Drumsticks 7A vs. 5A vs. 5B: Which One Should You Choose? 

Drumsticks 7A vs. 5A vs. 5B - Which Should You Choose

Which drum sticks should I use? Here are the details and comparisons chart about the Drumsticks 7A vs. 5A vs. 5B for beginners.

#1. Drumsticks 7A vs. 5A vs. 5B: Comparison Table

7A, 5A, and 5B refer to the size and, therefore, the weight of a drumstick. Hence, in this article, we will discuss how a stick’s size affects drummers’ performance.

Our comparison drum sticks size chart can help you picture the differences between the three drumsticks:

Drumsticks 7A 5A 5B
Length
  • 15 ½ inches
  • 16 inches
  • 16 inches
Diameter 
  • .540 inches
  • .565 inches
  • .595 inches
Weight 
  • Lightest
  • Moderate
  • Heaviest
Best for
  • Jazz, orchestral, and light music
  • Beginners and all-round drumming
  • Hard hitters
Pros
  • Easy to control
  • Suited for small hands
  • Standard size
  • Best for new drummers
  • Highly flexible
  • Easy to play a loud sound
  • More comfortable in big hands
Cons 
  • Maybe fragile
  • More strength required
  •  More strength required

#2. What Is The Difference Between Drumsticks 7A vs. 5A vs. 5B

We use a number and a letter to name the drumstick. While the number reflects how thick the stick is, the letter refers to its best application.

1. Number 

The higher the number, the thinner the stick. It may run from 1 to 9, with 2, 5, and 7 being the most popular options.

  • 5 series: These models are the standard. Their flexibility allows them to work for most genres and styles.
  • 7 series: Lighter sticks show off their potential for light musical settings. They often have a nylon tip for a smooth effect.

2. Letter

Each stick aims to serve a specific purpose. You can check this information by looking at the letter in the item’s name.

  • A” stands for “orchestra.” Orchestral and small band performances need these tools the most.
  • B” stands for “band.” As the name suggests, most bands use these sticks.

Understanding their names helps you know how these pieces of musical instruments differ. Now, let’s dig into the details.

3. Size

The most apparent difference between the sticks is their size. 7A is the most lightweight and thinnest option. Although the gap is minimal, it still affects the sound produced.

How does the thickness of a drumstick change your performance? A thinner stick acts faster and produces a light sound on your drums. Meanwhile, a thicker tool offers more power and projection.

4. Loudness

The thicker the stick, the louder the sound it produces. Hence, a 5B can give a sound with the highest volume. If you want to lower it, adjust your strength.

5. Ease of use

You may find it harder to control a thick drumstick. The thickness and length make a 5B drummer spend more time learning how to master it. Things get more complicated if you have small hands.

On the other hand, big-handed people have difficulty playing with a 7A stick. Yet, most Jazz drummers will like these sticks to produce a light sound.

If you are a beginner, a pair of 5A sticks are the best choice. These standard tools are lightweight and heavy enough for you to control.

#3. Drumsticks 7A vs. 5A vs. 5B: Which One Should You Go For?

Drumsticks are personal preferences. Finding the items that feel the most comfortable and offer you the best control is the only reasonable answer.

To come up with the right choice, you may need experimentation. The sticks should only match your drumming style for the best sound output.

When to choose a 5A drumstick?

5A is heavier than the 7A pair, but the difference in diameter is minimal.

This tool is suited for fast and light playing. Yet, because it’s heavier, its sound can be louder.

This option has a lot of benefits thanks to its flexibility and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners.

Moreover, it can fit most genres and styles. If you are still practicing your skills, a pair of 5A drumsticks should be your to-go.

When to choose a 5B drumstick?

The 5B sticks are quite similar to the 5A, except they are slightly thicker.

Because of its thickness, it will produce a more powerful sound, but everything else stays the same.

This option is best for drummers to enjoy the loudness of the tone they produce. If you have big hands, these tools are for you.

When to choose a 7A drumstick?

7A is the lightest option. It works more effectively in softer musical contexts because it’s thin and lightweight. Drummers who prefer to play faster at home with shorter and lighter sticks will like this idea.

Apart from the size, other factors like materials and the design of the stick also affect your performance. Please check this video and learn more tips to choose the best products:

Frequently Asked Questions

Below here is common questions and answers about the Drumsticks 7A vs. 5A vs. 5B

1. What are 5B drumsticks used for?

Drummers who prefer a stick with a thicker feel will appreciate the overall feel and balance of 5B. These tools are excellent for Metal, Rock, and Funk.

2. What does 5A mean on a drumstick?

Number 5 refers to the stick’s thickness, while the letter “A” stands for “orchestra.” So, 5A suggests that this stick is slightly heavy and works best for orchestral performances.

3. What is the difference between 5A and 7A drum sticks?

These items are different in some aspects:

  • Size: 5A is bigger, thicker, and heavier than 7A.
  • Loudness: 5A can produce a louder sound.

Due to the differences in features, each product serves a different purpose. 5A can fit most genres, whereas 7A is better for Jazz and light music.

4. What does 5B mean in drumsticks?

The number in a drumstick’s name indicates how thick it is. Hence, this tool is quite thick, with a diameter of .595 inches.

The letter “B” stands for “band,” meaning that you can use this instrument when performing in a band.

5. What are 2B drumsticks used for?

The 2B model is a little heavier than the 5A, 5B, and 7A variants. It has the same thickness as the 5B model but is heavier. Heavy Rock, band, and practicing uses benefit from the 2B model.

6. What is the difference between 5B and 2B drumsticks?

These tools are suitable for band performances. However, their sizes are different. The 2B is heavier, thicker, and bigger, giving you a more powerful sound.

7. What are 7A drumsticks used for?

Because these sticks are lightweight and thin, they work best for Jazz, orchestral, and light music. Small-handed people also love these tools because the sticks can fit in their palms.

8. What size drumsticks should beginners use?

5A is a highly-recommended option for beginners because:

  • It’s heavy and thick enough for inexperienced drummers to control.
  • You can use it for most genres.

9. What is the difference between 5A and 5B drum sticks?

Although these tools have the same length, you can feel the difference when using them because of the diameter.

5B is thicker and heavier, offering a louder sound. Yet, it also demands more strength for complete control.

10. Do electronic drums need special sticks?

With electronic drums, you can use nearly any kind of drumstick.

Nevertheless, hardwood drumstick tips may shatter and cause damage to the electronic drumheads, especially mesh-based heads.

11. What sticks to use with electronic drums?

If you are an electronic drummer, choose your stick based on two factors:

  • Tip: Go for the one with a nylon tip. A wood tip may leave markings on your pads, just like it does on cymbals or a newly polished drumhead. Nylon tip sticks also leave marks, but they are far less noticeable.
  • Size: 5A should be a nice choice because this size is also a standard for electronic drums.

12. How often do drummers break sticks?

It depends on how often and how powerful you hit the drum. Generally, a drummer may break their sticks after using them for one to two months.

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