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It can be frustrating to break through several pairs of sticks while playing the drums. It happens to all of us, and buying new sticks frequently is part of the drummer’s experience. However, there are certain types of drumsticks that you can buy that are not likely to break any time soon.
These options seem like indestructible drumsticks as they last an incredibly long time – even after months of hard playing. If that sounds appealing to you, read on! We’re going to look at some of the most durable drumsticks that you can buy.
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What are the Most Durable Drumsticks?
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Durable Drumsticks Reviews
Promark FireGrain Rebound 5A
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Promark FireGrain Rebound 5A Review
The Promark FireGrain Rebound sticks are classic hickory drumsticks, but with a crucial difference.
These have been heat-tempered to make them much more durable than the average stick. They’re a good choice for anyone wanting the size, weight, and feel of a normal stick with a bit of added durability.
They’re called the Rebound sticks because they have a 3” taper that enhances the rebound of the sticks when they hit the surfaces of your drums. This makes them great for fast and intricate playing.
They work well for any style of music since they’re classic hickory sticks. You’ll see both jazz and metal drummers using these. The authentic feel and the long-lasting composition make them a favorite choice of many.
Another interesting aspect of them is their appearance. The earthy burnt look is a breath of fresh air compared to most drum sticks that look mostly similar. You may not like it if you’re a traditionalist, but it will add an extra unique aesthetic to your drum setup.
Pros
- You get the look and feel of normal sticks with added durability
- Plenty of rebound
- Great for all styles of music
Cons
- They will eventually chip over time
- Not very forgiving on your hands after long sessions of playing
Ahead Classic Series Rock 5B
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Ahead Classic Series Rock 5B Review
The Ahead drum stick company may not be as popular as the larger brands such as Vic Firth or Promark, but they make some great sticks that are loved by many metal drummers. These Classic Series Rock 5Bs are one of their most popular pairs of sticks.
These sticks are made from aluminum instead of wood, making them fairly unique in the stick world. They’re some of the most durable drum sticks that you’ll find thanks to their aluminum bodies.
They’re quite heavy at the front end, making them great for hard-hitting drummers. They give volume without much effort needed. You’d typically see rock and metal drummers using these because of this.
The stick is also a bit easier on your wrists compared to wooden sticks, especially when you’re playing hard. The heavy front end gives more bounce, making your strokes feel a bit more natural at higher volumes.
Pros
- Very durable
- Great for loud drumming
- Easy on the wrists
Cons
- More expensive than standard wood sticks
Promark Classic Attack Drumsticks Shira Kashi Oak 5A
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Promark Classic Attack Drumsticks Shira Kashi Oak 5A Review
The Shira Kashi Oak sticks from Promark are the most conventional sticks on this list. The big difference compared to normal 5As is that they’re made from oak, which is a denser wood, making them more durable in the long run.
The sticks are heavier as they’re made from oak wood instead of hickory. The oak will take a bit of time to get used to if you’re accustomed to playing with hickory sticks. However, it starts to feel quite natural in your hands after a while.
The nylon tips have great cymbal definition, and will last longer than wooden tips. Not everyone is a fan of that sound, but it will make a cymbal cut through a mix a lot easier than it would with wooden tips.
Overall, these are an excellent pair of drumsticks if you’re looking for something durable, yet affordable.
Pros
- Affordable
- Feels quite natural in your hands
- More durable than hickory drum sticks
Cons
- Not everyone will like the nylon tips
Kuppmen Carbon Fiber 5A
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Kuppmen Carbon Fiber 5A Review
These are the most expensive drum sticks on this list. However, you’re not going to find any sticks that are more durable than the Kuppmen Carbon Fiber 5As. They’re not likely to ever break as hard playing and cymbal chopping won’t damage them at all.
Most carbon fiber sticks feel pretty uncomfortable to play with. These are different, however, as they feel smooth and comfortable in your hands. You can play long rehearsals and gigs with them without feeling any strain.
These sticks are top-heavy, allowing you to get serious power behind your strokes without requiring too much effort. This means they’re great for heavier styles of music.
They also bring out a darker sound from your cymbals than wooden sticks do. Some drummers may love this while others would prefer the brighter tone.
These are a good option to go with as they’re practically unbreakable drum sticks.
Pros
- Most durable sticks on the list
- Great for heavy drumming
- More comfortable than other carbon fiber sticks on the market
Cons
- Expensive
Ahead Maxx Series 5A
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Ahead Maxx Series 5A Review
The Ahead Maxx Series 5A sticks are a bit more versatile than the heavy 5Bs from earlier in the list. They’re also made from aluminum. However, they’re lighter, and despite this, they’re just as durable.
The most unique thing about these sticks is the added length. They’re 16.5” long, giving you a bit of extra reach around your drum kit. Most drumsticks are 16”, so the added length may take some time getting used to.
These sticks have nylon tips, making them sound similar to other sticks with nylon tips even though the body is made from aluminum. So, they’re great for getting a sound you’re used to with some added durability.
Pros
- Extra length gives you more reach around the kit
- Nylon tips give a familiar sound and feel
- Easier on your wrists than wooden sticks when playing hard
Cons
- Not everyone will like the extra length
Durable Drum Sticks Buying Guide
Weight and Size
Weight and size are the biggest factors to consider when choosing drumsticks. All of the sticks mentioned above are heavier than standard wood sticks. However, some are heavier than others.
If you’re not a fan of heavy sticks, you should stick to wood. If you’re happy with heavier options, then you can consider carbon fiber like the Kuppmen Carbon Fiber 5A or aluminum sticks like the Ahead Maxx Series 5A. The heavier sticks will always last longer, so keep that in mind.
Brand
Many drummers love being loyal to particular brands. However, you should think further than that when choosing durable drumsticks. Brands such as Ahead and Promark generally have more durable options than Vater and Vic Firth.
That means that you’re not going to get the most durable stick if you’re a Vic Firth loyalist. Unless you’re an endorsed artist, it’s a good idea to branch out and try everything.
Standard Hickory Sticks vs Durable Sticks
Most drumsticks available are made of hickory. It’s a fairly solid wood that works very well when used to make drumsticks. In terms of durability, standard hickory sticks won’t last as long as the more durable sticks that have been mentioned above.
There are a few things to factor in when thinking about how long standard hickory sticks will last. These are things like size, weight, and the drummer that is playing them. However, a standard pair of sticks will typically last up to 6 months. They don’t last longer than that with frequent playing. Heavy gigging drummers will have sticks that last much shorter.
Durable drumsticks like the Promark FireGrain Rebound 5A, Ahead Classic Series Rock 5B, and the Promark Classic Attack Drumsticks Shira Kashi Oak 5A have the potential to last a year or two. This is especially true with the ones that aren’t made of wood.
Final Thoughts
You’re always going to need wooden sticks for certain situations, so you shouldn’t replace your wood sticks completely with any of these durable sticks. Instead, it’s better to get a few pairs of highly durable sticks and swap them out whenever you need to.
A drummer will always benefit from having multiple options in their stick bag. All the sticks from the above list are fantastic options to consider. Even though they’re a bit more expensive, they’ll end up saving you money in the long run as they won’t need to be replaced.
Choose one of these pairs and be amazed at how long they will last!
