Luke's Recommended Gear
The Gear I Personally Recommend: “It just works”.
Over the years, I've tested a lot of drumming equipment. I didn’t start out with top-shelf gear, so over time I’ve found the gear that stands up to the beating that is drumming.
The products on this page are the ones I regularly recommend to my own students because they've consistently proven to be reliable, great value, and well-suited to learning.
Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your setup, these are the items I'd confidently recommend to my own family and students.
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Drumsticks
Vic Firth American Classic 5A
🥁 Not sure which sticks to buy? Start here.
The Vic Firth 5A is the standard drumstick I recommend to most students at FLAMM Academy.
It offers an excellent balance of weight, durability, and control, making it suitable for beginners right through to advanced drummers.
When students or parents ask me which drumsticks to buy, these are my first recommendations.
Vic Firth American Classic 7A
🥁 Better suited to smaller hands
The Vic Firth American Classic 7A is a lighter, slimmer drumstick that's ideal for younger drummers, players with smaller hands, or anyone who prefers a lighter feel.
It offers excellent control and reduced fatigue during longer practice sessions while still providing the quality and durability Vic Firth is known for.
The lighter weight can make it easier for beginners to develop good technique without feeling like they're fighting the stick.
When younger students or those with smaller hands ask me what drumsticks they should buy, these are my first recommendation.
Headphones
Vic Firth SIH3 Stereo Isolation Headphones
🎧 Need to protect your hearing while practising?
The Vic Firth SIH3 Stereo Isolation Headphones are my go-to recommendation for students who want to protect their hearing while still hearing their music clearly and reducing the volume of an acoustic drum kit.
Unlike ordinary headphones, they provide significant noise isolation, making practice more enjoyable while helping protect your hearing.
When students or parents ask me which headphones to buy for drum practice, these are my first recommendation.
Practise Pads
Evans RealFeel 12" Double Sided Practice Pad
🥁 Want to practise without annoying the whole house?
The Evans RealFeel 12" Practice Pad is the one I recommend to almost every student. It has a realistic feel, is built to last, and gives you plenty of room to practise proper technique. Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, it's a fantastic way to build your skills when you can't get behind a full drum kit.
If a student asks me which practice pad to buy, this is almost always my first recommendation.
Drum Throne
Gibraltar 9608 Drum Throne
🥁 Spending hours behind the kit? Comfort matters.
I've sat on this exact drum throne for over 15 years through countless lessons, rehearsals, gigs, and practice sessions. It's comfortable, solid, and has stood the test of time better than almost any other piece of hardware I've owned.
If you're looking for a drum throne that will last, this is the one I recommend.