How do i pick the right drum sticks ?

This is one of the most common question one asks when beginning to start playing the drums. Drumsticks come in varying sizes (with model numbers), suited for various types of music and made of different materials. Here is a summary of the selection guide from Vic Firth 

How can I pick the right stick for my playing style?
At one time, sticks were generally "classified" into 3 categories: "A" for Orchestra/Jazz/Acoustic settings, "B" for Band and "S" for Street (Marching). However, those general descriptions no longer apply across the board. Percussionists today have a wide selection of implements to create exactly the sound and feel that they desire for any given situation.

What makes a great drumstick?

A great drumstick is the perfect combination of balance, response and "feel". Each of these critical factors is a function of a stick's design - including the shape of the tip, the location of the shoulder, the taper, the thickness of the neck, the length and the species of the wood.

Let's go through each of the factors that determine which stick might be best for your situation.

---

How thick should my drum stick be ?

The thickness of a drumstick's shaft affects the overall weight, projection and strength. A thicker, heavier stick creates greater sound and offers increased durability A thinner stick is lighter, faster and plays with greater ease. Generally, you need to match the thickness of your stick selection with the style of music that you play, and the volume in which you intend to play it. Great sticks for light jazz and combo playing are the 7A, 8D and 5A. For jazz, latin and fusion playing, the most popular stick choice is the 5A , although you might want to experiment with something a bit thicker if you find that the stick doesn't produce the volume that you need (or if you tend to break sticks easily) If that applies to you, some good sticks to try might be the 55A, F1, 1A or 3A , but have other characteristics that affect balance and speed

If you play rock, pop, or anything outside the 'acoustic' setting, the 5B is a popular choice. Hard rock or metal drummers might want to step up to an even larger stick, which might include the 2B, ROCK or METAL drumsticks

---

What sort of materials should my drum stick be made of ?

The wood type is the key to a stick's response and durability. 

	MAPLE has a fine grain pattern, producing a light, fast playing stick with the greatest amount of flex. Vic Firth'sAmerican Custom® and American Heritage® models are examples of sticks turned in maple. These lines are perfect for the artist who is playing lighter types of music, or prefers a beefier stick without a lot of weight.
	HICKORY has a fibrous grain pattern and is denser and more rigid than maple. For these reasons, a hickory stick produces less flex and a more pronounced sound. Hickory is also capable of withstanding a great deal of shock, making it more durable. Vic Firth's American Classic® and American Classic® Nylon lines are examples of sticks turned in hickory.

Of course, there are a variety of other materials that drumsticks can be made of, but these two types of wood are considered best for all around playing. Non-wood products (such as composite fiber or metal), which may offer extra durability, can deliver undue shock to a player's wrists and arms, sometimes resulting in sore muscles or even tendonitis.

RUTE, made from premium birch dowels, allow you to play even more alternative sounds and feels across a variety of musical settings.

The Steve Smith Tala Wands feature a foam center surrounded with bamboo dowels wrapped in thin PVC. This combination of materials provides great balance and rebound, while naturally producing a lower volume. Available with both birch and bamboo dowels.

 There are plenty of other sticks like Brushes, Mallets & Swizels that are used for more advanced play and alternative musical sounds. You can read more about them here