Promark Classic Attack 747B Shira Kashi Review: Durable Oak Rock Sticks

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Promark Classic Attack 747B Shira Kashi is a pair of drumsticks positioned as a larger and heavier alternative to Promark's 747 Rock model. The product page describes these sticks as being designed for the heaviest of hitters and notes that when the 747 Rock is not enough, the 747B provides extra length and diameter. On paper, the published diameter is .590 inch and the length is 16 3/4 inches. The oval wood tip is listed as producing a dark, warm tone suited for multiple applications.

ProMark is a well-known drumstick maker with over fifty years of history, and the listing says all ProMark drumsticks are designed and manufactured in the USA. The stick uses Shira Kashi Oak, a dense and heavy Japanese oak that the listing says provides a sturdy feel, excellent ride cymbal articulation, and exceptional durability. This review is based on the published specifications and general knowledge of drumstick design, not in-person testing.

ProMark positions this model in a budget price tier, which is notable for a US-made specialty oak stick. Buyers looking for a rock-oriented stick that is longer and thicker than a standard 5A may find this option interesting. The included package is one pair of drumsticks, and no additional accessories are listed. Overall, the product sheet presents a focused tool for aggressive playing styles.

Sound and Tone

The oval wood tip is the primary driver of the stick's described tonal character. According to the listing, this tip shape produces a dark, warm tone that works for multiple applications. On cymbals, an oval tip tends to spread the contact point and can emphasize midrange and low overtones rather than a bright ping. For drums, the tip shape generally delivers a full and rounded attack on both heads and rims.

The dense Shira Kashi Oak material contributes to the sound by adding mass and a firm contact. The listing states that the wood provides excellent ride cymbal articulation, which suggests clear and defined stick definition on cymbals. Because oak is heavier than hickory, each stroke carries more momentum on paper, and that can translate to a louder, more present sound with less effort for rock drummers.

Since the product page does not publish audio samples or frequency measurements, the exact tone can only be inferred from the tip and wood combination. Buyers report that oak sticks often sound slightly darker and more solid than hickory sticks of the same size, but that is general knowledge rather than a measured result from this product. Drummers who want a controlled cymbal wash and a punchy drum tone may find this combination appropriate.

Build and Materials

The stick is made from Shira Kashi Oak, a Japanese oak that is dense and heavy compared to common hickory or maple. The listing says this wood provides a sturdy feel in the hand and exceptional durability, with sticks often lasting longer than other wood types. That hardness can be a benefit for hard-hitting drummers who regularly break or dent thinner sticks.

ProMark specifies a diameter of .590 inch and a length of 16 3/4 inches. These dimensions are larger than many standard sticks and are intended for heavy rock playing. The listing describes a thick, medium taper, which means the stick stays fuller through the shoulder before tapering to the tip. This design adds mass and stiffness but may reduce flex and rebound speed for some players.

ProMark's US manufacturing claim speaks to consistent quality control and material sourcing. However, the listing does not publish a specific finish type or a weight range for individual sticks. That omission is worth noting for players who prefer a particular lacquer feel or who like to match sticks by weight. Buyers should expect the natural feel of oak but confirm finish details if that matters.

Playability and Technique

The 747B dimensions and medium taper favor a firm grip and powerful stroke. The extra length, about 16 3/4 inches, gives more reach around the kit and can change the balance point compared to a standard 5A. On paper, the thicker diameter of .590 inch fills the hand more and may feel secure for drummers with larger hands or those who grip tightly.

This model is designed for the heaviest of hitters, according to the product description. A dense oak stick with a thick taper will transfer more energy into the drumhead and cymbal, but it may also transfer more vibration back into the hands. Drummers with a relaxed grip often appreciate that firm response, while players with wrist or hand sensitivity may prefer a stick with more flex. The listing does not provide a specific weight, so individual stick weight may vary slightly within the pair.

• Extra length and diameter provide more reach and a fuller grip
• Thick medium taper adds stiffness for powerful strokes but reduces whip
• Oval tip gives a broad contact patch for dark cymbal sounds
• Oak density can increase hand fatigue over long sets for some drummers
• Published dimensions support heavy rock and backbeat playing
• Made in the USA suggests consistent dimensions and straightness

Versatility and Styles

The 747B is positioned as an excellent large stick for rock, and it is best suited to rock, hard rock, and heavier pop or metal contexts. The dark, warm oval tip sound and the dense oak body work well for loud backbeats and driving cymbal patterns. Drummers who need a strong rimshot or a heavy floor tom presence will likely find this stick more capable than a lighter 5A.

