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Vikory’s blog
  • Equipe Vikory
What
DIAMETER
for his drum sticks?
A complete guide to
how diameter, length and
stick material influence
your power, comfort and style.
POWER
Test different diameters and find the
pair that suits your style.
Choosing the right pair of mallets for your needs involves understanding the variations between different diameters and materials, and their impact on technique, speed of execution and hand feel. You’ll also need to take into account preferences for classic series and olive types, as well as the availability in stock of pairs or spare parts for perfect maintenance.
Understanding the different parts of a drumstick
A drumstick is made up of three main parts: the olive, the neck (or body) and the neck. The olive, which can be made of wood or nylon, influences the sound produced and the precision of the strokes. The neck, the long part that the drummer holds in his hand, is made of different types of wood such as hickory, maple or oak.
Drum sticks

The olive:
the tip that sculpts the sound of your music

The olive is the striking end of the stick, responsible for contact with the snare drum, cymbals or other elements. Its shape and material have a direct impact on sound reproduction. Round olives concentrate the sound for a clean attack, often used in rock or pop styles.

Drop-shaped olives have a wider striking surface, producing a richer sound, especially on cymbals. They can be cut from classic woods such as American hickory or maple, providing a warm, natural tone. Nylon olives, often glued to the neck, generate brighter, longer-lasting attacks, ideal for electronic drums.

Other materials like Japanese oak or composites like carbon fiber are available, offering respectively very high density (for a precise, powerful sound) or exceptional durability with good perspiration absorption.
The handle:
your comfort zone
Its length and diameter generally range from around 33 to 43 cm, depending on the model and series. I| is often made from hardwood such as hickory, widely used for its balance between strength and lightness, but also from maple or Japanese oak for a different feel.
The neck: balance in action
The neck connects the handle to the olive. Its length and shape influence the balance point of the stick. A longer neck moves this point backwards, facilitating fast playing with softer rebounds, appreciated in styles requiring agility. A shorter neck favors a firmer, more precise attack, often sought after for power. Choosing a pair of drumsticks therefore means selecting a balance between olive type (wood or nylon), neck wood type (hickory, maple, leather or Japanese oak), as well as length and thickness, to perfectly match your playing style and the type of drums you use.
HOW DOES DIAMETER AFFECT YOUR GAME?
The diameter of your drumsticks determines how you interact with your kit. This dimension influences sound volume as well as your speed of execution and endurance during long sessions.
Direct influence on sound power
The larger the diameter, the more volume you generate naturally. A 2B stick with a diameter of 1.6 cm produces a much more imposing sound than a 7A with a diameter of 1.3 cm. This difference is explained by the greater mass hitting the skins and cymbals.
Metal drummers like Lars Ulrich often prefer large diameters to achieve the percussive attack characteristic of the genre. Conversely, jazzmen such as Peter Erskine opt for smaller diameters for subtle nuances.
Speed and agility by diameter
Thin rods facilitate fast, technical passages. With less mass to move, your hands don’t tire as quickly on complex rolls. That’s why many fusion drummers choose 7A for their demanding performance. In every store, we recommend testing different diameters to suit your styles. Our sticks retain their perfect balance whatever diameter you choose, thanks to our precise moisture calibration.
American hickory:
the king of woodwinds
American hickory is the most common wood on the market (approx. 80-85%). Its average density of around 0.83 g/cm³ gives it a perfect balance between strength and comfort. This wood absorbs vibrations well, reducing hand fatigue during long sessions. Hickory mallets also last longer than other woods, making them a classic and reliable choice.
Maple:
lightness and speed
Choosing the material for your drumsticks influences performance, playing comfort and tone. Most drumsticks are made of wood, with each species offering characteristics suited to different styles and needs.
Nylon: modernity and precision
For mouthpieces, nylon olives have become very popular, not least for their brilliant sound on cymbals and high durability. They are particularly suitable for electronic drums, as they preserve the mesh skins and resist wear longer than wooden olives. Wooden olives, on the other hand, provide a warmer, more traditional sound, widely used in classic acoustic setups.
Other materials like Japanese oak or composites like carbon fiber are available, offering respectively very high density (for a precise, powerful sound) or exceptional durability with good perspiration absorption.
THE PERFECT SIZE FOR YOUR BAGUETTE: LENGTH AND WEIGHT
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Other materials like Japanese oak or composites like carbon fiber are available, offering respectively very high density (for a precise, powerful sound) or exceptional durability with good perspiration absorption.
The influence of length on your technique
Chopstick lengths generally vary from 33 to 43 cm, depending on the manufacturer. This dimension influences your speed of execution: shorter sticks enable fast movements with less effort, perfect for the high tempos of punk or metal.
Weight: between control and power
Baguettes weigh between 40 and 70 grams, depending on your needs:
Lightweight sticks (40-45g): ideal for jazz and subtle nuances
Mediumweight sticks (50-55g): versatile for rock and pop
Heavyweight sticks (60-70g): maximum power for metal and hard
rock
Drum stick diameter influences sound quality, playing comfort and endurance. A larger-diameter stick generates a more powerful sound and is ideal for styles requiring a strong attack, such as rock or metal. On the other hand, a thinner diameter promotes speed, agility and a more subtle touch, ideal for jazz or fusion. This choice also has an impact on muscle fatigue during long sessions, an important point for comfort-conscious drummers. Beginners and advanced players alike should try out different sizes to find the pair of drumsticks best suited to their technique, musical style and personal needs, taking into account length and material such as American hickory or maple.
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