Good lax sticks. Top Lacrosse Sticks for Attack & Midfield: A Comprehensive Guide

What are the best lacrosse sticks for attack and midfield players. How do you choose the right stick for your position. Which features should you look for in a complete lacrosse stick. Discover the top-rated options and expert recommendations for improving your game.

Understanding the Importance of a Quality Lacrosse Stick

A lacrosse stick is an essential piece of equipment for any player, serving as an extension of their body on the field. The right stick can significantly impact a player’s performance, affecting crucial aspects of the game such as shot accuracy, passing precision, and ball control. For attack and midfield positions, where versatility and quick handling are paramount, selecting the appropriate stick becomes even more critical.

The Impact of Stick Choice on Performance

How does stick choice influence a player’s performance? A well-chosen lacrosse stick can enhance a player’s natural abilities, allowing for:

• Improved ball retention during dodges and drives
• More accurate and powerful shots
• Better control and finesse for precise passing
• Quicker release times for both shooting and passing
• Enhanced ground ball pickup capabilities

Conversely, an ill-suited stick can hinder a player’s development and on-field effectiveness, potentially leading to frustration and underperformance.

Key Features to Consider in Attack and Midfield Sticks

When evaluating lacrosse sticks for attack and midfield positions, several key features should be taken into account:

Shaft Material and Construction

The shaft of a lacrosse stick plays a crucial role in its overall performance. What materials are commonly used for lacrosse stick shafts? The most popular options include:

1. Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, offering good balance
2. Carbon fiber: Extremely light with excellent strength-to-weight ratio
3. Titanium: Incredibly strong but more expensive
4. Scandium-titanium alloys: Combine strength and lightness

Each material has its pros and cons, affecting factors such as weight, durability, and feel.

Head Design and Pocket Configuration

The head of the stick is where most of the action happens. What should players look for in a stick head? Key considerations include:

• Shape and width: Narrower heads offer more control, while wider heads provide easier catching
• Stiffness: Stiffer heads offer more accurate shots but less give for ball retention
• Stringing holes: More holes allow for greater customization of the pocket
• Scoop angle: Affects ground ball pickup ease

The pocket configuration within the head is equally important, influencing ball control and release. Attackmen often prefer deeper pockets for ball retention during dodges, while midfielders might opt for a medium pocket for versatility.

Top Lacrosse Sticks for Attack Players

Attack players require sticks that offer exceptional ball control, quick release, and accurate shooting. Here are some top options:

STX Surgeon 900

The STX Surgeon 900 is a popular choice among elite attackmen. Why is it so highly regarded? Its key features include:

• Lightweight carbon fiber shaft for quick maneuverability
• Flexible sidewalls for improved ball retention
• Optimal throat design for smoother ball release
• C-Channel technology for enhanced stiffness and shot power

This stick offers a perfect balance of power and finesse, making it ideal for players who frequently engage in both scoring and feeding roles.

Maverik Tactik 2.0

The Maverik Tactik 2.0 is another excellent option for attack players. What sets it apart? Notable features include:

• Duratough Pro material for increased durability
• Level 5 bottom rail for a mid-high pocket placement
• Optimal scoop design for improved ground ball pickup
• X-Rail technology for added head stiffness

This stick is particularly well-suited for players who prioritize quick ball movement and precise shooting.

Best Lacrosse Sticks for Midfield Players

Midfield players need versatile sticks that perform well in both offensive and defensive situations. Here are some top choices:

ECD Rebel Offense

The ECD Rebel Offense is a popular stick among midfielders. What makes it stand out? Key features include:

• Flex 5 technology for improved feel and ball control
• Mid-low pocket design for versatile play
• Stiff sidewalls for accurate passing and shooting
• Carbon fiber shaft for optimal weight and durability

This stick offers excellent all-around performance, making it suitable for midfielders who contribute equally on both ends of the field.

Warrior Evo QX

The Warrior Evo QX is another top choice for midfield players. Why is it highly recommended? Notable features include:

• Sym-Rail design for consistent release points
• Tilt-Tech string hole system for customizable pocket placement
• Lightweight alloy shaft for easy handling
• Mid-high pocket for versatile play

This stick is particularly well-suited for midfielders who excel in transition play and quick ball movement.

Customizing Your Lacrosse Stick for Optimal Performance

While complete sticks offer convenience, many players opt to customize their setups for optimal performance. How can players personalize their lacrosse sticks?

Selecting the Right Head and Shaft Combination

Mixing and matching heads and shafts allows players to create a stick tailored to their specific needs. What factors should be considered when combining components?

• Playing style and position
• Personal preferences for weight and balance
• League or organization regulations
• Budget constraints

Experimentation with different combinations can help players find their ideal setup.

Pocket Stringing and Maintenance

The way a pocket is strung can significantly impact a stick’s performance. How can players optimize their pocket stringing?

• Choose appropriate materials (mesh vs. traditional)
• Adjust pocket depth and placement
• Fine-tune shooting strings for desired release
• Regularly maintain and re-string as needed

Proper pocket maintenance ensures consistent performance throughout the season.

Evaluating Stick Performance on the Field

Ultimately, the true test of a lacrosse stick comes during actual gameplay. How can players effectively evaluate their stick’s performance?

Key Performance Indicators

When assessing stick performance, players should consider the following factors:

• Ball retention during dodges and checks
• Passing accuracy and consistency
• Shot power and precision
• Ground ball pickup efficiency
• Overall comfort and feel during play

Keeping a mental or written record of these aspects can help players identify areas for improvement or adjustment.

Adapting to Your Stick

Even the best lacrosse stick requires an adjustment period. How can players effectively adapt to a new stick?

• Practice wall ball regularly to develop muscle memory
• Gradually introduce the stick in scrimmages before using it in games
• Be patient and allow time for the pocket to break in
• Seek feedback from coaches and teammates on stick performance

With time and practice, players can maximize the potential of their chosen stick.

Investing in Your Lacrosse Future

Selecting the right lacrosse stick is an investment in a player’s development and on-field success. While high-quality sticks may come with a higher price tag, the benefits in terms of performance and durability often justify the cost. How can players make the most of their investment?

Proper Care and Maintenance

Extending the life of a lacrosse stick requires proper care. What are some essential maintenance tips?

• Store sticks in a cool, dry place
• Avoid leaving sticks in extreme temperatures (e.g., hot car)
• Regularly check for and tighten loose screws
• Clean the head and strings after use, especially in wet conditions
• Replace worn components (e.g., end caps, grips) as needed

By following these guidelines, players can ensure their sticks remain in top condition throughout their playing career.

Continuous Skill Development

While a quality stick is important, it’s only one part of the equation. How can players continue to improve their skills?

• Practice consistently, focusing on fundamental skills
• Seek out coaching and feedback from experienced players
• Study game film to analyze technique and decision-making
• Participate in clinics and camps for intensive skill development
• Stay physically fit with strength and conditioning exercises

By combining a well-chosen stick with dedicated practice and skill development, players can reach their full potential on the lacrosse field.

As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, the technology and design of lacrosse sticks will undoubtedly evolve. Staying informed about new developments and being willing to adapt can help players maintain a competitive edge. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, choosing the right lacrosse stick for your attack or midfield position is a crucial step in your lacrosse journey.

WHS Sports Roundup – Winthrop Transcript

Boys Lacrosse Honors Seniors, Tops Malden

The Winthrop High boys lacrosse team celebrated Senior Night in appropriate fashion with a 15-3 triumph over Malden last Thursday evening at Miller Field.

“It was a great day celebrating all the hard work our seniors have put in,” said WHS head coach Brian Donnelly. “We were able to get a lot of first-year players goals, including seniors Matt Hurley, Loert Mana, and Colin Banfield, along with Jack Hayes and Welvis Acosta. It was great to see most of our seniors score and have a good time in what for some of them will be their last game together.

