Best Drum Sticks of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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Drum sticks are an essential tool for any drummer, whether they are a beginner or a professional. These sticks are designed to provide a balanced and comfortable grip, allowing the drummer to play with precision and power. Drum sticks come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials to suit different playing styles and genres of music. They are an important piece of equipment that can greatly affect the sound and feel of a drum kit. Whether you are looking for wooden, nylon or carbon fiber drum sticks, there are many options available to choose from.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AIEX 5A Classic Maple Wood Drumsticks Cover #TOP 1
AIEX 5A Classic Maple Wood Drumsticks
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drumsticks Cover #TOP 2
Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drumsticks
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ProMark Classic Forward 5A Drumsticks Set Cover #TOP 3
ProMark Classic Forward 5A Drumsticks Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Drum Sticks

#TOP 1

AIEX 5A Classic Maple Wood Drumsticks

tin100
5A Drumstick
AIEX 5A Classic Maple Wood Drumsticks Cover
5A Drumsticks, AIEX 3 Pair Drum Sticks Classic Maple Wood Drumsticks Wood Tip Drumstick for Students and Adults (with Waterproof Bag)

The AIEX Maple Drumsticks are crafted from high-quality maple wood, ensuring flexibility and durability for your drumming needs. Their polished surface provides a comfortable grip, preventing slips and protecting your hands during play. These 5A drumsticks are versatile enough for all drum styles, making them suitable for both students and adults alike. Additionally, the included waterproof bag helps protect your drumsticks from water damage, ensuring they remain in excellent condition even in rainy weather.

What We Like
Durable maple wood construction
Comfortable, non-slip grip
Versatile for all drum styles
Includes protective waterproof bag
#TOP 2

Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drumsticks

VIC 5A BAG
Clear
Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drumsticks Cover
Vic FIrth - American Classic® Drumsticks 5A - American Hickory - Wood Tip

The Vic Firth 5A Drumsticks are crafted from American Hickory, ensuring durability and a comfortable feel in your hands. Each pair is meticulously matched using computer analysis, providing you with an ideal balance of weight and pitch for a consistent performance. Their lacquer surface enhances grip, allowing you to play for extended periods without discomfort. With a medium taper and tear drop wood tip, these sticks are versatile enough to suit any musical style, making them a reliable choice for drummers of all levels.

What We Like
Durable American Hickory material
Optimised weight and pitch balance
Comfortable lacquer surface
Versatile for all music styles
Reliable tear drop wood tip
#TOP 3

ProMark Classic Forward 5A Drumsticks Set

TX5AW
Lacquer, Wood Tip
One Pair
ProMark Classic Forward 5A Drumsticks Set Cover
ProMark Drum Sticks - Classic Forward 5A Drumsticks - Drum Sticks Set - Acorn Wood Tip for Larger Sweet Spot - Hickory Drum Sticks - Consistent Weight and Pitch - 1 Pair

The ProMark 5A Drumsticks are crafted from hickory, the most popular wood for drumsticks, offering resilience and durability for long-lasting use. The oval wood tip produces a dark, warm tone, making it suitable for various musical styles. Measuring 16 inches in length and with a diameter of .551 inches, these sticks provide a comfortable grip and effective reach. Each pair is made in the USA, ensuring high-quality production standards that you can rely on.

What We Like
Durable hickory construction
Warm tone from oval tip
Comfortable 16-inch length
Consistent weight and pitch
High-quality USA manufacturing
#TOP 4

Vic Firth NOVA 5A Wood Tip Drumsticks

NO5AW
Clear
Wood Tip
Vic Firth NOVA 5A Wood Tip Drumsticks Cover
Vic FIrth - NOVA Drumsticks - 5A - Wood Tip

The Vic Firth NOVA Drumsticks are crafted from B grade Hickory, making them a budget-friendly option without compromising quality. As the most popular style in the Vic Firth range, the 5A sticks suit every type of music, ensuring versatility for your drumming needs. They feature a lacquer surface which enhances grip and comfort during play. With a medium taper and a tear drop wood tip, these drumsticks provide excellent control and sound projection, allowing you to perform with confidence.

What We Like
Budget-friendly option
Versatile for all music styles
Enhanced grip and comfort
Excellent control
Great sound projection
#TOP 5

Vic Firth American Classic Extreme Drumsticks X5A

Black
Vic Firth American Classic Extreme Drumsticks X5A Cover
Vic FIrth - American Classic® Extreme Drumsticks X5A - American Hickory - Wood Tip

The Vic Firth X5A Drumsticks are designed for drummers who seek enhanced power and reach. Made from American hickory, these sticks offer durability and a comfortable grip. The tear drop wood tip produces rich cymbal sounds, elevating your overall performance. With dimensions of 16 1/2 inches in length and a diameter of .565 inches, these drumsticks are perfect for the 5A player looking to amplify their playing experience.

