Ah, but that's the key, you see. Hickory. I must have tried, over the years, most sticks, including aluminium, fibreglass, maple and more. Japanese White Oak is where it's at, is all. I actually used the Tama ones for a very long time, but by the time I wanted to renew (not broken, just a bit too ragged, chipped, dented and worn out from much use...), they didn't make 'em any more..! If I'd bought a dozen pairs at the time, I'd still have some left..! D'oh..!
Not much in it between 5A and 7A, but I prefer the slightly longer reach (am I lazy..? You betcha; it's a quality I panegyrize..!); the nylon tips mark cymbals and heads less than wood, too. StickChat will be one of the sections in the new DrumChat.co.uk when the Admins get back from their hibernation. I may not live to see it, but it's programmed.