Before you choose THE pair that will become the natural extension of your forearm, remember one thing: we don't all type the same.
Sometimes you're whispering swing jazz in a smoky club, sometimes you're banging out rock in the open air .
Today a beginner , tomorrow a double crankset pro .
1.20m or 2.02m drummer
On a tight budget or ready to splash out on a custom set engraved with your initials.
In short, there's no ONE universal wand—only yours. Here's how to find it in the ProOrca range.
1. Which pair for Jazz or Metal?
A pair of drumsticks for every scene, every vibe, every BPM.
🎸 Rock / Metal – When the volume reaches the ceilings
If your riffs scream through a wall of tube amps, opt for a robust 5B drumstick . Its dense hickory wood, tip, and well-balanced weight cut through the mix without turning your forearms into dumbbells.
The result: a backbeat that slaps, exceptional longevity and a sound engineer who smiles right up to the encores.
🎷 Jazz / Fusion – Nuance, subtlety, caress of the ride
For swinging ballads or a sophisticated fusion solo, nothing beats the Jazz collection or a lightweight 7A .
Want to fine-tune it to the millimeter? Use our 3D Configurator and create your own custom sticks ; redesigned balance, diameter, and center of gravity—the groove flows smoother than a sunset ride solo.
A cozy atmosphere? #nosound, rods can bring you lightness and subtlety.
🏟️ Orchestra & Drum – Uncompromising XXL Projection
When you need to rise above the horns and trumpets, opt for a drumstick made of Jura oak or thick hickory. With its concentrated mass at the head, the strike explodes, the drum shell resonates like a well-oiled cannon, and the marching band marches in step. Your section leader? Conquered.
Let's summarize!
No matter your scene – intimate jazz club, metal arena, digital studio or military parade – there is THE ProOrca stick that will enhance your playing.
2. What model of drumsticks for beginners?
It's time to move on to concrete examples. At ProOrca, we offer a diverse range of Made-in-France drumsticks to suit all drummer types.
Here are some models particularly suited to beginners (whether you are a teenager starting rock or an adult starting (again) to play the drums):
• Classic 5A – The all-rounder . Made from premium American hickory and made in France, this is the ultimate all-purpose French drumstick. Its standard diameter and length offer an ideal balance between power and control. Whether you play rock, pop, or a bit of everything, the ProOrca 5A Classic will give you a great feel right away without tiring you out.
• Classic 7A – Thinner and lighter , the 7A ProOrca is perfect for young drummers or those looking for more finesse. It is very suitable for jazz, soft playing, or simply if you have small hands or prefer a very agile stick. Despite its lightness, the hickory gives it a decent solidity. An excellent choice for beginners at moderate volume.
• Classic 5B – Feel like you're going to hit your drums hard? The 5B ProOrca offers a beefier diameter that adds punch. It's a little heavier in the hand than the 5A, but still manageable for an adult beginner. Ideal if your world is already rock or metal, and you want a stick that can take it. The 5B remains versatile while providing extra power.
• XGrip 5A / 7A – Tired of your sticks slipping out of your hand mid-play? ProOrca's XGrip series takes our classic models (available in 5A and 7A) and adds a non-slip grip to the end you hold them.
The result: a fantastic grip comfort, no more fear of dropping the stick even when sweat gets involved. These XGrip sticks retain the advantages of our 5A/7A (hickory wood, studied balance, durability) but add that little extra security and comfort.
Recommended for beginners stressed about flying sticks, or any drummer looking for optimal grip.
• Kids Sticks – For younger children (3-6 years), ProOrca has developed special Kids sticks. Shorter, lighter, made of unvarnished hickory, they are suitable for the musical awakening of toddlers. If your child is starting to play the drums, this is the ideal gift to give them “grown-up” equipment on their scale. Special mention for the 100% French and eco-responsible manufacturing (local wood, unvarnished finish) – learning with good equipment is also valid for kids!
Of course, the ProOrca range doesn't stop there. We offer other variants (longer 5AXL , specialized Jazz models, Signature sticks, etc.) that may suit your specific needs.
But the five models above are a great starting point for anyone looking for their first pair.
3. Drumsticks for Kids: Tips for Young Drummers
What about children who are just starting to play the drums ? Can they be given the same drumsticks as adults?
The answer is: not quite. Children have smaller hands and less strength, so it's crucial to adapt their drumstick choice to keep learning fun.
