choosing sticks....

[tamadrummer1242]

Ok so I have a couple questions on choosing drum sticks.

The first is what is the most durable brand of sticks out there? I tend to go through sticks pretty quickly so is there a brand or type of wood that is more durable than others?

Second is what is the difference in sound between nylon tipped and wood tipped sticks?

I play mostly Alt. Rock/Grunge/Punk

[UnderFire]

I have had very good experience with Vater, they seem to be over-all beefier, the nylons will produce a cleaner sound on the cymbal, but over time the tips will fall off, so I use wood.

I would recommend either Vater Hickory 5B's or Vater Nylon Tipped Power 5A's

[Mr. Tama]

My best suggesting is getting some Pro-Mark Oak sticks. They are by far the most durable stick I've ever played and they are also very light. GREAT sticks.

[Homeularis]

Pro Mark, Vic Firth, Vater, all in Hickory, all good choices.
Oak is heavy and brittle IMHO. I cant use them because I hit hard and I destroy them in relatively short order.
Hickory also break sometimes but they seem to last longer too me. They kinda whiddle their way down before breaking alot of the time.

You will get a bright, clear and loud Ping from Nylon tips. Wood tips have a more warm and kinda soft sound.
Given the type of music you play, I would definately go with nylon. JMO.

[gonefishin]

[QUOTE=Homeularis;325103]

You will get a bright, clear and loud Ping from Nylon tips. Wood tips have a more warm and kinda soft sound.
QUOTE]



That pretty much covers it right there.

Depends on what sound you like best, go to your local music store and let your ears decide which sound you prefer.

[tamadrummer1242]

Thanks for the all the responses! I think im going to try out a pair of Pro-mark oak 5bs and see where that takes me

[BigTallG]

Pro Mark, Vic Firth, Vater, all in Hickory, all good choices.
Oak is heavy and brittle IMHO. I cant use them because I hit hard and I destroy them in relatively short order.
Hickory also break sometimes but they seem to last longer too me. They kinda whiddle their way down before breaking alot of the time.

Agreed. Oak is a harder wood than hickory, but it does tend to simply snap right in half, whereas hickory will splinter and "chip away" before actually breaking. Usually.

Concerning tips, I'm a huge guy, and depending on what type of music I'm playing, I can be a TREMENDOUSLY heavy hitter. In my experience, wood tips have lasted me far longer than nylon tips. I tend to snap nylon tips right off the end of the stick. Also, if you're playing heavy rock or metal music, the subtle differences between a nylon and a wood tip won't even be noticeable. If you're more of a finesse player, the nylon will be a cleaner sound. If you're an animal, I'd go with wood tips.

[Pearl MCX Man]

I have used just about every stick available out there Zildjians,Viter,Vic Firth, Pro Mark etc. The best that I have found up to date are the Los Cabos ( Canadian made) hickory or maple 5A's with both nylon or wood. I use the nylon more cause I just love the feel on the cymbals etc. Wood tips are ok except they leave stick marks evrywhere. So Los Cabos are my choice.