Stop Guessing.
Start Comparing.

A 5A from Vic Firth is not the same as a 5A from ProMatch. This comparator shows you the real numbers — weight, balance, tip shape, and wood — so you can find sticks that actually match how you play.

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Brand Name Translation

The number-letter system means something different at every company. Here is how common models line up by actual weight.

Model Vic Firth ProMark Vater Zildjian
7A47g44g43g45g
5A50g44g48g47g
5B54g52g55g52g
2B58g59g60g57g
8D46g—45g—
Rock62g——58g

Weights are approximate and based on hickory models with wood tips. Nylon tips add about 1-2g.

Genre Suitability by Stick Physics

Jazz

Light weight (43-48g), slim diameter (0.540"-0.565"), round or small barrel tip. Fast rebound. Maple helps with speed.

Rock

Medium weight (50-55g), standard diameter (0.565"-0.580"), acorn or barrel tip. Good durability. Hickory is the safe pick.

Metal / Hard Rock

Heavy (56g+), thick diameter (0.580"+), large acorn tip. Oak or heavy hickory. Built for power and long sessions.

Orchestral / Marching

Very heavy (58g+), long taper, large tip for projection. Hickory or oak. Durability matters more than speed.

Wood Type Guide

The wood changes how the stick absorbs shock, how fast it bounces, and how long it lasts. Here is what each type brings to the kit.

Hickory

Most Popular
Density
Medium
Shock Absorption
Excellent
Weight Feel
Balanced
Durability
Good
Wear Pattern
Dents and chips gradually

Hickory is the default for most drummers. It soaks up vibration without feeling dead. It splits along the grain over time but usually gives you a long life if your technique is clean.

Maple

Lightweight
Density
Low
Shock Absorption
Moderate
Weight Feel
Light and fast
Durability
Fair
Wear Pattern
Splinters and cracks

Maple is about 10-15% lighter than hickory at the same dimensions. The stick feels quicker in your hand. Jazz players and fast single-stroke players often prefer it. It does not last as long under heavy hitting.

Oak

Heavy Duty
Density
High
Shock Absorption
Low
Weight Feel
Heavy and solid
Durability
Excellent
Wear Pattern
Holds shape, slow wear

Oak is dense and heavy. It sends more vibration back to your hands, so it takes some getting used to. It almost never breaks. Loud players and marching drummers who go through hickory too fast often switch to oak.

Tip Shape and Sound

Round / Ball

Focused ping on cymbals. Clean and precise. Works well for ride patterns where you want the bell cut through.

Barrel

Fuller cymbal tone with more spread. A good all-around shape that gives warmth on rides and solid attack on toms.

Acorn

Warm and round. The teardrop shape produces a thick ride sound and strong tom attack. A favorite for rock and pop.

Teardrop

Similar to acorn but slightly more pointed. Gives a bit more definition on cymbals while keeping warmth. Good for players who switch between jazz and pop.

Oval

Wide contact patch. Produces a big, spread-out cymbal tone. Common on marching sticks and heavier models.

Nylon

Brighter and louder on cymbals. More durable than wood tips. The sound is sharper and cuts through in loud settings. Some players find the feel too slick on snare.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Sticks

Trusting the model number alone. A 5A is not a 5A is not a 5A. Always check the actual weight and diameter.
Going heavier to play louder. Volume comes from technique. A heavier stick will tire your hands faster and can actually make your timing worse.
Ignoring taper length. A long taper gives more flex and a bouncy feel. A short taper feels stiffer and more direct. Two sticks with the same weight can play very differently because of taper.
Not considering tip shape for your main instrument. If you spend most of your time on ride cymbal, the tip shape matters more than the weight.
Buying the same stick your favorite drummer uses. Their hands, technique, and volume are different from yours. Use their picks as a starting point, not a final answer.

Why This Exists

The Problem

The drum stick numbering system was never meant to be a universal standard. Each company created its own scale decades ago and never synched up. A beginner walks into a shop, sees "5A" on three different boxes, and assumes they are the same stick. They are not.

The Physics Approach

Instead of relying on a number that means different things to different brands, this comparator shows you the actual properties that determine how a stick plays. Weight affects volume and fatigue. Diameter affects grip and control. Balance point affects power and speed. Tip shape affects tone. Wood type affects durability and feel.

What We Left Out

This is not a review site. We do not rate sticks or tell you which one to buy. We show you the measurements and explain what they mean for your playing. The rest is up to your hands and your ears.

Data last updated: January 2026. Weights sourced from manufacturer specifications and verified community measurements. If you spot an error, get in touch.