Magical Drum Stick ...

[nio]

I've got this no-name brand drum stick that just will not break (under normal use). I typically play with 5As and end up breaking an average of 1 stick every 2-3 rehearsals. I've tried a number of brands including Sound Percussion, Vic Firths, Zildjians, etc...the breakage rate between these sticks are about the same...the VFs are a bit longer. I wish I can figure out who makes this magical stick. I think I got it (as a throw in) when I purchased some used gear a while ago...like more than a year ago. Check it out...



Look at it carefully. The section near the tip is a bit fatter then the others...but, it is much lighter than the others. So, its perfect for high-speed playing. If you have any ideas, please let me know...

[Martinez12]

I had some no name sticks that came with my set they didnt last... lol

[almostmatt1]

speaking of, i broke a pair of 5A's in 17 days under LIGHT playing. it was just after christmas, so we spent a lot of time at family's houses. away from the drums altogethr.

[Nechre]

I've broken a brand new pair of sticks in 1 song. Rimshots...

[itchie]

if you dont mind hanging around pitch testing and rolling sticks at your local ..then noname brands are the go..

[Timactionfigures]

Is it just me or does that stick look a bit crooked? If you roll it on a flat surface does it wobble? Yes...that's the thing about cheap sticks...they were likely rejects from a "name brand" due to their assymmetry.

As for breaking sticks so frequently...I don't get it. I've had the same pair of sticks for over a year and they're not even chewed up much. Maybe you're hitting the edges of your cymbals instead of flat on their surface? And for that cheap stick being lighter...maybe it deflects off the cymbal easier instead of digging in under the weight?

[gonefishin]

I say check your technique, you shouldnt be breaking sticks after 2 or 3 rehearsals. Sound like youre just a heavy hitter and no need to beat the snot out of your equipment.

Just my thoughts, but if youre snapping that many sticks then by all means get the cheaper ones until you figure out whats going on.

[Northern Redneck]

Just lucky, the grain might be just perfect but who knows. Its quite the banana though.

As for breaking sticks, I go through a set of sticks per show. Even if they arent broke, I dont like the feel of them after a full show.

[DLDante]

I've yet to break a pair of sticks. The most I've done is have a piece of the tip break off on ProMark Joey Jordison sigs (happened fairly quickly on two separate pairs, which is why I no longer buy them). I don't know how you guys are snapping sticks so frequently. Mine look like they got into a fight with a woodpecker, but they've yet to snap after nearly a year.

However, if I were doing shows, like NR mentioned, I would change sticks every show as well. Wouldn't trust my old pair not to fail on me during the gig even if I have never broken one in the past.

[nio]

Is it just me or does that stick look a bit crooked? If you roll it on a flat surface does it wobble? Yes...that's the thing about cheap sticks...they were likely rejects from a "name brand" due to their assymmetry.

As for breaking sticks so frequently...I don't get it. I've had the same pair of sticks for over a year and they're not even chewed up much. Maybe you're hitting the edges of your cymbals instead of flat on their surface? And for that cheap stick being lighter...maybe it deflects off the cymbal easier instead of digging in under the weight?

Good observation, Tim. Yes, it is a bit crooked. I hit a lot of rim shots on the snare with my left hand. For some songs, I just need that extra POP. I'm right handed, but I break most of my sticks with the left hand. However, I do break them as well with my right hand...not as often...I think its mostly when I play on my ride's bell which breaks on the shoulder of the stick where I hit the bell. Also note that I break my sticks playing in my Rock band. I never break any sticks when playing at my church's worship band.

[nio]

Just lucky, the grain might be just perfect but who knows. Its quite the banana though.

As for breaking sticks, I go through a set of sticks per show. Even if they arent broke, I dont like the feel of them after a full show.

Perhaps its just a lucky stick. You can usually tell if the stick has developed a hair line fracture...when you hit something hard like a table, the sound gives it away.

[Northern Redneck]

I can usually tell by the feel of the stick. I'll be playing and suddenly the stick will feel soft and unresponsive to me. As soon as that happens the stick is gone.

[drum'z]

how about vater sticks? in my experience i find theyre more durable

[Pearl MCX Man]

Los Cabos are very durable sticks. I have a pair that I have been using for 2 years everyday for about an hour and they are holding good other than the normal wear and tear.

[CrossPoint]

"Mine look like they got into a fight with a woodpecker, but they've yet to snap after nearly a year", I actually laughed out loud at that!!! I would have to agree, mine get REALLY skinning towards the tip and look like crap, but I have yet to break one.

[slinglander]

I love rim shots and my sticks(Vaters, Pulse and Firths) look like somebody's whittling away at the "top" half-splinters get you if your grip slides half way up the stick!

[kay-gee]

About all I use is no-name any more. I am particularly fond of a brand call UGLY

all the best...

[cole1paul]

+1 to Vater sticks. They always last me at least 3 times longer than other companies', and feel better. Also check to see if you're not comparing maple to hickory; hickory lasts a lot longer.

[TheBluePill]

los cabos are very durable sticks. I have a pair that i have been using for 2 years everyday for about an hour and they are holding good other than the normal wear and tear.

+1

[IAmNotATable]

Pro Mark Shira Kashi Oak...

[Constinator25]

My biggest problem are the little chippies that come from hitting my china and crash. I've also broken 2 sticks on the ride bell.

[Mr. Tama]

Pro Mark Shira Kashi Oak...

Awesome sticks. Love them! I have been using some Sound Percussions to hold me over until I have more money. I'm buying some Pro Mark Shira Kashi Oak 5Bs/2Bs in bulk. I had a stick that was so worn, I just broke it over my knee in one try. Barely had to push down for it to break! Needless to say, I love rimshots and playing loud with my band

[dave0549jv]

I havent broken a stick yet... please dont take my drummer card away.

[Crosswire]

I havent broken a stick yet... please dont take my drummer card away.

I was just thinking the same thing

Heck, I've been getting downright 'rough' lately, trying to figure out exactly how
one goes about denting a head or breaking a stick or cymbal, and I still don't know.
But... I'm just as sure I'll find out exactly how, at exactly the wrong moment, some day

I do see the little dents/nicks appearing in the shoulder of the stick, all over, so I guess that's
what will ultimately cause the stick breakage, if I let them go long enough for that to happen.
Me, once they stop being 'smooth' I'm already thinking about a new pair of sticks

[9digits]

Just lucky, the grain might be just perfect but who knows. Its quite the banana though.

As for breaking sticks, I go through a set of sticks per show. Even if they arent broke, I dont like the feel of them after a full show.

Please send them to me at the Drummers Goodwill c/o 9 digits LOL!

Seriously, I go through sticks a little more then I can afford and if I had a lathe or access to one, I would make my own, or buy longer new ones so that when the tips broke, I would have enough length left to make a new tip.

I've changed the way I hit the hats, and it's better, but sometimes I just don't have the capacity to "think" about something like that when really playing fast. I'm going to try lowering the hats to reduce the 'chopping angle".