Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

The newer Simmons pads that came with the later models have some give built
in to them that absorbs enough energy for me that I don't have a problem
playing them with regular sticks. But the older pads (in my case SDS8 and
SDS7) are very hard on my hands and wrists after playing for awhile. Many
years ago, I found a pair of drumsticks made out of some kind of semi-clear
plastic (they don't have any company name on them) that flex just a bit. I
find these to be much easier on my hands and wrists and I don't have any
trigger problems with them. Although, I don't like using them on real
cymbals.

Another solution is using cushions that slide over the tip of a regular
drumstick. The ones I have look like they are made from surgical tubing.
They make it very comfortable to play the older pads. However, you do lose
some trigger sensitivity. If the music you are playing doesn't require any
subtle touches, then these cushions work great.