The 5A is the most common drumstick size, a middle weight that sits between thin jazz sticks and heavy rock sticks. Most are hickory, and the real differences are tip shape, exact length and diameter, and how many pairs come in the pack.
The six sticks below cover a single-pair classic, a heat-tempered pair, multi-pair packs and a weight-matched natural set. Dimensions, tips and materials come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these sticks ourselves, and weight or pitch matching claims are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Tip shape | Oval, teardrop and acorn tips change the sound on cymbals |
| Length and diameter | Small differences change balance and grip feel |
| Wood and finish | Lacquered, natural and heat-tempered hickory feel different |
| Pack size | One pair or several, so you can keep spares |
Specs at a Glance
| Sticks | Length and diameter | Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vic Firth American Classic 5A | 16 in; 0.57 in listed | Teardrop | USA hickory; lacquer finish |
| ProMark Classic Forward 5A, 4 pairs | 16 in; 0.551 in | Oval wood | Hickory; made in the USA |
| ProMark Rebound 5A | 16 in; 0.565 in | Acorn | 3 hickory pairs plus 1 FireGrain pair |
| ProMark Classic Forward FireGrain | 16 in; 0.551 in | Oval wood | Heat-tempered hickory; 1 pair |
| Vater 5A | 16 in; 0.570 in | Wood | Maker says heavier toward the tip; 1 pair |
| HUN Bluefire 5A | 15.98 in; 0.563 in | Acorn | Natural finish; weight matched; 3 pairs |
The 6 Best 5A Drumsticks
1. Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drumsticks
A 16 inch 5A with a teardrop tip and a deep back-cut shape, made from USA hickory with a lacquer finish. The listing does not make clear how many pairs come in this version.
Suits: a familiar everyday 5A. Strengths: a well-known profile and a smooth lacquer finish. Weaknesses: the pack count is unclear on the page. Skip it if you want a multi-pair pack.
View Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drumsticks on Amazon
2. ProMark Classic Forward 5A Drumsticks, Wood Tip, 4 Pairs
Four pairs of 16 inch hickory sticks, 0.551 inches across, with an oval wood tip. The maker says its matching process keeps weight and pitch consistent from stick to stick and says they are made in Texas.
Suits: a drummer who wants spares on hand. Strengths: four pairs and a lacquer finish. Weaknesses: the matching claim is the maker’s own. Skip it if you only need one pair.
View ProMark Classic Forward 5A Drumsticks, Wood Tip, 4 Pairs on Amazon
3. ProMark Rebound 5A Hickory Drumsticks, Acorn Tip, 3 Pairs + 1 FireGrain 5A
A four-pair set of 16 inch sticks, 0.565 inches across, with an acorn tip the maker says gives a larger sweet spot. The fourth pair is made from FireGrain heat-tempered hickory.
Suits: a player who wants to compare two wood types. Strengths: an acorn tip and a mixed set. Weaknesses: a thicker diameter than the Classic Forward. Skip it if you want a slimmer stick.
View ProMark Rebound 5A Hickory Drumsticks, Acorn Tip, 3 Pairs + 1 FireGrain 5A on Amazon
4. ProMark Classic Forward FireGrain 5A Drumsticks Wood Tip
One pair of 16 inch FireGrain sticks, 0.551 inches across, with an oval wood tip. The maker describes a heat-tempering process meant to add durability and a controlled rebound.
Suits: a drummer curious about heat-tempered wood. Strengths: an oval tip and a slim diameter. Weaknesses: one pair only. Skip it if you want several pairs in the box.
View ProMark Classic Forward FireGrain 5A Drumsticks Wood Tip on Amazon
5. Vater 5A Hickory Drumsticks Pair, Wood Tip
A single pair listed as model VH5AW, 16 inches long and 0.570 inches across, with a wood tip. The listing calls the stick very well balanced and heavier toward the tip.
Suits: a tip-forward feel. Strengths: clear length and diameter figures. Weaknesses: a short listing with few details. Skip it if you want a spare pair included.
View Vater 5A Hickory Drumsticks Pair, Wood Tip on Amazon
6. HUN Bluefire Natural Color 5A Drumstick, 6 Sticks, Weight Matched
Three pairs of natural-finish American hickory sticks with no coating. The listing gives 15.98 inches by 0.563 inches, an acorn tip and weight matching to within 2 grams, all stated by the seller.
Suits: a natural, uncoated grip. Strengths: three pairs and an acorn tip. Weaknesses: a lesser-known brand and seller-stated figures. Skip it if you want a long-established maker.
View HUN Bluefire Natural Color 5A Drumstick,6 Sticks,Weight Matched on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Keep sticks dry and away from heat.
- Store them flat or in a stick bag.
- Rotate pairs so wear spreads evenly.
- Roll a stick on a flat surface to check for warp.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming every 5A feels the same.
- Ignoring tip shape when you want a certain cymbal sound.
- Buying one pair when you break sticks often.
- Leaving sticks in a hot car.
Drumsticks FAQ
What does 5A mean?
It is a common size code for a medium-weight, general-purpose stick. Exact dimensions vary by maker.
Do wood tips and nylon tips differ?
Yes. All six here use wood tips, which give a warmer attack than nylon on most cymbals.
The Short Version
For a familiar classic, the Vic Firth. For four pairs, the ProMark Classic Forward. For an acorn tip and a mixed set, the ProMark Rebound. For heat-tempered wood, the FireGrain. For a tip-forward balance, the Vater. For a natural uncoated set, the HUN Bluefire.