“This year the boys lacrosse team went from a club team with barely enough numbers to make a full squad to building the program back into a full varsity and JV team,” Donnelly continued. “The varsity team won the NEC south with an overall record of 14-4, going 9-2 in our conference and beating teams like Peabody, Danvers, and Beverly for the first time in program history. A lot of this success had to do with the hard work and dedication of the members of this senior class.”

Donnelly honored each of the seniors with appropriate remarks as follows:

Nate Evangelista

Sidelined by a hockey injury Nate was an excellent lacrosse player whose athletic ability and speed was sorely missed this year. Nate will go down in WHS lacrosse history as the best ever and first ever social media coordinator for the team. He brought his design skills and humor to the WHS lax Instagram and after this year we have no doubt he will be very successful as he attends High Point University to go into sports management. Although he did not see the field this year, he will always be a part of our team’s history and thank him for developing our WHS LAX Instagram account. . Good luck Nate Evangelista!

Loert Mana

This was Loert’s first year playing lacrosse and he brought excitement and liveliness to the team. He challenged his team mates every day in practice and was a force at defensive middle when he saw the field. He is one of the fastest players on the feld and can run like a gazelle. He will be attending Suffolk University next year studying international relations. We wish him the best of luck.

Esteban Alvarez

Esteban was another first year player to the lacrosse squad this year. He brought his speed, agility and tenacity to the field every day. As the year went on he developed his sticks skills and worked every day to make himself and the players around him better. He kept a positive attitude and used every day as an opportunity to improve. Next year he will be attending Bentley University to study finance and is hoping to join the soccer team. Good luck Esteban.

Colin Banfield

Colin Banfield is another first year player that joined the lacrosse program for his senior year. Colin turned into an excellent feeder at attack who created opportunities for those around him. Colin used his physicality from hockey to also be a ground ball machine when on the field. He brought his sense of humor to the field and always had his teammates smiling.   He will be going to Plymouth State in New Hampshire next year. Good luck with all of your future pursuits.

Raesean Bebri

Raesean was another first year lacrosse player this year who joined the team. Resean uses his athleticism and strength to make his mark on the field. As his stick skills improved throughout the year Raesean has become a playmaker getting time both at long pole defense and as a short stick midfielder. He also brings a sense of humor to the team that keeps things light and his personality shines on and off the field. He has worked hard to improve this year and his drive will no doubt help him next year as he attends Suffolk University next fall to pursue supply chain management. Good luck Raesean.

Andrew Hurley

Andrew Hurley joined the lacrosse team last year and continues to make his mark on the field at the attack position. Andrew plays an excellent crease attack man with a deadly quick shot from the middle. He brings excitement to the field at the position and plays everyday with a great attitude. Andrew is a crowd favorite on the team and in the stands and his attitude and effort is second to none. He helped preserve the program last year as a pivotal member of the team and his dedication to the program will be remembered. He will be attending UNH in the fall to pursue a degree in homeland security. Thanks for everything you brought the team over and good luck in the future.

Welvis Acosta

Welvis has had an amazing senior year for the lacrosse program. Welvis played for the program his freshman year starting at our defensive position. He went to Malden Catholic for a year and we are happy he returned to us this year to rejoin the squad. Welvis is the heart and soul of our defense and can be seen all over the field from long stick middie, taking face off or covering whoever the other team’s best offense man, Welvis’s mark on the team can be felt every game. He has two assists and a goal on the season, but creates goals and looks for his teammates through his feice ground ball battles and uncanny ability to clear the ball in traffic. He has the most vicious checks on the team and challenges our guys every day to improve their skills. Welvis’s mark will forever be a part of WHS lacrosse and through his amazing attitude and effort the coaches named him a late season captain that is a true testament to his character. He will be attending UNH in the fall and we wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Jack Hayes

Jack Hayes is a two-year captain of the Lacrosse team whose leadership, positive attitude and skills have taken the program to the next level. He was one of a few returning players who helped keep the team together through the difficulty of building back up after the COVID years. His dedication to the program and investment into Winthrop High School lacrosse is unmatched. WHS lax is eternally grateful for his grit, determination and dedication to the team and program. Jack is a true leader of a young attack core and recorded 18 assists and 21 goals on the season so far. Jack is a true example of what it means to be a Winthrop Viking and we hope that his leadership skills and attitude will continue on with the players that he has mentored over the last few years. Jack will be sorely missed on the squad, and we thank him for his lasting marks on the program. Next year Jack plans to join the armed forces and hopes one day to be a state trooper. Congratulations and good luck in the future.

Donnelly and his crew now will await word of their seeding and first-round opponent in the upcoming Division 4 State Tournament. The Vikings presently are ranked 13th in Division 4 and appear likely to host 20th ranked Archbishop Williams in a Round of 32 contest next Monday.

Nick Cappuccio Wins Two Medals; Arianna C. Wins One; Galuris Sets Javelin Record

Winthrop’s standout track and field man, sophomore Nick Cappuccio, brought home two medals from last week’s Division 6 State Meet.

Nick took a third-place ribbon in the 200 meter dash with a sprint of 22.50, just off the winning time of 22.07 by Winston Lewis of Springfield. Cappuccio, who was the only sophomore in the final eight, had the fastest time, 22.57, in the qualifying round.

Nick also earned a seventh place medal in the 100 meter event with a dash of 11.35. The race was won by Monomoy Regional eighth grader, Alique Brown, who clocked in at 11.03.

Teammate George Galuris set a new Winthrop High record in the javelin with a throw of 141′-11″, shattering the previous mark of 132′ that had been held by Jimmy Barker. George’s toss was good for ninth place, leaving him just shy of an eighth-place medal by two inches.

On the girls’ side, freshman Arianna Cappuccio brought home an eighth-place medal in the long jump with a leap of 15′-9″.

WHS Baseball Ready for State Tournament

The Winthrop High baseball team, which is ranked 28th in the MIAA’s Division 4 Power Rankings with an 8-11 record, appeared set to host a play-in game when the final seedings were to be announced yesterday (Wednesday) as the Sun-Transcript was going to press.

If the rankings remain status quo from yesterday morning, coach Mark Degregorio and his Vikings would entertain Charlestown, which sports a 12-6 and is ranked 37th in the seedings.

If Winthrop advances, and assuming the rankings remain intact, they would travel to Billerica to take on fifth-ranked Shawsheen Tech in the Round of 32.

WHS Girls Lacrosse Wins Final Two Matches, Awaits Word of Tourney Foe

The Winthrop High girls lacrosse team won its final two contests of the season last week to conclude their 2023 campaign with a 9-9 record. Coach Emma Marrs and her crew were awaiting word of their seeding and first round opponent in the upcoming Division 4 state lacrosse tournament as the Sun-Transcript went to press.

The Lady Vikings are ranked 23rd in D-4 and appear likely to be headed to take on 10th-ranked Nipmuc Regional for a Round of 32 contest. Nipmuc is located in Upton, just west of I-495.

Last Tuesday the Lady Vikings dispatched Revere, 12-1. Emma Holmes paced the scoring attack with four goals. Hannah Parker struck for three goals and earned three assists. Julia Holmes scored two goals with an assist and Talia Martucci notched a pair of goals.

Sam DiMento added a goal and Mia Norris earned three assists. Kira Diaz also earned an assist.

In the season finale last Thursday, the Lady Vikings celebrated Senior Night with a display of offensive fireworks in an 18-4 triumph over Malden.

Parker struck for five goals and Emma Holmes scored three goals with two assists. Elizabeth Quinn and Kailey Sullivan both scored two goals. Julia Holmes made a nice contribution with a goal and five assists .

Also reaching the back of the Malden net for a goal each were Kira Diaz, Talia Martucci, Sam DiMento, Abby Holmes, and Mia Norris. Tegan Pereira made three saves in goal.

“It was a really great way to end our regular season,” said Marrs. “Everything seemed to be clicking across the field and it felt like the energy was very high throughout the game. We are really going to miss our seniors next season. Each of them has been a huge asset to the team and  we cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. As a team, we are looking forward to the big week ahead and preparing for the tournament. ”

Lume Deodorant Review for 2023 [Plus, Lume Scents RANKED]

Last updated: June 14th, 2023

If you’re curious about trying Lume natural deodorant, first read my in-depth Lume deodorant review!

