Thickness
Stick sizes are displayed by a number and a letter. Typically the lower the number, the thicker the stick. The letter originally referred to what the stick was designed to be used for, with A being orchestra, B being for band, D being for dance band, and S being for street band (think marching bands, not gangster drummers).
Simple right? Well this is where it gets confusing. Not all sticks follow the same rules, so one brand’s 8D will not necessarily be the same size and thickness as another brands’ 8D.
The most common sticks you will find are:
2B – thick and chunky. Durable and great for rock and heavy hitting.
5A – The most common, and versatile. Medium thickness, reliable in any scenario.
7A – Thin and easily broken, but perfect for genres with lots of dynamic shifts.