The perfect drumstick for me is the Promark shira kashi oak 747 with nylon tip. I’ve been playing them for as long as I can remember, because they are the perfect size and weight for my body and my technique. They last me for a long time, and they illicit the perfect tone from my drums and cymbals. I’ve tried most of Promark’s other models and woods and tips. I’ve tried other brands as well. I like a few makes and models for different things, but the oak and nylon 747 is my go-to for life.
I use all makes and models, from Vic Firth to Los Cabos to Regal Tip, but i must say, the Shira Kashi oak wood tip by Promark is a most exceptional drumstick...they seem to know what you're thinking🙄
The Neil Peart 747s and the Promark la specials are the best sticks in my opinion! The best grip for me and they take forever to break..I've tried many brands over the years and Promark feels amazingly comfortable in my hands! Rock on bro!
Honestly, I think this video deserves millions of views. I first saw it a couple of years ago and it has helped me heaps, especially on the subject of the diameter being simply what's right for your hands - that was a lightbulb moment for me. After a lot of testing I realised that around 0.585" (slightly over 55A) was the perfect diameter for me and now that's pretty much the only diameter I use. I then vary taper and tip depending on the gig. I like the feel of Vic Firth sticks, so I use these: - Peter Erskine Big Band Sticks for jazz / low volume gigs. - Matt Garstka Signature for moderate to loud volume gigs (the best "all round" sticks for me). - Charlie Watts Signature for heavy gigs. All these sticks are 0.585" diameter and 16" length, and they all feel fantastic. Thank you Ryan Halsey for helping me choose!
@@thejamman555 Yeah it's brilliant! Perfect balance between power and rebound for me. I've tried the Marco Minnemann sticks and I think they're quite similar in a lot of ways. No probs, keep up the great work!
The Promark 5a La nylon tip special sticks are very interesting. I've never had a tip fly off or a stick break prematurely.. I switched to these because they are half the price of regular sticks and I never had an issue with them. Just because the grain is a little choppy they still feel and play like 5a Promarks. I still like the 747s and Rebound sticks but why pay a ton for sticks that are still not 100% in weight and balance? Yeah the La specials might be off an ounce or 2 but I mix and match when I buy a bundle pack and it all works out ok. Most of the regular sticks I've purchased aren't perfect in weight either so with sticks shooting up in price I'm definitely happy with the Promark B sticks
I love acorn tips for cymbals but I pit drumheads with them so they are really designed for a soft touch,perfect jazz tip,oval is my preference,nice thick drum sounds,I like to practice with 2 sets of sticks,one paiir very big and thick on a folded towel on a practise pad to promote arm and mostly wrist strength then I use a thin pair of drumsticks ,take the towel off and practise finger strokes and buzz rolls,I find using the two different sticks on different surfaces increases my control and speed,I usually practise 30-160 on the towell then use the thin sticks and practise pad for faster tempos 170-250 at the extreme. I prefer a hickory stick,just feels more precise and not like you are holding a bit of furniture.
As of right now, after playing the Promark Forward 5B Firegrain sticks for about 2 or 3 months and then trying their Rebound sticks I found that a lot of shock transmission travels thru my hands and wrists with the Forward Balance, having to close my fingers more when going around the toms and using more wrists than fingers and when going on the ride I have to choke up more on the middle of the stick to get the speed and rebound I want. So after all that I decided to try the Rebound Balance again after only trying them out once or twice. Now I can say that with how I tune my toms and how I move around the kit & just overall how I play drums the Rebound 5B Firegrain are best for my playing.
Currently playing a pair of Forward Balance 5B Firegrain drumsticks and I love the look and feel of those sticks in my hand, I've played Hickery and those feel good in the hand but I feel they chip away a lot faster. So next I'm gonna try the Forwars Balance 5B Shira Kashi Oak drumsticks and if I like those more than the Firegrain then I'll use those from now on.
