Best Drumsticks for Metal (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The TUOREN leads this list as a steel-head mallet with a rubber handle for bells, glockenspiels and xylophones. For metal drumming on a kit, the ProMark Classic Attack 7A is the pick, since Shira Kashi Oak is ideal for metal drumming. The Generic 5A suits rock and practice, the Eujgoov 5A suits practice and stage use, and the ProMark Dave Lombardo 2B brings power for the heavier hitter.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Players who sound bells, glockenspiels and xylophones: TUOREN 1 Pair Tongue Drum Mallets Metal See pick 1
- Beginners and drummers who want a 5A stick: Generic 1 Pair 5A Classic Metal Drum Sticks See pick 2More picks: Best Drumsticks for Beginners
- Drummers who want Shira Kashi Oak for metal drumming: ProMark Drum Sticks See pick 3More picks: Best Drum Sticks for Metal
- Beginners who want a 5A aluminum stick for practice: Eujgoov 5A Drum Sticks See pick 4More picks: Best Drum Sticks for Beginners
- Heavy hitters who want power from a thick 2B stick: ProMark Dave Lombardo Hickory Drumsticks See pick 5
Want the full range? Best Drum Sticks ranks the top drumsticks for every buyer, or browse all 43 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
It earns Best Overall with a steel head, a rubber handle and a 0.66-inch ball for bells, glockenspiels, xylophones and chimes.
Who it suits
- Players who sound bells, glockenspiels and xylophones
- Beginners who want a rubber handle that is easy to grip
Skip it if
- You want a stick for a drum kit
- You want a mallet longer than 8.7 inches
The TUOREN is a pair of steel-head mallets with rubber handles for bells, glockenspiels, xylophones and chimes. The metal ball measures 0.66 inch across, and the metal rod measures 8.07 inches. The steel head gives a clear and bright sound, and the rubber handle is wear-resistant and easy to grip.
2Runner-Up
Generic 1 Pair 5A Classic Metal Drum Sticks
- Pairs: 1
- Size: 5A
- Material: Aluminum
It earns Runner-Up as a 5A aluminum alloy stick with a lacquer coating and an ergonomic grip.
Who it suits
- Beginners and drummers who want a 5A stick
- Players who want aluminum sticks for rock and jazz
Skip it if
- You want a wood stick instead of aluminum
- You want more than one pair in the box
The Generic 5A is a pair of aluminum alloy sticks in the classic 5A shape, with a seamless lacquer coating in electric colors. The sticks are machined with smooth contours and balanced weight for comfort in long playing sessions. The 5A shape suits rock, jazz, practice pads and electronic kits.
3Also Great
ProMark Drum Sticks
- Pairs not stated in the listing
- Size: 7A
- Material: Oak
- Tip: Wood
It earns Also Great with dense Shira Kashi Oak, a short taper and an oval wood tip for metal drumming.
Who it suits
- Drummers who want Shira Kashi Oak for metal drumming
- Players who want a 7A stick with an oval wood tip
Skip it if
- You want an aluminum stick instead of oak
- You want a longer stick than 15.375 inches
The ProMark Classic Attack 7A is a pair of Shira Kashi Oak sticks with an oval wood tip, a short taper and a lacquer finish. The sticks measure 15.375 inches long with a 0.512-inch diameter, and the dense oak gives a forward-weighted feel with increased power. The oval wood tip gives a full-bodied, warm tone, and the sticks are made in Japan.
4Also Great
It earns Also Great as a 5A aluminum alloy stick with a non-slip grip for practice, stage and concert use.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want a 5A aluminum stick for practice
- Players who want a non-slip grip that stays put
Skip it if
- You want a thinner stick than this thicker build
- You want a wood stick instead of aluminum
The Eujgoov 5A is a pair of aluminum alloy sticks with a non-slip grip for practice, stage, concert and bar use. The sticks are thicker and heavier for louder and more robust drumming, and the grip stops the stick from slipping while you play. The sticks are compact and light in weight, so they are convenient to carry, and they suit beginners.
5Also Great
ProMark Dave Lombardo Hickory Drumsticks
- Pairs not stated in the listing
- Size: 2B
- Material: Hickory
- Tip: Nylon
It earns Also Great with a 2B hickory build, a nylon tip and power for the heavier hitter.
