I have seen bundles of sticks on eBay which are very cheap. Unfortunately they can be cheap for a reason. To test the water I bought a few pairs from the same manufacturer - 1 Jazz maple, and 1 Jazz oak.
When I received them I discovered why they were so cheap. One set had a chip out of the playing end of one stick (Ball? - don't know if that's the right terminology), one pair was different coloured wood - same wood but one much darker than the other. I use them but ONLY on foam silencer pads. When the pads come off I use (full price) Vic Firth sticks. I don't want to trash my heads.
I haven't seen any bundles of sticks from quality manufacturers at low cost but I live in England. I think you will have much more choice and availability in the US.
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