Most of us use deodorant daily.

Conventional drugstore deodorants use aluminum to block pores and prevent sweat altogether. 

While the health risks of aluminum antiperspirants are still up for debate, regular deodorant contains other artificial fragrances and ingredients that you might not want on–or in–your body.

This is one of the reasons why I’ve been using natural deodorant on and off for years.

I first started using the brand Lume (pronounced loo-mee) nearly three years ago after impulsively ordering a set (thanks, targeted advertising!). 

Recently, Lume discontinued the Jasmine Rose scent I’d started with.

Since I’d always been on the fence about how much I liked that scent, it seemed like a good time to dive into a range of Lume’s fragrances.  

I wanted to discover if there was a scent that would make me a die-hard Lume fanatic or if my ambivalence about Jasmine Rose was a result of Lume as a whole.

Read on for my in-depth review of Lume deodorant, including a ranked Lume deodorant scents review, and find out if Lume is worth the price and the hype.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Table of Contents

A Quick Look at Lume as a Company

If you’ve ever seen a Lume commercial, you’ve probably noticed that they advertise it as whole body deodorant–for pits, feet, and privates.

Lume’s inventor, Shannon Klingman, created Lume specifically for privates after noticing that many women were receiving inaccurate BV diagnoses during her residency as an OB/GYN. 

Lume is aluminum-free, baking soda-free, and cruelty-free.

It doesn’t block or prevent sweat but instead works with your body chemistry to prevent the bacterial reaction that causes odor.

How to Use Lume Deodorant and How it Works

Lume is paraben free and uses multiple natural ingredients such as aloe barbadensis leaf juice, tapioca starch, and maranta arundinacea root powder (also known as arrowroot powder) to control odor and sweat.

One of the key Lume deodorant ingredients is mandelic acid, an AHA found in skincare products, which also has an antibacterial effect. 

Lume stops bacteria from reacting with bodily fluids, such as sweat, and causing odor, which also means Lume needs a “clean slate” to work. 

So, if you haven’t showered in a few days and start to smell, putting on some Lume won’t tide you over for another 24 hours. This is because the odor-causing bacteria is already there.

My Honest Thoughts on Lume Deodorant

Lume reviews are overwhelmingly positive–many are rave reviews–but after my first run using the Jasmine Rose scent, I was underwhelmed. But was it just that odor? Or was it Lume itself?

First, here’s a little background on me and my deodorant use.

It’s possible that I’m sadly mistaken, and no one has the heart to tell me, but I’ve never had a big problem with body odor.

I shower every day and never wear the same shirt or underwear for longer than 24 hours.

Sometimes, I even end up bathing twice a day or changing my clothes midday, simply because I love baths and showers, and I enjoy playing dress-up.

I’ve used deodorant since I hit puberty, but I’ve gotten a little lax about it in recent years and found that I don’t have much body odor as long as I’m showering every day. (I think! Hopefully!)

I’ve used previous deodorants more like perfume: a pleasant scent to add to my body rather than a means to control odor. 

And I’m a big fan of things that smell amazing. I love perfume, incense, essential oils, bath bombs, and scented lotions. 

I do, however, use deodorant in the summertime to prevent thigh-chafing and underboob sweat.

I started using Lume in 2020 and then spent a long time in isolation, so it lasted a very long time due to my infrequent use.

I didn’t hate it, but I hoped for a more aromatic, floral scent. Something about it reminded me of diaper cream.

While that wasn’t horrible–it smelled like a baby’s bottom!–it also wasn’t the intoxicating scent of fresh Jasmine that I was hoping for.

I wondered why I had dropped $30 on deodorant and cursed my impulsive spending habits.

However, I was missing a key piece of understanding about Lume during my first experience. Lume doesn’t cover up odor; it chemically prevents it. 

SHOP LUME DEODORANT

My Experience with Lume Deodorant

When my package of new scents from Lume arrived, I immediately sniffed them and found that while they were each pleasant, they also had that faint “baby’s bottom” smell. 

Some scents were more potent than others, but they all smelled different when applied.  

My original Lume starter pack that I bought a few years ago included cream deodorant–one squeeze tube and one cream dispenser.

However, since Lume also makes solid deodorant these days, I got a variety of cream and solid deodorant for my most recent Lume haul.

Below, you’ll find my reviews for each deodorant I bought and tested.

Unscented

As I’ve mentioned, I’m pretty focused on pleasant scents when it comes to deodorant, so the Unscented solid deodorant tube didn’t excite me much. 

However, I think the unscented one will be helpful to prevent thigh chafing once summer rolls around.

Traditional deodorant that contains aluminum prevents chafing by preventing sweat altogether. 

Some natural deodorants I’ve used in the past do absolutely nothing to avoid chafing in the absence of aluminum, but I found that using Lume prevents chafing reasonably well. 

That’s because Lume is moisturizing and contains powders that help stop chafing.

Peony Rose

I reached for Peony Rose first because I’m fond of flower scents. 

I got this fragrance in a cream dispenser, and I was hoping this scent would have what Jasmine Rose had been missing, but it was honestly quite similar.  

Rose is one of my favorite smells. I love rose essential oil, and my go-to perfume is rose-scented. But, similar to Jasmine Rose, this didn’t smell likes roses at all. 

It smells floral in an indistinct way. So, it’s not offensive, but it’s disappointing because it’s not what I wanted it to be.

Lavender Sage

This scent was my original favorite.

This fragrance came as a solid stick, which I prefer to the cream deodorant. Smelling it straight out of the tube, I liked this scent for its herbaceous and floral qualities. 

Also, Lume uses essential oils for their fragrances, which was especially apparent in this scent. 

However, after wearing it on my skin for a while, my enthusiasm for this scent cooled a little.

I found that it smelled worse when it mixed with my particular body chemistry.

Warm Vanilla

Note: Warm Vanilla is now discontinued on both Amazon and Lume’s main website.

I got a squeeze tube of the Warm Vanilla scent. I immediately decided this would be the best Lume scent for private parts, which is how I mostly used it. 

Straight from the tube, it smelled a bit like cake or frosting. But once applied, the scent didn’t linger much. I wasn’t very taken with it and abandoned it.

Coconut Crush

Note: Coconut Crush is currently still available on Amazon through Lume’s official Amazon storefront, but it‘s discontinued on the main website. It’s been replaced by a fragrance called ‘Toasted Coconut,’ which should be pretty similar.

My Coconut Crush scent came in the form of a solid stick.

The fragrance was a bit faint, even when I directly sniffed the tube, but it reminded me, not unpleasantly, of sunscreen. 

Similar to other Lume scents, once applied, the aroma faded pretty quickly. 

Silver Spruce

Note: Silver Spruce is still currently available on Amazon through Lume’s official Amazon storefront, but it‘s discontinued on Lume’s main website. It’s been replaced by a fragrance called Fresh Alpine.

The Silver Spruce scent, which I have in cream stick form, was the only scent I could smell coming off my armpits later in the day. 

I liked the fragrance’s strong smell, but it struck me as a bit more masculine. 

I gave this one to my fiance and he applied it after a long day, but it smelled completely different when he did and actually made him smell worse! 

But this is just further proof of how Lume doesn’t mask the odor; it prevents it. So, when an odor is already present, it’s not going to help much. 

Clean Tangerine

I got the Clean Tangerine scent in a cream stick. The scent isn’t overpowering when it comes out of the tube, so I didn’t expect to think much of it. 

But as it turned out, Clean Tangerine turned me into a Lume believer.

The fragrance remains pretty faint on my body, but it gains a slightly botanical quality that I enjoy.  

I like to take an evening bath before cooking dinner. After my day of wearing Clean Tangerine all over, I was putting my clothes back on after my bath when I noticed something remarkable. 

