Hickory is the most popular wood used for making drumsticks. Hickory is denser, heavier and more rigid than Maple. Hickory can also absorb a great amount of shock, which reduces hand and wrist fatigue. Dark, or brown hickory, is found closer to the tree's center and is slightly denser and heavier than white hickory.
 "Vater Drumsticks - Vater Hickory Drumsticks")