American Hickory Hickory is the most popular wood choice for drumsticks due to its shock absorption and durability, and Vater uses the 2 best Hickory species, which are Shellbark and Shagbark Hickory. Vater’s material has to meet very strict quality characteristics to be made into a Vater drumstick. Vater only uses dowels that have a moisture content specific to “striking” tools (10%-12%), so you get a drumstick with great feel and durability. Each time a Hickory tree is harvested by any of our suppliers, another one is planted. New trees are also produced from the Hickory Nuts that naturally fall from the trees.