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.