when I choke up on em. As far as the bass drum, try swiching to heal down if you currently play heal up. Also, DW makes a beater that is designed for light playing.