When I last played, I owned a Ludwig Octo-Plus kit (double bass, 8 mounted concert toms) and played with Pro-Mark 747 sticks with nylon tips. When getting back into it, I bought a new set of 747s, but then decided to look around a little bit and try out some others.
I started off by checking out the technical specs of the 747s and seeing what was close. Since most sticks are hickory, I decided not to try varying that part of the equation.
Pro-Mark lists their 747s as:
- Length: 16.25"
- Diameter: .551"
Then came the deluge of details...
Most drummers know that there are a few common sizes and uses:
- 7A - a thin, light stick. Generally used for jazz in small combo settings
- 5A - a medium stick. This is probably the most common size.
- 5B and 2B - thicker, heavier sticks. These are most typically used in heavy rock situations, to get a heavier sound, as well as to prevent breakage.
All manufacturers offer a WIDE variety of size options. Below, I compare some of the common ones across their lines. Note: With the advent of stick endorsement deals, every vendor also has their "signature" sticks which are made to the specifications of the endorser. The complexity continues ad nauseam...
Pro-Mark lists key sizes (Size/Diameter in Inches/Length in Inches):
- 7A - .512" - 15.375"
- 727 - .531" - 16"
- 5A - .551" - 16"
- 747 - .551" - 16.25"
- 5B - .590" - 16"
- 2B - .630" - 16"
Vic Firth lists their sizes a bit differently:
- 7A - .540" - 15.5"
- 5A - .565" - 16"
- 5B - .595 - 16"
- 2B - .630" - 16.25"
- Rock - .630" - 16.625"
Vater lists their sizes differently as well:
- 7A - .540" - 15.5"
- Pro Rock - .555" - 16.25"
- Los Angeles 5A - .570" - 16"
- Fusion - .580" - 16"
- 5B - .605" - 16"
- Rock - .630" - 16.625"
- 2B - .635" - 16.25"
Regal is different, too:
- 7A - .510" - 15"
- Rock - .555" - 16.25"
- 5A - .580" - 16"
- 5B - .600" - 16"
- 2B - .655 - 16"
Zildjian weighs in as well:
- 7A - .525 - 15.5"
- Jazz - .540" - 16"
- 5A - .560" - 16"
- 5B - .600" - 16"
- 2B - .625" - 16"
- Rock - .625" - 16.625"
I stumbled across a deal to buy some Vater-manufactured "Sam Ash Specials" (5 pair for $10), so I decided I'd give it a try. They are 5As and I think I'm a convert. The other notable change for me is that I'd historically only played nylon tip sticks and these "Specials" are wood tip. Well, I'm a convert on that front as well. I used to like the bright "ping" on the ride cymbal and hi-hat, especially when playing surf rock. Now that I'm playing more classic rock/southern rock, I don't need the brightness -- and in fact, don't want it.
So for now, I'm a cheap-stick fan, especially of the wood-tip 5As. But I prefer a smaller 5A...for what it's worth.