I've been using vicfirth 5A's for years even used some of their signatures, I love their sticks personally but I always had blisters on my hands and fingers after playing. Recently I've gotten a pair of Marco Minnemann like the one on your video and haven't had issues with my blisters and my hand doesn't hurt even though I play hard. As of now I have 4 pairs of Marco signatures and 2 pairs of regular 5A's. Unfortunately 7A's is not available on my country or I guess it's hard to find
They are durable for sure but I do think the cost of that is there is a stronger vibration coming back from the stick into your hands compared to a hickory stick in my opinion. Any major manufacturer is likely to have a 2B that will be durable!
Ryan Halsey thank YOU. I’ve been playing for a long time and still use all different types. But now have bad carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis so I’m searching for the best for me now. Like oak especially being the style I play. But it is a little hard on the hands. Looked into the Ahead aluminum sticks but hear the tips fly off and can puncture your heads and I don’t need that. Your video is great because it covers so much ground in such detail.
danny lofaro that’s why I made this video, I’m no expert however! Sorry to hear about your issues. Personally I would avoid oak/carbon fibre ahead sticks etc with those issues personally, I would go for hickory or maple. Good luck!
I wish i had known these sti ks were available 5 years ago when you made this video. I love these sticks! People say theyre expensive, but theyre not more expensive than any other popular stick. I really widh they made nylon tip options though. By the way, now that its been many years later since you posted this video............whats your favorite stick?
thank you. i need volume and durability. drumsticks are really expensive here in my country and i need durability. Sometimes they break at first live performance and it hurts me very bad.
I have to disagree that jazz sticks should be lighter. Orchestra sticks are hardwood that can crack your cymbals but because of grip, finesse and practice can reach any volume. I think comfort, sound quality and advantages to technique are what matters most. Vic Firth sticks are like balsa wood compared to the Birdseye maple they used to be.....so scratch those. I’m switching to ProMark.
Ryan, can you do a review on the TECHRA DRUMSTICKS. This is the company that Vic Firth tried to mimic. But missed by a mile. Check them out. Perfect feel, perfect balance, super light, last 6 times longer and 100% recyclable. TECHRA is an Italian aerospace Corp that invented this same carbon material for NASA. techradrumsticks.com.
The perfect drumstick for me is the Promark shira kashi oak 747 with nylon tip. I’ve been playing them for as long as I can remember, because they are the perfect size and weight for my body and my technique. They last me for a long time, and they illicit the perfect tone from my drums and cymbals. I’ve tried most of Promark’s other models and woods and tips. I’ve tried other brands as well. I like a few makes and models for different things, but the oak and nylon 747 is my go-to for life.
Roger Singh I use nylon for the opposite effect. Wood tips are great for warmth. I played hard rock and heavy metal for most of my drumming career, and really loved the way nylon cut through the mix, especially on the hats and the ride bell.
The perfect drumstick for me is the Promark shira kashi oak 747 with nylon tip. I’ve been playing them for as long as I can remember, because they are the perfect size and weight for my body and my technique. They last me for a long time, and they illicit the perfect tone from my drums and cymbals. I’ve tried most of Promark’s other models and woods and tips. I’ve tried other brands as well. I like a few makes and models for different things, but the oak and nylon 747 is my go-to for life.
I use all makes and models, from Vic Firth to Los Cabos to Regal Tip, but i must say, the Shira Kashi oak wood tip by Promark is a most exceptional drumstick...they seem to know what you're thinking🙄
The Neil Peart 747s and the Promark la specials are the best sticks in my opinion! The best grip for me and they take forever to break..I've tried many brands over the years and Promark feels amazingly comfortable in my hands! Rock on bro!
woah. tips are a lot more different than i expected. Definitely like how smaller tips sounded than the bigger ones I think
Tips do change the tone and feel of the stick quite a bit!
Honestly, I think this video deserves millions of views. I first saw it a couple of years ago and it has helped me heaps, especially on the subject of the diameter being simply what's right for your hands - that was a lightbulb moment for me. After a lot of testing I realised that around 0.585" (slightly over 55A) was the perfect diameter for me and now that's pretty much the only diameter I use. I then vary taper and tip depending on the gig. I like the feel of Vic Firth sticks, so I use these:
- Peter Erskine Big Band Sticks for jazz / low volume gigs.
- Matt Garstka Signature for moderate to loud volume gigs (the best "all round" sticks for me).