Both my shirt and underwear smelled like they’d come straight out of the drawer – with a hint of citrus. After wearing them for an entire day!

I finally fully understood Lume. It’s not about the added fragrances, it’s about chemically preventing odors altogether. 

I’d always felt that deodorant wasn’t crucial as long as I bathed and changed clothes regularly. 

But after testing out the Clean Tangerine scent, I realized that Lume could allow me to go longer between showers and costume changes if I wanted.

It could also be a game-changer for travel and enable me to pack lighter!

Pros

Effectively prevents odor

Most importantly, Lume does what it claims to do.

If you apply it straight out of the shower, this stuff basically kills BO and will keep you odor-free all day long.

You might even be able to get a second wear out of a shirt. 

While other natural deodorants I’ve tried are essentially just scented lotions with baking soda, Lume achieves excellent odor control on a chemical level.

It comes in varied forms

Whether you prefer cream deodorant or solid from a stick or a tube, Lume has plenty of different options to suit your needs. 

Naturally derived ingredients

Lume doesn’t contain any aluminum, baking soda, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, or talc, and the fragrances are all-natural. 

It’s also cruelty-free and safe to use on your more “sensitive” areas without worrying about throwing off your ph or giving yourself an infection (although you shouldn’t use it internally, it’s for external use only).

It prevents chafing better than other natural deodorants

For a long time, I thought the only way to prevent summertime chafing effectively was aluminum-filled antiperspirant. 

While Lume isn’t as long-lasting as an antiperspirant in this regard, I know from my previous experience that it does a meaningful job of preventing stinging, chafed skin on hot summer days.  

For a natural deodorant, that’s pretty impressive.

It lasts a long time

I’m not referring to how long Lume lasts on your body–although it should prevent odor for up to 72 hours–but the product itself lasts quite a while. 

With Lume, a little bit goes a long way, so one purchase can reduce odor and keep you going for a very long time.  

Cons

The fragrances are underwhelming

I’ve yet to find a Lume fragrance that I truly love.

While most of their fragrances are pleasant enough, Lume still hasn’t managed to create an olfactory masterpiece. 

Some scents are very faint while others are strong. Some smell like you’d expect them to and some don’t.

However, one thing they all have in common is that “baby’s bottom” scent that must come from the formula itself. 

I will say though, if you’re not a big “scent” person and don’t like to smell perfumed, Lume is probably an ideal deodorant for you. 

The formula has an off-putting odor

The most common theme you’ll see in negative reviews of Lume deodorant is that it smells bad.

And I’m not talking about the added fragrances here, but the smell of the formula itself.

Personally, it reminds me of diaper cream or baby powder, which is why I compare it to a baby’s bottom. Others have described it more crudely as smelling “like a stinky butt,” or, “horrible.”

I don’t find it horrible, but it isn’t great.

Plus, I found that this particular odor fades once you apply it to your skin, leaving behind whatever fragrance you selected.

It’s expensive

One stick of Lume–cream or solid–is around $15.

The previous deodorants I’ve used run between $5 and $8 from the drugstore, so this seems a bit steep for deodorant. 

The cream stick gets crusty quickly

There’s a minor design issue with the cream stick. As I’ve said, a little goes a long way. 

When you turn the wheel, more tends to come out than you need.

So, there’s inevitably some leftover, which dries out, gets crusty, and plugs the holes, leading to more dispensing issues.  

Over time, the cream gets more solid inside the stick dispenser.

After about nine months, my cream stick deodorants are much thicker than they originally were. And there are nearly always dried-out plugs in the holes whenever I go to use it.

I’m personally partial to solid deodorant anyway, so I would recommend choosing that or getting the cream deodorant in the squeeze tube. That way, you can better control how it comes out. 

Lume Scents Ranked: My Picks for the Best Lume Deodorant Scents

#1 Clean Tangerine

I found that Clean Tangerine was the best overall scent. 

While its fragrance isn’t super strong, it smells good both out of the tube and on my body.

It also did the best compared to the other scents at keeping my clothes smelling fresh. 

#2 Silver Spruce

Silver Spruce (replaced by Fresh Alpine) comes in second place for its long-lasting aroma.

It’s a smell that I enjoy a lot, and although it initially didn’t feel very feminine to me, it’s grown on me as time has gone on.  

Admittedly, it can smell a little funky if you don’t apply it to clean skin, but that’s not how you should use Lume anyway. 

#3 Lavender Sage

Lavender Sage was my initial favorite because I’m a big fan of lavender, and I gravitate toward floral and herbal scents. 

However, as time went on, I noticed that I didn’t love the way it smelled on my skin. 

That said, it’s still a good scent that might work better with someone else’s body chemistry, and it was still pleasant enough that I’d consider wearing it again.

#4 Peony Rose

There’s nothing wrong with the Peony Rose scent. It’s inoffensive and flowery.

However, it doesn’t smell like roses, and it’s very similar to Jasmine Rose, which I also found to be underwhelming. 

I’m ranking it higher than vanilla and coconut because I like floral scents more than scents that remind me of foods.

#5 Warm Vanilla

Again, there’s nothing wrong with Warm Vanilla, but I’m less partial to scents that smell edible.  

Warm Vanilla reminds me of cake or vanilla frosting, so it’s not my favorite overall, and it’s also not very strong.

This scent is no longer available as of 2023, so it seems I’m the only one who feels lukewarm about it.

#6 Coconut Crush

Coconut Crush (replaced by Toasted Coconut) scores low for me only because I’m not particularly into coconut as a fragrance–an extension of my disinterest in smells that seem too edible. 

There’s nothing offensive about it, and I might reach for it before a beach day because that’s what it reminds me of, but I find myself using this one the least, so it’s low on the list.

#7 Unscented

It’s tough to know where to place the Unscented variety. Personally, I use it less than any other of the other scents so it ranks last for me. 

On the other hand, my biggest problem with Lume is that I still haven’t found a fragrance that I love. 

So, if all the scents are underwhelming and you’re only interested in Lume’s functionality, the unscented version could be the best choice.  

Me? I’m a fragrance enthusiast, so I’d rather use a just okay scent than no scent at all. 

Other Lume Products

Soaps

Lume makes bar soap with essential oil-derived fragrances.

Lume soap is free from any artificial ingredients and baking soda and parabens, and it won’t strip your skin. 

It’s also hypoallergenic, so–like all Lume products–it’s a good choice for people with sensitive skin. It’s not antibacterial soap, but it works for cleaning your face and body.

Acidified Body Wash

Your skin has a natural acid barrier and regular soaps strip that away.

Lume’s acidified body wash has a very low pH that won’t disrupt your skin’s natural state. 

Plus, Lume body wash is clinically proven to destroy body odor and leave you smelling much better than regular soap can.

It’s also gynecologist-approved to use all over your body.

Wipes

Lume wipes contain the same formula as their deodorant.

You can use them on your pits, privates, feet, or anywhere in between to freshen up when you’re on the go. 

The Lume body wipe is only available in a scent called “Cool Cucumber,” a fragrance not available for the cream and stick deodorants. 

Body Cream

Lume also makes acidified body cream that combines some of the best qualities of the deodorant and the shower wash. 

It’s acidified to preserve your acid mantle and it contains mandelic acid to kill bacteria and deodorize. 

And on top of that, it’s clinically proven to reduce Keratosis Pilaris–otherwise known as “Chicken Skin.” 

Laundry

Have you ever washed some particularly stinky gym clothes and found them still smelling afterward?

Lume makes a line of laundry care products called “Biofilm Buster.” 

There’s a sink soak and a pre-laundry spray, and both formulas help boost your detergent’s power.

The sink soak focuses on odor, while the spray does double-duty on both odor and stains.

Other Natural Deodorant Options Besides Lume

There are a ton of natural deodorants on the market–far too many to list here. 

Some are aluminum-free solid sticks, while others are charcoal-based and come in glass tubs. Some use baking soda, while others don’t.

