Drumsticks & Accessories

Drumsticks and Accessories

Check stick storage and bass drum beater fit

Use the measurements of your kit and the tools you carry to check two accessories that can be hard to judge from a photo.

Measure what actually goes in the bag

Start with the longest mallet or brush and compare that length to the usable interior. A published pair capacity refers to sticks of a given kind. Thick handles and bundled rods may leave less room. Consider three pockets if you want different implements within reach during a tune.

Check kit mounting and transport

Look for actual straps or hooks if you want the bag on a floor tom. If it travels in a case, use zippered storage for small parts. Water-resistant material describes the fabric and leaves seam and closure protection as separate checks.

Match the pedal first

Use the exact pedal model and the beater maker’s compatibility list. DW specifies its DWSM101 for DW pedals. For another brand, check shaft and receiver measurements rather than assuming every straight shaft fits.

Compare the face and the spare count

Felt and plastic are different contact surfaces. DW recommends the plastic face of its two-way beater for more attack. Follow your head or practice-pad maker’s material guidance, then compare the faces at the same height. Check the count if you need two matching replacements.

Source documentation

Guide questions

Which details should I record before ordering a spare?

Write down the pedal model for a beater and the longest implement you carry for a bag. Confirm the quantity and exact variant before ordering a spare.

Which capacity should I compare when bringing only one bag?

Compare the longest item, then work through the number and shape of the sticks, brushes and rods you carry. Pair ratings provide a starting point for conventional sticks.

How do I compare two beater faces without changing several variables?

Use the same compatible head or pad, hold the shaft height steady and keep the pattern the same. Follow the striking-surface maker’s guidance before switching materials.

Which accessory suits the job?

  1. Start from the pedal you own. DW lists its two-face beater for DW pedals. Check the applicable pedal and surface guidance before choosing a different beater just for its face.

    DW Standard Two-Way Bass Drum Beater ↗Tama DS30 Dual-Sided Bass Drum Beater ↗

  2. Meinl specifies nine internal pockets, while the Protege supplies a published eight-pair drumstick capacity. Measure your longest implement and choose a layout based on the actual mix you carry.

    Meinl Professional Stick Bag, Black ↗Vic Firth Protege Stick Bag, Black ↗

  3. The VicKick VKB3 uses fleece over felt in one orientation. The DWSM101 provides felt and plastic faces and is specified for DW pedals. Verify the receiver and head before comparing the playing surfaces.

    Vic Firth VicKick Fleece-Covered Bass Drum Beater ↗DW Standard Two-Way Bass Drum Beater ↗

  4. The Control gives you three faces and adjustable brass weights. The Standard DW beater has felt and plastic faces on the same head. Decide whether separately changing weight and face matters to your practice.

    DW Control Bass Drum Beater ↗DW Standard Two-Way Bass Drum Beater ↗

  5. ProMark publishes an 18-inch overall length and the closed and open widths. The Protege provides an eight-pair rating for sticks. Neither measurement gives the usable length of the pocket holding your longest mallet.

    ProMark Everyday Stick and Mallet Bag ↗Vic Firth Protege Stick Bag, Black ↗

  6. The Protec listing gives 17-inch main pockets. The ProMark Everyday gives an 18-inch exterior length. Measure the longest tool you carry and compare it to the appropriate measurement.

    Protec Heavy Ready Stick and Mallet Bag ↗ProMark Everyday Stick and Mallet Bag ↗

Accessories in this guide

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