- Charlie Watts Signature for heavy gigs.
All these sticks are 0.585" diameter and 16" length, and they all feel fantastic. Thank you Ryan Halsey for helping me choose!
Thank you for the kind and lovely words, glad you found some models that work for you. The Garstka model looks great I must give them a try.
@@thejamman555 Yeah it's brilliant! Perfect balance between power and rebound for me. I've tried the Marco Minnemann sticks and I think they're quite similar in a lot of ways. No probs, keep up the great work!
Should have way more views
Thanks for the sentiment, appreciate that!
I do agree. Maybe not the most flashy talk, but very very exact and deep. Realy informative. and very pro video editing without being over the top
Best Stick-Vid on YT: wonderful !!
Thank you so much Lisa!
The Promark 5a La nylon tip special sticks are very interesting. I've never had a tip fly off or a stick break prematurely.. I switched to these because they are half the price of regular sticks and I never had an issue with them. Just because the grain is a little choppy they still feel and play like 5a Promarks. I still like the 747s and Rebound sticks but why pay a ton for sticks that are still not 100% in weight and balance? Yeah the La specials might be off an ounce or 2 but I mix and match when I buy a bundle pack and it all works out ok. Most of the regular sticks I've purchased aren't perfect in weight either so with sticks shooting up in price I'm definitely happy with the Promark B sticks
Thumbs up from myself Ryan. You're running a fantastic channel here buddy 👊
That's very kind of you to say. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video!
I love acorn tips for cymbals but I pit drumheads with them so they are really designed for a soft touch,perfect jazz tip,oval is my preference,nice thick drum sounds,I like to practice with 2 sets of sticks,one paiir very big and thick on a folded towel on a practise pad to promote arm and mostly wrist strength then I use a thin pair of drumsticks ,take the towel off and practise finger strokes and buzz rolls,I find using the two different sticks on different surfaces increases my control and speed,I usually practise 30-160 on the towell then use the thin sticks and practise pad for faster tempos 170-250 at the extreme.
I prefer a hickory stick,just feels more precise and not like you are holding a bit of furniture.
That's ace that you know what you want your sticks to do. I remember my first pair of marching sticks, couldn't believe the weight!
Really good explanation, thanks!
You're welcome, thanks for the kind words!
Vic Firth drumsticks are by far the best But I also love Promark I also love Zildjian and regal Tip and Vater
As of right now, after playing the Promark Forward 5B Firegrain sticks for about 2 or 3 months and then trying their Rebound sticks I found that a lot of shock transmission travels thru my hands and wrists with the Forward Balance, having to close my fingers more when going around the toms and using more wrists than fingers and when going on the ride I have to choke up more on the middle of the stick to get the speed and rebound I want. So after all that I decided to try the Rebound Balance again after only trying them out once or twice. Now I can say that with how I tune my toms and how I move around the kit & just overall how I play drums the Rebound 5B Firegrain are best for my playing.
That's interesting I found the firegrains gave me that shock feeling you described! Glad you have found a stick you like!
Currently playing a pair of Forward Balance 5B Firegrain drumsticks and I love the look and feel of those sticks in my hand, I've played Hickery and those feel good in the hand but I feel they chip away a lot faster. So next I'm gonna try the Forwars Balance 5B Shira Kashi Oak drumsticks and if I like those more than the Firegrain then I'll use those from now on.
The Shira Kashi sticks are durable for sure!
Great explanation bro!!! Congrats
Thank you Daniel, really appreciate that!
Excellent! Thank you very much for posting it!
My pleasure! Thank you for watching.
I have recently changed sticks. I am currently using a Vater Sugar Maple Phat Ride; 16" x 0.580", very short taper and tiny round tip. Great stick...
Thank you Ryan for comprehensive presentation. Answered on most of my queries about the drumsticks selection!
Evgueny Tchekashkine glad it helped Evgeny!
Excellent video but you neglected to address nylon versus wood tips!
iRide uWatch iRide uWatch my bad there’s a little demo at 7:56 that has a nylon tipped stick at least. Thanks for the kind words!
Bribery is the best form of flattery.