But Lume’s two leading competitors are Native Deodorant and Schmidt’s Deodorant. 

Native Deodorant shows up in top spots on many natural deodorant reviews, while Schmidt’s is readily available at most drugstores. 

Lume Return & Exchange Policy

Lume offers returns for up to 60 days. You’ll need to send in a request with your order number and email address, and it could take up to 10 days to process the request. 

Refunds don’t include shipping and they’ll issue it to your original payment method. They don’t offer exchanges.

Lume Discounts & Coupons

As with most brands, you can find Lume discount codes through a quick Google search.  

In my experience, these types of discount codes are hit-or-miss, but they often do work and are worth a try. 

Lume also always offers free shipping on orders over $25.

As of now, many products on their site are marked down by 13-17%, but it’s unclear if these are temporary sales or permanent prices made to look like discounts.

Where to Buy Lume Deodorant

Lume is available on the Lume website. You can also buy Lume on Amazon and at Walmart.

Lume Deodorant Subscription

If you subscribe to Lume, you can have the deodorant delivered every one, two, or three months and save 10% off the cost.

FAQs About Lume Deodorant

Does Lume actually work for private parts?

Many ads market Lume for your private area, and it does indeed work for that!

However, it’s important to note that Lume prevents a bacterial reaction, which prevents odor. 

Like any bodily crevice, you are liable to sweat between your legs, so that’s what Lume addresses.  

It’s not for internal use, and it isn’t like a douche that will strip away your body’s natural microbiome. 

As long as you don’t have a bacterial infection, your natural “internal” odors are perfectly healthy and nothing to be ashamed of.

Does Lume really work for body odor? Does it prevent sweat?

Lume provides excellent body odor control, but it doesn’t prevent sweat. Without aluminum, it won’t block your sweat glands the way traditional deodorant does. 

Is Lume Deodorant okay to use? Is it safe?

Lume is safe to use thanks to an aluminum-free formula full of gentle, naturally-derived ingredients. 

It should be gentle on sensitive skin, although it’s always a good idea to test products out on a small patch of your skin first. 

Does Lume smell bad?

“Bad” is subjective, but in my opinion, the formula itself doesn’t smell great, and none of the fragrances are an all-time favorite scent. 

However, they’re not horrible and I don’t mind them once applied.

Should you use Lume every day?

Lume promises to last for up to 72 hours. I shower daily, so I apply it after I shower. 

I can’t find any evidence of Lume deodorant side effects, either in my research or firsthand experience, so using it every day shouldn’t hurt.

What’s the difference between natural deodorant and antiperspirant?

Antiperspirant uses aluminum to block pores and sweat. Natural deodorant addresses odor specifically, usually with detoxifying or antibacterial ingredients. 

How much Lume Deodorant should I use?

A little goes a long way! A pea-sized amount for each armpit or one swipe of a solid stick should have you covered. 

How long does a Lume Deodorant stick last? How about the cream?

A stick should last 110 applications, while a tube should last 150 applications. Depending on how often you use it, that could be quite long!

Does Lume Deodorant stain your clothes?

Lume doesn’t have a white residue (if you use the right amount and rub it in all the way), and it doesn’t stain your clothes at all.

Which Lume Deodorant smells the best?

Out of all the fragrances I’ve tried, the Clean Tangerine is my overall favorite.

Is Lume deodorant FDA-approved?

Lume is a personal care product, not a drug or medicine, and it isn’t for treating a medical problem.

The FDA approves drugs, so Lume falls outside of that category. However, the ingredients are all safe to use on your skin.

What are some Lume scents that have been discontinued?

Lume has made numerous changes since I first started using it. The original scent I bought was Jasmine Rose, but it’s now discontinued.

Here’s a full list of their retired fragrances:

• Bay Rum
• Sandalwood Citrus
• Cucumber Melon
• Jasmine Rose
• Sweet Lily
• Twisted Lime
• Warm Vanilla
• Coconut Crush (replaced by the similar Toasted Coconut) 
• Silver Spruce (replaced by the similar Fresh Alpine) 

Does Lume work for both men and women?

While a lot of Lume’s marketing is geared toward women, it works well for any gender.

Is Lume made in China?

No, Lume is manufactured in the USA. Their shipping fulfillment center is in Kentucky.

How do you apply Lume to lady parts?

The cream formula is what you should use for “full-body” application, while the solid stick is primarily for underarms.

Working from front to back, you can apply the cream formula to all external privates (including your butt crack!).

Don’t apply from the back to the front (UTIs are hell on earth), and there’s no need to “reach deep inside yourself.”

Can I use Lume under my breasts?

Absolutely!

What is in Lume that stops odor?

Lume’s formula prevents the growth of bacteria, which in turn prevents odor. The mandelic acid is one of the main ingredients that achieves this.

Why is Lume so popular?

Lume is unique in two ways. The first thing that sets it apart from other natural deodorants is that it doesn’t use baking soda, and–well–it actually works.

Second, most deodorants market themselves for armpits and don’t discuss the other body parts you might want to deodorize.

It turns out deodorant for private parts is something a lot of people want but perhaps were afraid to ask for.

Does Lume Deodorant work for feet?

Yes! Lume works to control odor anywhere it might arise, including your feet. 

It won’t cure a foot fungus; you’ll need medicated cream for that. But for everyday foot odor, using Lume will take care of things for you. 

So, is Lume Deodorant Worth it?

The time has come to make the ultimate verdict for this Lume review. Is Lume deodorant worth it? Should you buy it? The short answer is yes– this is, overall, a positive review. 

Lume does what it claims to do. It stops body odor at the source and does so without artificial or harmful ingredients.

Plus, it’s safe for delicate areas and sensitive skin. 

Lume is a bit expensive when you compare it to regular deodorant. But when you look at the price compared to other natural deodorants, it’s pretty comparable.  

And considering how long it lasts, the price is relatively reasonable.

If you’re going to buy natural deodorant, it will cost between $10 and $20 dollars per package.

The real caveat of Lume is the smell.

The formula itself is a bit unpleasant even though it works great to prevent BO, and none of the fragrances are anything to write home about. 

But the formula’s bad smell disappears after you apply it, and the fragrance isn’t what’s working to control odor. 

If you’re like me and love a fragrant aroma, you can supplement Lume with your favorite perfume. Or, if you’re the opposite of me, opt for the unscented version.

While the fragrance issue keeps me from saying that I absolutely love Lume, I believe it works wonders for odor control, so I’ll continue to use it because of that. 

SHOP LUME DEODORANT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elina Ansary

Elina Ansary is a writer, visual artist, and avid traveler. She grew up in San Francisco, CA, and spent her childhood camping up and down Northern California. These days, she visits artist residencies around the world and has lived in Amsterdam, Australia, and now Brooklyn, NY.

Looking for more product reviews? Read our related guides below!

Birdies Shoes Review

Rothy’s Review

Tieks Review

Thursday Boots Review

Best Waterproof Walking Shoes

Best Campfire Spray

Cirkul Water Bottle Review

Halara Review

Emery Rose Clothing Review

 Vivaia Shoes Review

 My Honest Cupshe Review

Pin one of these images for future reference

• Author
• Recent Posts

Mimi McFadden

Founder & Editor-In-Chief at The Atlas Heart

Mimi founded The Atlas Heart to share her love for her home state of California and the outdoors. The Atlas Heart is a space where you’ll find local tips, guides, and first-hand knowledge about gear & products, destinations, and everything the Golden State has to offer.

Latest posts by Mimi McFadden (see all)

TOP 7 Best Incense – Rating 2023

How aromas affect the mood and health of a person, treatises have been written. Incense appeared many centuries ago, becoming excellent helpers in attracting love, finding peace or a surge of energy, attracting money and good luck, and so on. Today, incense sticks are used only to create a pleasant atmosphere in the house, and therefore their choice depends solely on personal preferences.

Today we will tell you which incense is considered the best for 2023, and also explain how they are good for human health.

