Top 10 Best Drumstick Makes

1. Vic Firth

   Vic Firth hand-whittled the first sticks himself from bulkier sticks and sent these prototypes to a woodturner in Montreal. The two prototypes he sent would become the SD1 and SD2, the first two models of sticks ever manufactured by Vic Firth, Inc. As Firth himself states: "It came out of necessity, not of imagination or my ability to start a company."

   Today, the Vic Firth, Inc. product line has grown from the SD1 and SD2 to approximately 300 products in its catalog, and the company manufactures 12 million sticks a year.

   The finish feels amazing, the balance is perfect, and they have an enormous variety of sticks like I have never seen in my life. I've already compared it with every single brand you might think of and it never loses.

   It's just light and durable. After playing for a very long time, you don't feel as much fatigue as you would with others, and on a hot day, it doesn't get sticky because of the awesome finish. I love it.

2. Promark

   I will only purchase ProMark drumsticks. Back in the '70s, I found Ludwig to be the longest-lasting and best-feeling sticks until they became almost impossible to find. So, I went on the hunt. After trying everything else and going through sticks and money like crazy, I bought my first set of ProMarks. I couldn't break them!

   I'm a fairly heavy hitter, playing hard rock and heavy metal. Nowadays, it's ProMark only for the absolute best durability and feel. The 5A Hickory was my go-to stick until I tried the 5A Oak. Now, they are my favorite. I also like the 747 Oak for extra heavy stuff.

   It really depends on the Pro-Mark sticks you get. I am a very big fan of the Joey Jordison and Chris Adler Signature Series. The Joey Jordison and Chris Adler sticks are made from hickory. I find this the best type of wood for drumming as they are strong, solid, and are quality sticks that are really durable.

3. Vater

   Vater is one of, if not the oldest, drumstick makers in the US, but they have not been a common brand in Australia until recently (the last 10 or so years). Their quality and consistency are second to none, and the Sugar Maple series are the best maple sticks on the market.

   Their brushes and mallets are also first class. Highly recommended.

   No competition. Vater sticks are always dead-on straight, with grain oriented optimally. They are very consistent in terms of density and grain size - simply the best in quality. The distant second is Vic Firth, but their quality has been poor for a while (heard they merged with Zildjian).

4. Zildjian

   Zildjian is overall my favorite brand for drumsticks! They offer a large variety of sizes and tips. They truly have something for everyone. They have good weight distribution and a good gripping system. If you haven't tried a pair of Zildjian sticks, try them, and I promise you will love them!

   Even though I am a Sabian user, and it's almost sacrilegious to have both, I love Zildjian sticks. I love the different kinds of sticks they have, like the anti-vibes. They allow you to have those bigger sticks without losing speed, and as the name suggests, they don't vibrate at all.

5. Tama

   Lightweight and very comfortable.

6. Ahead

   Ahead drumsticks are a product of Easton and distributed by Big Bang Distribution. They are quite unique and different from most drumsticks in the world. They have an aluminum core and replaceable plastic sleeves and tips. This allows them to outlast normal wooden drumsticks by a long shot.

   Some would even say that they never wear out because you can constantly replace the plastic sleeves or tips with new ones instead of having to buy a whole new set of drumsticks every time.

   These should clearly be number one, just for the simple fact that they never break. They are light as hell, more balanced than any other drumstick, and reduce shock by about 20%. Plus, they're better for your cymbals.

7. Regal Tip

   Love, love, love Regal Tip way more than any other brand. Vic's are great, as are Vaters, but Regal Tip just has that certain feel and quality to them. Plus, they also make sticks like the 9A, 8A, and 7B - models that are not too feared by any other company. The 7B is an especially great stick!

   In terms of history and innovation, Regal Tip is the first and oldest out there. Vote up, people!

   Come on! 12? Seriously? Regal Tip has been around for as long as, if not longer than, Vic Firth and Pro-Mark. Much as I love my Vater 5Bs, the Alex Van Halen signature sticks are my new favorites due to their length and strength (rhyming, lol!). Sure, maybe they aren't used as much nowadays, but they remain the best, and their quality and dedication have never waned.

   Alex Van Halen, Brian Tichy, Tommy Clufetos, Daniel Adair, Jason Sutter, Jeff Porcaro, and (formerly) Stewart Copeland - too many names to count - have all used Regal Tip. They have stood the test of time and should be higher. Plain and simple.

8. Hot Sticks

   The first Hot Sticks were created in 1979 and combined many of the features that would establish Hot Sticks' reputation as leaders in drumstick innovation. Not only were the original Hot Sticks the first to offer a variety of brightly colored models, but they were also the only major drumsticks that incorporated a proprietary dry grinding process to protect the integrity of the wood during production.

9. Pro Orca

   Really like these sticks. They lasted me a very long time. Too bad you just can't buy them anywhere.

