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This is a constantly updated gallery of the best drum sticks and brushes on the planet - from high-end signature models to budget whackers and every nylon-tip, wire brush and synthetic stick in between, there’s a pair here to suit every drummer.

All the sticks here are hand-picked from the buyers’ guide pages of Rhythm magazine following a gruelling test process.

First up: straight in with the best-of-the-best, Vic Firth’s high-end models

MusicRadar’s verdict:

These are truly professional sticks. Many of Vic Firth’s beautifully finished and popular wood-tip models are now available with nylon tips rather than just a bulky generic tip shape. Also, the tips on the coloured models have been left with a natural finish so they don’t mark your drumheads, which is an extremely nice touch indeed.

If you like Vic Firth’s drum sticks, you’ll also like:

Vater drum sticks

Pro-Mark drum sticks

Zildjian drum sticks

Regal Tip drum sticks

Next: Best nylon-tipped drum sticks: Regal Tip E Series

MusicRadar’s verdict:

From our experience, the E Series sticks - from the originator of the nylon tip, Mr Joe Calato - exhibit the best feel and sound of any nylon tipped stick ever created. These durable sticks sound much more like a wood tip due to their unique vented tip design and, of course, feature Regal Tip’s easy-to-grip finish.

If you like Regal Tip’s E Series drum sticks, you’ll also like:

Vic Firth Nylon-Tipped Models

Vater Nylon-Tipped Models

Zildjian Nylon-Tipped Models

Pro-Mark White Oak Series drum sticks

Next: Best drum brushes: Regal Tip 583R Retractable Wire Brushes

MusicRadar’s verdict:

For many players, these durable and great-sounding brushes are the favoured model for a variety of reasons. The rubber handles feel warm and tactile when playing, they keep their position well when extended and they outlast most of the competition. A true classic. Also try the more rigid-feeling Regal Tip Jeff Hamilton model.

If you like Regal Tip’s 583R Retractable Wire Brushes, you’ll also like:

Premier Rubber-Handle wire brushes

Vater Wire Tap brushes

Regal Tip Fat Cat Nylon brushes

Flix Models

Next: Best budget drum sticks: Vic Firth Nova

MusicRadar’s verdict:

This budget range from stick giants Vic Firth includes not only regular finish but also exotic black and red sets for half the price of the popular Vic Firth sticks. They might have minor cosmetic blemishes but, as cut-price versions of their big brother, they are made in the US and will serve you well.

If you like Vic Firth’s Nova sticks, you’ll also like

Shaw Supremo Sticks

DW3 Drumsticks

Pro-Mark LA Special drum sticks

Pro Orca drum sticks

Next: Best signature drum sticks: Vic Firth Signature models

MusicRadar’s verdict:

This highly regarded company, whose signature lines include the likes of Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine and Stanton Moore, sets a serious modern standard that others are often compared to. It was founded by a highly successful working percussionist who started designing his own personal mallets and sticks before deciding to manufacture them for the mass market.

If you like Vic Firth’s Signature sticks, you’ll also like:

Zildjian Artist Series drum sticks

Pro-Mark Signature Model drum sticks

Vater Signature Model drum sticks

Regal Tip Performer Series drum sticks

Next: Best synthetic drum sticks: Ahead 5AB Hybrid

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Slim and versatile, rather than thick and heavy, Ahead’s newest model breaks away from its metal-head tree trunk dimensions and provides an airy feel, with an extremely articulate tip.

If you like Ahead’s 5AB Hybrid drum sticks, you’ll also like:

Ahead Signature Models

Techra Carbon Rock Pro

Liked this? Now read: The best drum kits in the world today

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