Main selection parameters:

• Popular fragrances
• Application area
• Use

Popular fragrances

9000 2
Each fragrance has a different strength. Choose the one that lives up to your expectations, cleanses your karma and perfumes the space. To do this, you can use a scented candle, an aroma diffuser, essential oil for a diffuser, oil or wax for scented lamps to finally enjoy a well-deserved rest.

• Lavender – soothes, helps with migraine and insomnia.

• Lemon – improves mood, eliminates fatigue and promotes creativity.

• Rose – improves blood circulation and helps with headaches and depression.

• Mandarin – relieves tension and reduces the feeling of sadness.

• Mint – refreshes and promotes brain activity.

Do you want to make the most of the possibilities offered by aromatherapy? Create the perfect environment for relaxation using the incense offered in our ranking.

Application

Incense is great for aromatherapy, helping to fight stress and fatigue. In addition, they have the disinfectant properties of . You can easily find fragrances that help improve concentration, create a romantic atmosphere or awaken a sense of self-security.

Be sure to use incense sticks to freshen up the apartment, prepare a place for relaxation and yoga, and create a comfortable environment while reading.

Use

Light the tip of a scented stick and blow on the flame so that it can be extinguished but still smolder. Then place it in its stand on a stable surface. Avoid drafts, restrict access to children and animals, and place incense in the safest possible place.

If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere, light an incense stick along with a candle, make yourself comfortable on the couch, cover yourself with a blanket and read a good book while drinking hot cocoa.

In the ranking:

• 1. HEM Good Fortune, 20 sticks

  Find out where it’s cheapest >>>

• 2. Indochina NR-20/106 (8 flavors) 25 cm, 8 pack. 20 pcs.

  Find out where it’s cheapest >>>

• 3. Bergamot, NEM, 20 sticks 900 88

  Find out where it’s cheapest >>>

• 4. HEM Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) hexagon 20 sticks

  Find out where it’s cheapest >>>

• 5. Sandal-Rose, 20 sticks

  Find out where it’s cheapest >>>

• 6. Synaa Rose Petals

  Find out where it’s cheapest >>>

  7. HEM Protection (Home Protection), 20 sticks

  Find out where it’s cheapest >>>

1. HEM Good Fortune incense, 20 sticks

90 002 Made in India HEM Good Fortune incense sticks provide clean and natural combustion with low smoke content. They do not contain synthetic materials, and therefore are absolutely safe for health, and provide a delicate balance of sweetness and spices for inhaling fragrant air from a compositional oil essence.

These Indian incense sticks are made from bamboo core for clean burning with low smoke content. Each box contains 20 all-natural incense sticks that burn for approximately 20 minutes. According to the labels on the packaging, HEM Good Fortune creates an atmosphere conducive to success. And if you want to stock up on luck, be sure to take note of these incense.

HEM Good Fortune

PROS AND CONS

• Natural plants are used in the recipe.
• Needed to attract good luck and restore spiritual harmony.
• Creates a relaxing atmosphere.
• Helps fight fatigue.
• Not found.

HEM Good Fortune

2. Incense sticks Indochina NR-20/106 (8 scents) 25 cm, 8 pack. 20 pcs.

This set of incense sticks contains natural scents dedicated to each chakra, including chocolate, honey, ylang ylang, bergamot, sandalwood, rose, frankincense, mint, sage and lotus. It does not contain any harsh chemicals, artificial flavors or synthetic materials such as petroleum products, charcoal or alcohol. Made from natural bamboo, they provide a slow, even burn, creating a long-lasting, soothing environment for meditation, yoga and relaxation. This set comes in sealed boxes and is offered at a very reasonable price. Rest assured it will last you a long time.

Indochina NR-20/106 (8 fragrances)

PROS AND CONS

• Helps create a special atmosphere in the house.
• Smoldering slowly.
• Smells good.
• Users don’t like all scents.

Indochina NR-20/106 (8 scents)

3. Bergamot Incense, HE, 20 sticks

This package of premium scented sticks contains a bamboo base, charcoal, natural oil fragrance essence capable of filling your entire house. Each stick burns slowly, holistically cleansing the air in your home and restoring energy balance, and it is also believed that bergamot helps to cleanse the space of negative energy.

Bergamot incense promotes creativity and helps you stay focused longer while doing important things. To burn one of the sticks, hold its tip over an open flame and let it go out after about 20 seconds. Then blow out the fire, let the fire smolder, and place the wand on a stable stand.

Bergamot, HE, 20 sticks

PLUSES AND MINUSES

• They have a strong effect on human energy.
• Create a pleasant atmosphere.
• Long lasting.
• Long lasting.
• The smell of an amateur.

Bergamot, HEM, 20 sticks

4. Incense HEM Eucalyptus hexagon 20 sticks

Indulge in the soothing, gentle aroma of eucalyptus with HEM incense sticks. This classic scent is known for its soothing, relaxing properties, making it the perfect bedtime incense. Indian HEM incense sticks are made from environmentally friendly materials, including aromatic oils derived from herbal plant extracts, seeds and bark. This pack of 20 incense sticks comes in a sealed package and is designed for long-term use. That is, one stick can burn for about 20 minutes, leaving the aroma for several hours.

HEM Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)

PROS AND CONS

• Reduce cough and asthma attacks.
• Promote brain function.
• Normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
• Relieve fatigue and drowsiness.
• Not everyone likes the smell.

HEM Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus)

5. Sandal-Rose Incense, 20 sticks

Calm your senses with the earthy, sweet scent of Sandal-Rose, 20 sticks with a pleasant rose scent. This harmonizing aroma is able to relax the nervous system and create a romantic atmosphere for a successful date. These scented sticks are said to bring balance and clarity while calming and relieving anxiety. In addition, their purpose is to protect and strengthen your aura from any negativity.

This box contains 20 incense sticks that provide a clean, slow burn. Get them if you have trouble sleeping or want to sink into the soul of your soulmate.

Sandal-Rose, 20 sticks

PROS AND CONS

• Purify the aura.
• Relieve headaches.
• Helps you fall asleep quickly.
• Relieve stress and anxiety.
• Not everyone likes the smell.

Sandal-Rose, 20 Sticks

6. Synaa Incense Sticks Rose Petals

Create a cozy, romantic atmosphere with Synaa Rose Petals Smokeless Organic Incense . Formulated with natural ingredients, these incense sticks release a soft, sweet fragrance that lingers delightfully in a room without overwhelming the space.

Traditionally made in India, they use only organic, high-quality wood and essential oils, which has a positive effect on human health in general. And Synaa Rose Petals is a great option for people who are sensitive to strong odors and smoke. This box contains 20 sticks, each burning for approximately 20 minutes.

Synaa Rose Petals

PROS AND CONS

• Improve memory.
• Made by hand.
• Purify the aura.
• Reveal emotions.
• The smell of an amateur.

Synaa Rose Petals

7. HEM Protection Incense, 20 sticks

Unlike air fresheners, which temporarily mask odors by coating the air with chemicals, incense sticks create a unique microclimate inside the home. HEM Protection is an incense whose purpose is to protect the house from negative emotions and any external influence designed to harm you and your family. It is believed that aromatherapy really heals both the soul and the body, and therefore you should pay attention to these incense sticks. They smolder for about 20 minutes, and a light aroma persists for several hours.

HEM Protection

PROS AND CONS

• Protect the human aura.
• Repel negative messages from outside.
• Restore energy balance.
• Smells good.
• It’s impossible to tell exactly what they smell like.

HEM Protection

Rating results:

Aromatherapy is an ancient form of medicine that aims to heal a person on a spiritual level. And if you’re looking for the best incense of 2023, be sure to check out our quick summary:

1. HEM Good Fortun e.

2. Sandal-Rose will help create a romantic atmosphere.

3. You can improve the body as a whole with the help of HEM Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) .

Good luck choosing!

Copywriter of the “Ratings of the Best” channel

April Veresen

12 years in copywriting helped me understand how to choose quality information for the reader. That is why I always try to choose only the best products for you and your home! Suggestions for topics can be sent to the email address.