10. Wincent

    I wish they sold their sticks in America. I really want the Tomas Haake model stick. I used the Vic Firth SHAA model (Tomas Haake), and they are the best sticks for me as a player. I don't know what it is, but these and only these seem to work better for me. Their classic metal sticks are pretty good.

    Motörhead? Saxon? Arch Enemy, anyone? A lot of great drummers actually use these sticks. It's amazing that more well-known drummers don't.

    While I frankly prefer Vater, Mikkey Dee of Motörhead has a signature model with Wincent, which is killer!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Cooperman

12. ?

    RM Drumsticks

    RM drumsticks are made in Germany and developed in Austria (Europe) from original hickory. They are specially designed for beginners.

The Contenders

13. Collision Drumsticks

    When it comes to drumsticks, I have a very particular preference. I was recommended Collision Drumsticks by a friend. I checked them out via social media and was impressed by their content and artist roster. Their work with the artists and community influence interested me, so I wanted to try the sticks out for myself.

    I ordered a pair, and the customer service was great. The sticks promptly arrived, and I put them through an intense trial during practices and shows. They held up incredibly well, and I was extremely impressed. Collision is now my go-to stick brand.

    I picked up a set of Collision sticks over the summer and immediately fell in love. The sheer quality of the sticks is outstanding. I play everything from jazz to metal, and these sticks have held their own and lasted longer than any others I've used before. They are well-made, durable, and have a great weight to them. Collision knows what they're doing!

14. Innovative Percussion

    Although, in my opinion, Vic Firth makes the best drum set sticks, Innovative Percussion is by far the best company for sticks and mallets used to play any other type of drum. Innovative Percussion dominates its competitors when it comes to marching snare sticks, marching bass mallets, tenor mallets, concert snare sticks, specialty drumsticks, mallets of all sorts, etc.

    Best quad sticks I've ever used. Great feel, great balance, and great match. Snare sticks are fantastic as well, though some can be a bit weighty when double-taped. It's a matter of personal preference and how much you want to chop out.

15. Ayotte

16. Nova

    Nova sticks are technically a line under Vic Firth, but they almost feel like a different make altogether. Before I used Vater as my main brand, I still had my pair of Novas, which I occasionally use and really enjoy. Even though they are made by Vic Firth, they are unlike any of their other sticks and feel like a whole separate deal.

    Amazing! They are made for hard hitters!

17. Carbostick

    Carbostick is a brand of drumsticks made of carbon fiber, giving them a lot of resistance and a long life. Their cost is higher than wooden sticks, but the investment is worth it given the durability.

18. Los Cabos

    Absolutely outstanding red hickory line, the most durable sticks I have ever played. Their white hickory and maple lines are good also, with good balance and a nice fulcrum, but the red hickory sticks are innovation at its finest.

    Great new brand, especially with their red hickory line. They are amazingly durable. Their white hickory and maple lines are great for light jazz and funk, but their red hickory is innovation at its finest.

19. Balbex

    Mark my words, these guys will keep rising to the top. Ariën van Weesenbeek of Epica and MaYaN uses these, and they're great. They may be new and unknown for now, but it's only a matter of time before they're being used to bang heads everywhere!

20. Fernando

    Same pitch. Try using them to see what difference they make compared to others.

21. RB Sticks

    Each stick is carefully calculated, and then the precise weight needed is added to achieve a balance point for maximum performance. This results in a faster, better-feeling stick that eliminates stick shock. This concept can improve all drumsticks. RB Drumsticks immediately improve every drummer's playing.

    The best idea and innovation ever. Increased speed, less effort, and less motion pain.

    It just makes sense. By moving the center balance back to where you hold the stick, it gives a whole new feel to my playing. Best sticks ever. See you at NAMM, Dave!

22. Agner

    Such amazing sticks, made from high-quality Swiss wood and featuring amazing aesthetics!

23. Sound Percussion

24. R-stick

25. B-Stick of Denmark

    Underrated brand of drumsticks that deserves recognition! All models of their drumsticks are handmade, not factory made, and they ensure the quality of each stick by testing them and pairing them for the best sound. All is done by hand, by professionals.

    The sticks are coated with beeswax to ensure the best grip and sturdiness. They're durable, have a great design, and you really get your money's worth. I recommend them!

    Another of the not very well-known companies, but they have a huge following.

    The great Ian Haugland of Europe has his own signature model, which is great.

26. Headhunters

    These sticks are the best sticks I've ever used. The maple grooves have a nice balance to them.

27. Ludwig

    When I got my first Ludwig drum set, they came with a small beginner's pair of sticks. They are too small for me now, but when I was first starting out, they were my favorite pair because they were slightly smaller than standard sizes and so the most comfortable for me at the time. Ludwig, apart from still making great drums, still makes great sticks as well.

    I like all of these! Vater and Vic Firth are easiest to get. Ludwig is the hardest to get for me!