• For toddlers (around 3 to 6 years old) : Choose a children's chopstick specially designed for their size. These “Junior” models are shorter and thinner than standard ones. For example, ProOrca offersKids Chopsticks , which are only 33 cm long (compared to ~40 cm for adult chopsticks) and have a diameter of around 13.6 mm, made of lightweight, unvarnished hickory.
They are ideal for musical awakening: light enough not to tire little ones' arms, with a natural grip (no varnish) to prevent them from constantly falling. Basically, everything is designed for little hands! If you put a pair of classic 5As in the hands of a 4-year-old, there is a good chance that he will find them heavy and long, and that he will struggle to get anything out of them. It is better to start with equipment that is his size so that he enjoys it from the beginning.
• For slightly older children (7-12 years) : At this age, you can gradually move closer to adult chopsticks, while still using lightweight models.
Often, a 7A hickory is a great fit for an 8-10 year old: it's thin and easy to handle. Some stronger juniors will even be able to play a standard 5A at around 10-12 years old, but again, feel the weight in your hand.
There are also "short" variants of standard models (e.g. the ProOrca 5AS, which is a slightly shortened 5A) that can serve as a transition. The important thing is that the child feels comfortable and can develop their technique without struggling with "logs".
Also keep in mind that children grow quickly: re-evaluate the size of their chopsticks every year or two to adjust according to their body shape and progress.
• Tips for motivating younger children: Don't hesitate to use personalization or aesthetics to encourage children to practice.
Colored chopsticks, or ones engraved with his name, can become a favorite object that makes him proud to play.
This is where the ProOrca configurator can also come into play – we'll come back to this later – because it allows you to customize chopsticks, a fun experience that young people love.
In any case, remember that there are drumsticks suitable for children: don't skip this step, it's like giving a half-size guitar to a budding little guitarist rather than a giant adult guitar.
4. In summary
🏷️ Budget |
🎸 Style / Game |
🎓 Level |
🥢 ProOrca pair recommended |
💡 Why she snaps |
Low budget (≤ €15 per pair) |
Pop, rock “home-studio”, quiet rehearsals |
Beginner-breaker |
Classic 5A |
Universal diameter, premium hickory, low price: you progress without breaking the bank. |
|
Soft jazz, small hands |
Beginner child / teenager |
Classic 7A |
Light, thin: less fatigue, more control; ideal for learning the basics. |
Comfort budget (15–22 €) |
Rock, funk, gospel |
Intermediate |
XGrip 5A |
Same balance as the 5A, but with a non-slip XGrip ring: no more accidental stick throws. |
|
Groove metal, hard rock |
Intermediate / advanced |
Classic 5B |
Muscular diameter, medium neck: punch and rebound without sacrificing precision. |
Premium budget (22–30 €) |
Metal, open-air fanfare |
Power-hitter / pro |
Classic 2B |
XXL handle, optimized mass: maximum projection without turning your arm into a dumbbell. |
|
Studio, hybrid acoustic + electronic sets |
Demanding pro |
Electronic Series 5A (Nylon Round) |
Soft nylon olive with pads, calibrated rebound; silence for the neighbor, groove for the mixer. |
Tailor-made budget (30 € +) |
Any style... your way |
All levels curious |
3D Configurator (Length, diameter, neck, olive, engraving) |
You can adjust everything: 41.9 cm XL for long arms? Olive barrel on a thin collar? "Ratatatatattt" engraving? We manufacture, we pair: 6 pairs minimum, 10 days lead time, zero competition. |
🥁 Two shortcuts to never make a mistake
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First kit? Take the Classic 5A : it forgives mistakes and covers 90% of styles.
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Want to double the volume without doubling the fatigue? Go from 5A to 5B : same length, more diameter, immediate power.
🎁 Tips that make the difference
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Junior 3–6 years old? Choose ProOrca Kids (33 cm, Ø 13.6 mm) : ultra-light, soap-resistant raw wood.
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Sweaty hands and stage sweat? Go straight for XGrip : the ring locks the grip, so your wrists can breathe.
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Need piano-mezzo-forte nuances? The dense 7A hickory maintains its finesse without breaking at the first wrinkle.
All our drumsticks are crafted with French craftsmanship, hand-matched (each pair is balanced in weight and sound), and ready to accompany you for a long time in your learning process. You can't go wrong choosing one of these models to get started!