I am writing so that you always choose the best!

Comments

The best drumsticks: Which ones to choose?

Structure of the drumstick

The butt is the balance area of ​​the stick.

The body is the largest part of the stick, representing the grip and striking part.

The shoulder is the part of the stick most commonly used to strike a crash. The basis of the rhythm is created just by alternating hits with the end of the stick and the shoulder on the hi-hat. The length and thickness of the taper affect the flexibility, sound and feel of the stick. Sticks with a short and thick taper feel stiff, but they offer more durability and create the most powerful sound. Drum sticks with a long and narrow taper are considered fragile and flexible, and their sound is more delicate.

The neck moves the stick from the shoulder to the tip. The neck allows you to identify the place of the beginning of the tip and the end of the arm of the stick. Therefore, the neck is the connecting link between the tip and the shoulder. The shape of the neck is determined by the shape of the shoulder and tip.

Drum stick tips come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The size of the head affects the intensity, volume and duration of the resulting sound. There are an extremely large number of tip shapes, so it is not at all easy to systematize sticks according to the type of tips. In addition to the shape, tips can vary in length, size, processing, material.

Drumstick Tips

Tips are divided into 8 main types:

Pointed or triangle-tipped

Style and application: jazz, funk, fusion, blues, groove, swing, etc. .p .

It has a larger contact area with the head compared to the round one, which allows to spare the head and “blunt” pickup errors. The sound produced is of medium content and with a wider focus. The sound of the cymbals is not as bright and accentuated as the round tip. Recommended for beginner drummers.

Ball tip

Style and application: Works great in the studio, symphony orchestra, and light jazz, thanks to the use of both symmetrical and traditional stick grips.

Focuses the sound, which is immediately noticeable when playing cymbals. Significantly reduces the change in sound when struck at different angles of the stick. Great for bright playing and clear sound production. The round small tip creates a highly focused sound and is very delicate with cymbals. And sticks with a large rounded part of the round tip create a fuller sound. This tip does not forgive mistakes in sound extraction and it is more expedient to use it for musicians with a correctly delivered beat.

Barrel tip

Style direction and application: light rock, jazz, funk, fusion, blues, groove, etc.

Larger head contact area than a round tip, saving head and blunting picking errors. Produces a medium-filled sound with a wider focus. Unlike a round tip, it creates a less pronounced and accentuated cymbal sound. Recommended for beginner drummers.

Cylindrical tip

Style & Application: A great choice for drummers of all styles – rock, metal, jazz, pop. Most often used for rock, rock’n’roll, hard rock smooth jazz, swing, ambient, easy listening, etc.

Designed primarily for rhythmic, powerful and loud playing. Due to the large area of ​​contact with the plastic, an open, dull, muffled, not sharp, diffused sound is created. In addition, it can be used for a quiet soft game. Sound attack is dull medium.

Olive-shaped tip

Style and application: trash metal, gothik metal, hard metal, rock, jazz, fusion, swing, etc. with a lot of down-beats on the cymbals.

The rounded shape is perfect for fast metal playing. This handpiece is recommended for teaching primary hand placement. Good for alternating fast up-down playing and slow playing with concentrated (directed) cymbal and drum strikes to create soft, focused sound production. “Convexity” makes it possible to control the sound and the area of ​​contact with the surface of the instruments in the widest range, depending on the angle at which the stick is tilted to the surface of the instrument. The tip creates a low full sound by spreading the energy over a larger area (compared to a round or triangular tip), thus extending the life of the heads. An excellent choice for those who prefer a tough game. When performed on cymbals, it creates a surround sound.

Oval tip

Style and application: rock, metal, pops, marches, etc.

A good choice for playing loudly with a strong accent and powerful sound attack. Recommended for marching drums and for concerts in large venues or stadiums.

Teardrop tip

Style and application: swing, jazz, blues, fusion, etc. A very common choice of jazz drummers. Fast and light sticks with this tip are ideal for playing in a jazz ensemble and orchestra.

Produces a high-pitched, full sound by spreading energy over a narrow area. Produces a rich cymbal sound with focused attack. Recommended for dull accents when playing at medium and slow tempos. It has a good rebound, suitable for sharp and clear shots. Great for accent soft sound production, which is important for symmetrical capture. It will perfectly cope with highlighting accents on the ride with up-down strikes, for example, when leading a swing rhythm with a stick head. In addition, it is recommended for use with heavy speed-metal, as well as for training sessions.

Acorn tip

Style and application: rock, metal, pops, funk, swing, jungle, blues, etc.

Produces a very bright, powerful sound at low attack. Of note is the good degree of clarity and articulation when hitting the ride. It proved to be excellent at sharp transitions from loud powerful playing to rhythmic quiet pulsation, as well as when playing with traditional and symmetrical grips.

Choice of sticks

The choice of sticks depends on the music you are going to play. Personal preference should include the material, size, shape of the tip.

Feel the sticks, hold them in your hands. The wand should feel comfortable in the hands, it is necessary that its size matches your hand in length and diameter. The stick must be suitable for the sound you want to create. For example, 7A sticks are good for playing in a small venue, but are completely out of the question for a drum orchestra on the street.

Before deciding to buy, you should try to compare different models of sticks.

When choosing sticks, the following criteria must be taken into account:

Type of wood. The right choice of wood will have an impact on the sound and durability of the sticks. Do not consider sticks with a pronounced texture of wood, they will quickly break.

Wood structure. Soft or dense – the wear of the sticks depends on it.

Hardness of wood – the resistance of wood to change shape or destruction of the surface under physical influences. Hardwood is characterized by a brighter tone, greater attack and spread, which many people like.

Density – the ratio of the mass of wood to its volume. It is the most important indicator of strength. The heavier the tree, the greater its strength and density.

Even two trees of the same species cannot be the same. Consequently, a tree differs in density from one log to another, and even within the same log. The density of wood is affected by its moisture content. It becomes clear why some sticks are solid and powerful, while others seem to be hollow, despite the fact that they are represented by the same brand and model.

Processing. Finishing sticks are:

• Sanded, without any coating. When grinding, all noticeable irregularities are removed from the surface of the sticks using abrasive materials, usually emery, while maintaining the natural rough texture of wood. This improves the grip of the hand and stick, and also improves the absorption of excess moisture. However, such sticks are more prone to destruction than varnished sticks.
• Lacquered. Lacquer transparent coatings protect wood from the harmful effects of moisture and dust. Thanks to this, the surface becomes smooth, beautiful, with an intense shine, and the texture becomes contrasting. The lacquer coating makes the surface of the sticks more durable and strengthens them. However, lacquered sticks “do not hold out” to polished ones.
• Polished. Polishing is the highest class of processing sticks. The polishing process evens out the layers of varnish previously applied to the surface, and the wood acquires a pronounced texture. At the same time, several thinnest layers of polish (a solution of vegetable resins and alcohol) are applied to the sticks. Due to this, the surface of the sticks acquires strength, mirror evenness and shine.

Not all drummers like lacquered and polished sticks because they can slip out of sweaty hands when played.

Wood moisture – percentage of moisture in wood.

Usually a freshly cut tree contains up to 50% – 60% moisture. Then it dries itself by 12 – 16%, after which the percentage of wood moisture remains permanently stable. Therefore, before starting the processing of wood, it is necessary to artificially dry it to the optimum level of humidity. As a rule, wood for the manufacture of sticks is dried to 6 – 14% moisture. The entire drying process takes an average of two weeks. However, the exact time of exposure and drying is not written anywhere, this is a secret of each manufacturer.

Sticks need low humidity when they leave production. The tree “breathes”, and, depending on the humidity of the surrounding air, the amount of moisture in it will change all the time. Consequently, the sticks will decrease in size or increase due to changes in climate and humidity. If the wood is dried poorly, then before processing and subsequently it can peel off, warp, shrink, dry out, crack, warp and deform.