Who it suits
- Heavy hitters who want power from a thick 2B stick
- Players who want a nylon tip for a brighter sound
Skip it if
- You want a thinner stick for lighter playing
- You want a wood tip instead of nylon
The ProMark Dave Lombardo is a pair of hickory 2B sticks with an oval nylon tip, a short, quick taper and a thick .630-inch diameter. The sticks measure 16-1/8 inches long, and the nylon tip gives a brighter, more articulate sound. The stick was designed by heavy metal drummer Dave Lombardo, and the sticks are made in the USA. The warranty covers replacement if the stick is defective.
Side by side
| Product | Pairs | Size | Material | Tip | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUOREN 1 Pair Tongue Drum Mallets Metal | 1 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Generic 1 Pair 5A Classic Metal Drum Sticks | 1 | 5A | Aluminum | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| ProMark Drum Sticks | Not stated | 7A | Oak | Wood | Not stated | Not stated |
| Eujgoov 5A Drum Sticks | 1 | 5A | Aluminum | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| ProMark Dave Lombardo Hickory Drumsticks | Not stated | 2B | Hickory | Nylon | Not stated | Not stated |
How we ranked these drumsticks
Every pick ranks in Amazon's best-seller list for its category and has a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Pairs weight 1
Buying advice: drumsticks for metal
Match the stick to the job
A mallet and a drum kit stick do different jobs. The TUOREN is a steel-head mallet for bells, glockenspiels, xylophones and chimes. The ProMark Classic Attack 7A uses Shira Kashi Oak, ideal for metal drumming, and the ProMark Dave Lombardo was designed by a heavy metal drummer for the heavier hitter. The Generic 5A suits rock, jazz and practice pads, and the Eujgoov 5A suits practice, stage, concert and bar use. Decide which job you need before you buy: a mallet for percussion instruments, or a stick for metal drumming.
Compare size, material and tip
Size, material and tip decide how a stick plays. The ProMark 7A is a 7A oak stick with a wood tip, 15.375 inches long and 0.512 inch across. The ProMark Dave Lombardo is a 2B hickory stick with a nylon tip, 16-1/8 inches long and .630 inch across. Both aluminum sticks are 5A, and the TUOREN is a steel-head mallet with a 0.66-inch ball and an 8.07-inch rod. Match the size to your hands and the tip to the sound you want.
Check the grip and the pair
Grip decides how the sticks sit in your hands. The TUOREN has a rubber handle, the Generic 5A has an ergonomic grip with smooth contours, and the Eujgoov 5A has a non-slip grip. The ProMark 7A has a lacquer finish, and the ProMark Dave Lombardo has a short, quick taper for a forward balance. Each pick here comes as one pair.
Frequently asked questions
Are metal drumsticks good for metal drumming?
Metal means material and genre here. The aluminum sticks are metal in material, while the ProMark 7A is the pick for metal drumming, with Shira Kashi Oak ideal for metal drumming. The ProMark Dave Lombardo was designed by a heavy metal drummer for the heavier hitter.
What size drumstick should I use for metal?
The ProMark 7A is a 7A oak stick, 15.375 inches long, and the ProMark Dave Lombardo is a 2B hickory stick, 16-1/8 inches long. Both aluminum sticks are 5A. Pick the size that fits your hands and the power you need.
Do these drumsticks come as a pair?
Yes. Each pick here comes as one pair: the TUOREN, the Generic 5A and the Eujgoov 5A are 1 pair each, and the ProMark 7A and the ProMark Dave Lombardo are one pair each.
What is the difference between a wood tip and a nylon tip?
The ProMark 7A has an oval wood tip that gives a full-bodied, warm tone, and the ProMark Dave Lombardo has an oval nylon tip that gives a brighter, more articulate sound. Both tips are oval, and both sticks have a short taper.
Gear that goes with it
Best Practice PadTop pick: Vhffoso 12 Inch Practice Drum Pad with Stand
Best Snare Drum for CrackTop pick: Big Fat Snare Drum
Best Electronic DrumsTop pick: AKLOT Complete Electric Drum Set: 4 Dual-ZoneMore drumsticks guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Nov 13, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.