I use Vic Firth 85A (I think its just 5A but on the stick it says 85A) and they work really good and I haven't broken them yet.

I'd say that it's all a matter of personal taste. I've used Vic Firth and Pro-Mark (I prefer Vic Firth) and 5A, 7A, and Dave Weckl Signature sticks. They all have their place - and I find situations where each stick is useful.

As i have just started learning drums i don't know anything about them. I use the sticks that came with my Ion electric kit, and they keep slipping out my hands, any tips to stop this happening?
Also, do i hold the sticks tightly or loose in my fingers.
Any help here would be great.
cheers

jim

Try to hold the sticks tight enough to stay in your hand but loose enough to bounce back up after you hit a drum

I use Neil Peart Signature Pro Mark thin And not to light but not to heavy and very durable. And my second Choose would be regal tip Alex Van Halen signature because of their length (19" i think) there basically tree trunks!

I would echo what Defloc said, and add that I have seen the sticks that they send home with new electronic kits, and they aren't usually too good. Useable maybe, but not anybody's favorite stick, to be sure.

I would go to a local music/drum store, and try out everything that they've got on a rubber drum pad - you'll almost definitely find a pair that feels more natural than the "default" pair.

Thanks for the advice guys, hope another set of sticks will improve my playing as well.....

Cheers

I use zildjian 7a wood tip sticks.
i like the tip and they come with a special rubber dip coating or without. and are quite difficult to break too!

yess zildjian 7a wood tips

i play a lot of metal and ive had a pair for over 2 years i think and i havent broken them yet

i recommend them

I changed sticks when I changed kits Acoustic kit verses an Electronic kit. I now use a much lighter stick with the Roland kit.. like a Viv-Firth 7A or Pro-Mark 7A