What drumsticks does Scott Travis use?

Scott Travis of Judas Priest plays a standard Vic Firth American Classic 5A, giving his galloping, double-bass-driven patterns the hand speed they demand without any specialized signature geometry.

What's the best drumstick diameter for power metal?

A 5A diameter works best for power metal's galloping double-bass patterns, as used by Scott Travis, Aquiles Priester, and Nicko McBrain. Mikkey Dee's heavier 5B is a strong alternative for drummers prioritizing accent weight and touring durability.

What drumsticks does Aquiles Priester use?

Aquiles Priester of Angra plays a Vater Fusion 5A, matched to the neoclassical double-bass precision his technically demanding playing requires across Angra's genre-defining catalog.

What drumsticks does Nicko McBrain use?

Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden plays a Promark Classic Forward 5A, a front-balanced stick that adds attack authority to Iron Maiden's galloping, anthemic riffs without needing a wider overall diameter.

Do power metal drummers need lighter sticks than other metal genres?

Often, yes, for galloping double-bass speed. Scott Travis's, Aquiles Priester's, and Nicko McBrain's picks all sit at a 5A diameter for exactly this reason. That said, Mikkey Dee's heavier Vic Firth 5B shows a well-trained, road-tested drummer can still favor extra mass and durability.