What We Like
Enhanced power and reach
Durable American hickory material
Rich cymbal sound quality
Comfortable grip
Perfect for 5A players
#TOP 6

Tiger 7A Maple Drumsticks for Jazz and Pop

TDA83-7A
natural
7A Wood Tip
Tiger 7A Maple Drumsticks for Jazz and Pop Cover
Tiger 7A Maple Drumsticks with Wooden Tips

The Tiger 7A Drumsticks are crafted from maple, making them lighter and easier to control while you play or practise. This feature is particularly beneficial for those exploring genres like jazz, pop, or fusion, as it allows for greater finesse in your performance. With a diameter of 0.56 inches and a length of 15.5 inches, these sticks offer the perfect balance for comfortable handling. The acorn wood tip produces a warm, mellow sound on cymbals, enhancing your overall sound quality. These drumsticks are an excellent choice for learners, schools, or music hubs due to their affordability.

What We Like
Lighter weight for better control
Ideal for various music genres
Warm sound from wood tip
Affordable for beginners
#TOP 7

ProMark Classic 5A FireGrain Drumsticks

TX5AW-FG
ProMark Classic 5A FireGrain Drumsticks Cover
ProMark Drum Sticks - Classic 5A Drumsticks - FireGrain For Playing Harder, Longer - No Excess Vibration - Lacquer Finish, Oval Wood Tip, Hickory Wood - 1 Pair

The ProMark 5A Drumsticks are crafted from FireGrain Hickory, a material that undergoes a unique heat-tempering process. This innovation gives you drumsticks with exceptional durability, allowing you to play harder and for longer periods without wear. The oval wood tip produces a rich, warm tone, making it ideal for a variety of musical styles. With a length of 16 inches and a diameter of .551 inches, these sticks are designed to provide a comfortable grip, ensuring you can maintain control during performances. Made in the USA, they meet the highest quality standards.

What We Like
Exceptional durability
Rich, warm tone
Comfortable grip
Made in the USA
#TOP 8

Zildjian 5A Nylon Blue Drumsticks with Improved Balance

ZIL 5ANB
Black
Zildjian 5A Nylon Blue Drumsticks with Improved Balance Cover
Zildjian 5A Nylon Blue Drumsticks Z5ANB

The Zildjian 5A Nylon Drumsticks are designed to enhance your drumming experience. The new 5A profile offers improved balance, allowing you to play with greater precision and control. Their black finish not only looks stylish but also adds to their durability, making them a reliable choice for regular use. The oval tip shape provides a fuller sound, perfect for achieving a rich tone. Additionally, the nylon tip ensures longevity, so you can focus on your performance without worrying about wear and tear.

What We Like
Improved balance for better control
Durable black finish
Fuller sound with oval tip
Nylon tip for longevity
#TOP 9

Chord 2B Maple Drum Sticks with Nylon Tips

M2BN
Chord 2B Maple Drum Sticks with Nylon Tips Cover
Chord | Maple Drums Sticks Supplied in Pairs | 2B - Nylon

The Chord 2B Drum Sticks are crafted from maple, providing a lighter alternative to traditional oak and hickory. This makes them easier to handle, allowing you to play for longer periods without fatigue. Designed for resilience and responsiveness, these sticks adapt well to your playing style. The classic acorn wooden tip enhances resonance on impact, delivering a fuller sound. Additionally, each stick is weight and pitch matched for consistent performance, ensuring you have two sticks of the same mass for balanced playing.

What We Like
Lighter than oak and hickory
Responsive design for better playability
Enhanced resonance with wooden tip
Weight and pitch matched
Ideal for professional use
#TOP 10

Aopoy 5A Maple Wood Drumsticks for All

drum sticks 2 paar
Maple
Aopoy 5A Maple Wood Drumsticks for All Cover
Aopoy 2 Pairs Drum sticks 5A, Classic Maple Wood Drumsticks, Wood Tip Drumstick, for Adults Kids and Beginners

The Aopoy Maple Drumsticks are crafted from premium quality maple wood, ensuring resilience and durability for a classic feel. With a standard size of 5A, these sticks are comfortable for both adults and children, making them ideal for beginners. Their sturdy design means you can play for extended periods without worrying about cracks or fractures. Additionally, their lightweight nature helps reduce wrist fatigue, allowing you to enjoy longer sessions, whether you're jamming with a rock band or performing in an orchestral setting.

What We Like
High-quality maple wood
Sturdy and durable design
Lightweight for less fatigue
Versatile for various settings
Great for beginners and pros
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the sticks called for drums?

A drumstick is a type of percussion mallet used particularly for playing snare drum, drum kit, and some other percussion instruments, and particularly for playing unpitched percussion.

2. What are the different types of drum sticks?

When it comes to drum stick tips, there are five different types: oval, teardrop, round/ball, acorn, and barrel. Each one produces a different sound, and each has a different feel, especially when it comes to playing cymbals.

3. Which drumsticks are best for beginners?

5A drum sticks are the most commonly recommended “starting point” for a decent sized, medium-weighted, average-thickness type of drum stick. It's a safe bet if you are just starting out on drums.

Editor's Notes

During our drum stick research, we found 253 drum stick products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 168,359 customer reviews through our big data system to write the drum sticks list. We found that most customers choose drum sticks with an average price of £15.12.

The drum sticks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of drum sticks, including AIEX, Vic Firth, ProMark, Tiger, Zildjian. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 800 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.