Choosing the "best" drumstick is a very personal decision. Many drummers have not yet discovered how much better they could play using the correct stick. It's not unusual for professionals to use 2 or 3 different models or more.
Stick Features
Factors to consider when choosing a drumstick include density, straightness of grain, type of wood, weight, length, diameter, wood or nylon tip, plus the intangibles of balance and "feel".
When selecting a stick, look for a good quality hardwood with the grain running uniformly from butt to bead. The kind of wood selected will have a great deal to do with the feel, the balance, the sound and the longevity of the stick.
Some drummers prefer the natural sound of wood tips. Others prefer nylon tips for a bright cymbal sound and longer tip life. Be sure to select a high quality nylon tip for the best sound and service. Determine the size drumstick that best fits your hand.
Drumsticks vary in both in diameter and length. Remember, you're looking for comfort and a stick you can control that also gives you the sound you want. Try several different sizes for comparison before you decide to buy. After you become more experienced, you will probably find a specific brand and a particular model which best suits you for most playing situations. Your teacher or local music store can help guide you.
Natural wood varies in color. Once you learn what feels right for you, the color of the wood won't matter. From time to time you may try new models and different brands. There are now so many choices you should find it easy to obtain the proper sticks to meet your needs. Important! Select a quality brand and a model you can be reasonably certain will be available in the future from your local store or when you're on the road.
Hands-On Testing
Feel the sticks. Hold them in your hands. Tap each on a solid surface like glass or wood to hear the pitch and "feel" the wood. Avoid sticks that feel or sound hollow. Evenness of weight is usually preferred ... both sticks the same. Sticks that sound the same when tapped generally weigh the same.
Test the sticks for straightness. Roll them on a flat, smooth surface. Too many drummers buy sticks by only rolling them ... without ever picking them up and feeling them. Wrong! Feel and roll (or roll and feel), but never buy on rolling alone. A good solid-feeling drumstick, even though not perfectly straight, is much better than a straight stick that feels hollow or weak. Excessively warped sticks should be avoided.
Final Considerations
What are your volume requirements? A jazz trio or 18-piece band? A rock group or a marching band? Perhaps a symphony orchestra? The proper stick for each situation will differ.