Great video!!!
Thank you Fred!
I've been using vicfirth 5A's for years even used some of their signatures, I love their sticks personally but I always had blisters on my hands and fingers after playing. Recently I've gotten a pair of Marco Minnemann like the one on your video and haven't had issues with my blisters and my hand doesn't hurt even though I play hard. As of now I have 4 pairs of Marco signatures and 2 pairs of regular 5A's. Unfortunately 7A's is not available on my country or I guess it's hard to find
I come back to the marco minnemans a lot, great feeling stick for a bigger size!
Are shirikashi oak 2b good quality drumsticks? I'm wanting to find a 2b drumsticks that's heavy but has a durable WOODEN tip. Any suggestions?
They are durable for sure but I do think the cost of that is there is a stronger vibration coming back from the stick into your hands compared to a hickory stick in my opinion. Any major manufacturer is likely to have a 2B that will be durable!
Great video!!
danny lofaro thanks Danny!
Ryan Halsey thank YOU. I’ve been playing for a long time and still use all different types. But now have bad carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis so I’m searching for the best for me now. Like oak especially being the style I play. But it is a little hard on the hands. Looked into the Ahead aluminum sticks but hear the tips fly off and can puncture your heads and I don’t need that.
Your video is great because it covers so much ground in such detail.
danny lofaro that’s why I made this video, I’m no expert however! Sorry to hear about your issues. Personally I would avoid oak/carbon fibre ahead sticks etc with those issues personally, I would go for hickory or maple. Good luck!
Ryan Halsey yeah I’m going back to hickory. Just picked up some Vaters being they didn’t have my prom arks I usually use.
I wish i had known these sti ks were available 5 years ago when you made this video. I love these sticks! People say theyre expensive, but theyre not more expensive than any other popular stick. I really widh they made nylon tip options though. By the way, now that its been many years later since you posted this video............whats your favorite stick?
Good question! I go between the Todd Sucherman signature maple stick or the Carter Mclean signature these days!
thank you. i need volume and durability. drumsticks are really expensive here in my country and i need durability. Sometimes they break at first live performance and it hurts me very bad.
I have to disagree that jazz sticks should be lighter. Orchestra sticks are hardwood that can crack your cymbals but because of grip, finesse and practice can reach any volume. I think comfort, sound quality and advantages to technique are what matters most. Vic Firth sticks are like balsa wood compared to the Birdseye maple they used to be.....so scratch those. I’m switching to ProMark.
What wood is used for the Active Grip Series???
Nick Powell I believe it’s hickory, certainly feels like a similar weight to hickory.
Wow hopefully i got one jiji 😁
🤗👍🏼
i like ronald bruner jr. zildjian signature model
Fantastic video!!! So well done!! But play it back at 1.25 speed. You’ll thank me later :)
Ryan, can you do a review on the TECHRA DRUMSTICKS. This is the company that Vic Firth tried to mimic. But missed by a mile. Check them out. Perfect feel, perfect balance, super light, last 6 times longer and 100% recyclable. TECHRA is an Italian aerospace Corp that invented this same carbon material for NASA. techradrumsticks.com.
Nick Powell that’s a name i’ve not heard before in the uk. I will keep a look out!
Ryan Halsey TECHRA is an Italian based company.
Helen Powell I’ve used techra sticks, they durable and lasted quiet a while but don’t sound quiet as well as wood sticks they sounded kinda thin
The perfect drumstick for me is the Promark shira kashi oak 747 with nylon tip. I’ve been playing them for as long as I can remember, because they are the perfect size and weight for my body and my technique. They last me for a long time, and they illicit the perfect tone from my drums and cymbals. I’ve tried most of Promark’s other models and woods and tips. I’ve tried other brands as well. I like a few makes and models for different things, but the oak and nylon 747 is my go-to for life.
I love and use the same model. i use the wood tip though, i like the warmth on the cymbals.
Roger Singh I use nylon for the opposite effect. Wood tips are great for warmth. I played hard rock and heavy metal for most of my drumming career, and really loved the way nylon cut through the mix, especially on the hats and the ride bell.
@@michaelhicks5150 That is very true 😉