Best Drumsticks for Deathcore 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Best drumsticks for deathcore drumming: what George Kollias (Vic Firth Signature), Ben Koller (Vic Firth 5B), and Chris Turner (Vic Firth American Classic 5A) actually play. Heavy, durable sticks built for blast-beat impact and slam-timed breakdowns — ranked budget to pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drumsticks does George Kollias use?
George Kollias of Nile plays his own Vic Firth signature stick, a 0.580" diameter, teardrop-tip model built to sustain blast beats past 240 BPM with the durability needed for a demanding touring schedule.
What's the best drumstick for deathcore breakdowns?
A thicker 5B-class diameter delivers the maximum weight deathcore's slam-timed breakdowns reward. Ben Koller's standard Vic Firth 5B is a strong alternative if you want proven reliability without the extra thickness.
What drumsticks does Ben Koller use?
Ben Koller of Converge and Mutoid Man plays a standard Vic Firth American Classic 5B, finding control within his chaotic, breakdown-heavy playing without any specialized signature geometry.
Do deathcore drummers need heavier sticks than other extreme metal genres?
Often, yes. Slam-timed breakdowns reward extra mass, which is why some deathcore drummers size up to a heavier 5B diameter. That said, George Kollias's lighter signature stick shows blast-beat speed can still take priority when a drummer's material leans faster.
What drumsticks does Chris Turner use?
Chris Turner of Oceans Ate Alaska plays a Vic Firth American Classic 5A, a standard-diameter stick that keeps rebound fast and consistent for sustained blast-beat playing alongside his Tama Speed Cobra 910 pedal setup.