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If you asked me what the best drumsticks are, my answer would be simple: ProMark FireGrain 5A. They’ve become my go-to pair because of their unique look, durability, and the way they feel in my hands. As both a drummer and the founder of Above Average Clothing’s DRMMR identity, I’ve tried lots and lots of different sticks — but FireGrain 5As are the ones I always come back to.
What makes FireGrains different
On the surface, drumsticks might all look the same. But ProMark did something a little different with the FireGrain series. Instead of just cutting and sanding wood, they’ve put the sticks through a heat-tempering process — essentially firing the hickory to harden the outer layer.
The result?
Durability: The surface becomes more resistant to chipping and splintering. For me, this has been huge. I’m not burning through sticks at the same rate I used to, which means more consistent feel and I’m definitely saving cash on sticks.
Unique look: That fire treatment also gives them a darker, slightly scorched finish. It really makes them stand out. I’ve always loved the visual — there’s something about pulling out sticks that look just a little different that feels like they belong to me.
Same feel, better life: One of the best things is that they still feel like traditional hickory. No weird coatings, no plastic-like surface. Just natural wood with a bit more resilience.
You can even now get a Claus Hessler set that are Firegrain with Promark’s activegrip technology that adjusts to your body temperature and become tackier as your hands warm up. Cheeky little mention there because Claus likes his Above Average tees.
Stick size is so personal. I know drummers who swear by 7As for speed, and others who wouldn’t touch anything under a 2B. For me, 5A is the perfect middle ground. It’s versatile enough for different genres, light enough for finesse, but with enough weight to dig in when I need to.
Pairing that familiar 5A size with the FireGrain process means I don’t have to compromise. I get the feel I want and the durability I need — it’s the best of both worlds.
Short answer: yes. Obviously no stick is indestructible, and if you’re smashing rimshots night after night you’ll eventually go through them. But in my experience, FireGrains last noticeably longer than untreated hickory.
I’ve had sessions where a normal pair would have chipped or even snapped, but the FireGrains just kept going. That might not sound like a big deal, but over weeks and months it adds up. Fewer breaks mean fewer distractions, less cost, and more consistency in how the sticks feel.
I’ll be honest: part of the appeal is purely aesthetic. I love the colour and finish. That slightly charred look has become part of my setup, and it feels like an extension of my style as a drummer.
It’s the same way guitarists obsess over the right plectrum or vocalists feel attached to a particular mic. It’s not just about function — it’s about identity. FireGrains don’t look like any other stick, and I like that they stand out.
If you play Firegrain’s, you’ll always recognise when someone else does too.
For me, it always comes back to mindset. The right tools make a difference, but it’s how you use them that really matters. Playing with sticks that I trust gives me confidence, and that confidence translates into better performance (hopefully).
That idea — finding what works for you, choosing quality over shortcuts, and building something durable — is exactly what I’ve poured into Above Average Clothing. Just like I choose FireGrains because they reflect my playing style and values, I built DRMMR as a clothing identity for drummers who want gear that reflects who they are, not just what they do.
I’d never say FireGrains are the “best” sticks for everyone. What works for me might not work for another drummer. But here are a few things I’d suggest thinking about when you’re choosing sticks:
Size: 5A is versatile, but experiment with 7A or 5B if you’re unsure.
Tip shape: Oval tips give a warmer tone, nylon tips are brighter and more cutting.
Material: Hickory is standard, maple is lighter, oak is heavier. FireGrain keeps the hickory feel but makes it tougher.
Durability vs. feel: Some “long-life” sticks use composites or coatings that change the feel. If you want a natural stick with extra strength, FireGrain nails it.
At the end of the day, the sticks you play should feel like an extension of your playing — they should fit your style, hold up to your practice, and maybe even inspire you to push yourself further.
For me, that’s the ProMark FireGrain 5A. They look right, they feel right, and they last.
And just like I’ve found the sticks that fit me, I’ve built Above Average Clothing to give drummers something that fits their mindset. Durable, sustainable, and made for people who live their identity both on and off stage.
Check out the DRMMR collection — because it’s not just about what you play, it’s about how you carry yourself when you’re done playing too.