Stick length. Longer sticks have correspondingly more leverage and better drum reach, but are harder to control. If you need more power with the same diameter, then choosing a longer stick is the best solution.

Diam. The large diameter has a large mass, capable of developing a large sound projection and loudness.

Stick weight. Weight has a direct impact on sound, strength, and your ability to control sticks. Usually the sound of heavy sticks is thicker and louder. Light sticks have a “thin” and soft sound.

Heavy sticks have a lot of inertia, because of this their trajectories are the most consistent and they “easily relate” to most mistakes. And this makes them easier for beginner drummers to control. In addition, playing with heavier sticks promotes the drummer’s stamina, regardless of his natural ability. Having heavier sticks in your arsenal in order to expand your sonic possibilities is not a bad idea at all. You will immediately notice that by switching to lighter sticks, they will be more difficult to control.

Evenness is an important parameter that gives an even feeling of balance to the sticks. Wood is a natural material that absorbs moisture, so the shape and size of sticks always depend on external conditions. There can never be two perfectly even sticks.

Recoil absorption is affected by the type of wood and the shape of the stick. The more the drumstick absorbs the recoil, the less the hand and joints strain, the easier it is to play. “Balance” (center of gravity) and comfortable grip depends on the type of wood, its shrinkage, the shape of the stick and the structure of the musician’s hand.

Stick markings

The very first approved stick numbering was the traditional model numbering. These are, for example, 2B, 5B, 5A and 7A. The number and letter are the size and purpose of the stick, respectively. According to its specification, each model is slightly different for each manufacturer, most often in the place of narrowing of the stick and its tip.

The number indicates the diameter of the stick, or rather its thickness. A smaller number indicates a larger diameter, and a larger number, on the contrary, indicates a smaller diameter. For example, stick 7A is smaller in diameter than 5A, which, in turn, is thinner than 2B. The only exception is 3S, it is larger in diameter than 2B, despite the number.

The letters “S”, “B” and “A” once indicated the scope of a particular model, but today this meaning is almost completely lost.

The “S” stood for “Street”. Initially, this model of sticks was intended for street performances: in marching or drum orchestras, where there is a high power of impacts and sound volume. Therefore, these sticks have the largest size.

“B” stood for “Band”. Initially, they were supposed to be used for wind and symphony orchestras. They have a larger shoulder and head size, which is good for louder playing than the “A” model. Commonly used in powerful, noisy music. They are easier to control and are recommended for beginner drummers. The Model 2B should be especially noted by drum teachers as the ideal sticks to start with.

“A” – surprisingly, this is from the word “Orchestra”. According to the idea of ​​the legendary drummer and creator of percussion instruments William Ludwig, the letter “O” was replaced with the letter “A”, because, in his opinion, it looked better than the “O” when printed. The “A” models were originally intended for big bands; bands performing dance music.

These sticks are generally thinner than the “B” models, with thinner necks and small heads, resulting in a quiet and soft sound. Most often, these sticks are used in light music, for example, in jazz, blues, pops, etc.

The most popular among drummers are the “A” models.

The “N” stands for “Nylon” and is a relatively recent designation. It is placed at the end of the marking, for example “5A N” and indicates that the sticks have a nylon tip.

Drumstick Material

Hickory Walnut is ideal for drumsticks. Strength, hardness, effective absorption of recoil upon impact, excellent damping of vibration transmitted from blows to the hands. It has an average weight, almost not subject to bending.

European Beech has a fibrous wood structure. Flexible. The density and hardness of wood is different, depending on the area where the tree grows. Beech wood in its main mechanical properties is very similar to oak wood. After drying, almost all wood characteristics improve, beech becomes stronger in bending than oak, overtakes it in stiffness and shear resistance, and also turns out to be more durable under shock loads.

Beech is strongly and quickly exposed to changes in humidity, so it can be called “capricious” or “sensitive”.

Maple is the lightest and most flexible wood with a soft structure. It doesn’t have the hardness and strength of American walnut or oak, and sticks made from them are the right choice if you like a light feel and fast response. Maple sticks are called “docile sticks” with excellent recoil absorption. They are flexible and have good bounce, and are used when the playing is quiet or fast to create a light “airy” sound, especially when played on cymbals.

Oak is a very durable wood, weighs more than maple and walnut and is much more durable. Very moisture resistant. Oak sticks are the most durable, heavy and dense, with a noticeable impact. Oak is rarely used for making sticks.

Hornbeam – this tree has a medium density structure, good recoil absorption. The weight of wood can vary from very light to medium heavy. The flexibility of the hornbeam is inferior to the flexibility of beech and oak. Hornbeam sticks are impact resistant. It is afraid of moisture, as well as beech.

Pao Rosa (Rosewood) is a very hard, durable wood. Rosewood sticks are preferred for their wonderful tonal hue and feel. But they are not suitable for playing on plates.

In addition to wood, the material for the production of sticks will be polyurethane, carbon fiber (Carbon) or aluminum. These sticks are highly durable.

Wood: The Differences

Starting to choose the right drumsticks for yourself, you should start with the base – wood. There are three main types of wood that are used to make drumsticks. The first type is maple. It is the lightest and has excellent flexibility. Maple is ideal for high energy play as it absorbs impact energy well. With it, you will feel less punches with your hands. The next type of wood is walnut, it is most often used as a material for making sticks. It has a good level of energy absorption and flexibility. And now, oak. Oak drumsticks rarely break, but you will feel the vibration a lot more due to the poor energy absorption capacity of oak. If the stick does not say what kind of wood it is made of, then put this stick aside. As a rule, this means that it is made of an incomprehensible material and does not meet standards.

Choice of tip

Once you’ve chosen your tree, it’s time to choose the right tip. There are two main types of tip: wood and nylon. The tree is more common. It is a good choice for many types of games. The main and only disadvantage of the wooden tip is rapid wear with frequent use. Nylon tips last much longer and are useful for cymbal playing where you need a bright cymbal sound and good bounce. Minus the nylon tip – can fly off the stick during the performance. If you play music on electronic drums, it is better to use drumsticks with nylon tips. Wooden sticks can break, and with a broken stick, you can seriously damage the mesh on the pedo.

Choosing the size

Once you have decided on the wood and the tip, choose the right drumstick size. Each manufacturer codes their drumsticks somewhat differently, but they are quite similar nonetheless. There are three main categories of drumsticks:

• 7A – the lightest and thinnest drumsticks for the soft sound of your drums. Perfect for jazz music.
• 5A – the most common sticks, have an average thickness, are able to play both loudly and quietly. Good for rock music.
• 2V/5V are thicker than the previous ones and can produce a loud sound from the drums. Ideal solution for metal and hard rock.

Tips

• Hold the sticks in your hands as you would during a game, try how they slide between your fingers.
• It is necessary to choose sticks that will easily slide in the hand, while not slipping out of it. If Pro-marks are too slippery, Regal-tips are perfect.
• You should always have several pairs of drumsticks with you. Firms – manufacturers of drumsticks produce convenient cases for storing them. Put several sets in your bag and your sticks will always be at your fingertips.
• If you want to get that sizzling sound on your snare, like jazz drummers, it’s worth buying a pair of brushes. The brushes have retractable thin metal rods, and they are mainly used to create a quiet background rhythm.
• During acoustic concert you can use rue, they are made from hewn birch or bamboo chips. Their sound, compared to brushes, is more muffled. Despite the fact that the rue can be of different thicknesses, we do not recommend hitting them too hard. Sometimes pieces can break off and become unplayable.
• Periodically try different innovations. For example, training rubber pads.
• Use ear plugs when playing drums. Drums are a source of loud sound that is fairly close to your ears. Do you want to listen to music, listen to the interlocutor and participate in the conversation when you are 80? Most drummers report hearing loss by the age of 50, and only after that they start using earplugs. You should not bring yourself to such a thing.
• If you play metal, use 5B sticks.
• In general, you can start with very thick sticks of size 2A or more, in order to train your wrist.