This model is less versatile for very low-volume situations, such as acoustic jazz, brushed ballads, or unplugged gigs. The large diameter and heavy wood may overpower delicate cymbal work and make ghost notes harder to control. That said, a drummer who plays primarily rock but occasionally needs a fat sound for studio pop could still use this stick with a lighter touch, though it is not the first choice for subtle playing.

For drummers who split time between rock and lighter genres, a smaller stick or a pair with a more pronounced taper might cover more ground. The 747B is specialized rather than general purpose. The listing does not claim multi-genre versatility, and the published dimensions support that narrower focus.

Portability and Care

Like most drumsticks, the 747B is extremely portable. A single pair fits easily in a stick bag, backpack, or cymbal case pocket, and the published length of 16 3/4 inches is still compact compared to mallets or brushes. There are no cases or pouches included, but most drummers already own a stick bag. The budget price tier also makes it practical to keep a spare pair in a gear bag.

Oak is a durable wood, but it still benefits from basic care. The listing does not state a specific finish or treatment, so players should store the sticks away from extreme heat and humidity to prevent warping. Rotating sticks between hands can help even out wear on the tip and shoulder. Because these sticks are intended for heavy hitting, checking for cracks near the tip after aggressive sessions is a sensible habit.

No special maintenance is required beyond wiping down with a dry cloth. The dense oak may absorb less moisture than softer woods, but the listing does not publish care instructions.

Setup and Daily Use

There is little setup involved with a pair of drumsticks. The 747B works straight out of the sleeve, and the only adjustment a drummer may make is finding the right grip position along the extra length. Because the stick is longer than a standard 5A, players who normally choke up near the fulcrum may need to experiment with hand placement to find the balance point. The listing does not include a pitch or weight matching guarantee, so some variation between the two sticks is possible.

In daily practice, the 747B is built to withstand long sessions of heavy playing. The dense oak resists denting along the shoulder, which is a common failure point for rimshots and hi-hat work. The oval tip also tends to hold its shape longer than a small round tip under hard cymbal strikes. Drummers who use this stick for pad work may find the extra mass builds wrist strength, though it could also tire the hands more quickly.

Because it is a wooden stick, the 747B will eventually wear out, but the listing suggests that oak lasts longer than other wood types. Players should inspect the tip and shoulder regularly and replace the stick when deep cracks appear. The pair ships as one set, so there is no backup stick in the package.

Who Should Buy It

The ideal buyer for the Promark Classic Attack 747B Shira Kashi is a rock, hard rock, or metal drummer who plays with power and needs a stick that can survive aggressive playing. The extra length and diameter give more reach and a larger grip, which suits drummers who find standard 5A sticks too thin or too short. The dense oak build is a strong match for heavy rimshots and loud backbeats.

This stick is also a good option for a drummer who has used ProMark 747 Rock sticks and wants a bit more size without changing brand feel. The oval tip and dark, warm tone may appeal to players who find brighter tip shapes too cutting on thin cymbals. Because the price is in the budget tier, it is an affordable way to try a US-made oak stick with rock-focused dimensions.

Beginner drummers who hit hard and have broken several lighter sticks might also benefit from the durability of the 747B, although the size may be large for younger players. The listing does not provide a skill level, but the design points toward intermediate and advanced rock players.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If the 747B feels too thick or too long, the standard Promark 747 Rock offers similar design intentions in a smaller package, though the listing does not give its exact dimensions here. Players who prefer a more flexible hickory stick with a longer taper might look at a Vic Firth 5A or similar general purpose model, which is lighter and more suited to medium volume playing. The choice comes down to how much mass and reach you want.

Drummers who like the durability of oak but want a smaller diameter could consider other Promark Shira Kashi Oak models in a 5A or 5B size. For a brighter and more articulate cymbal sound, a nylon tip version of a similar stick would be a logical alternative, though the listing does not mention such a variant for this exact model. If lower volume and ghost note control are priorities, a maple stick or a thinner hickory stick would be a better match.

Since the listing focuses on rock, drummers who play mostly jazz or acoustic music should explore smaller tip shapes and lighter woods. The 747B's oval tip and dense oak body are not ideal for brush-like subtlety, and a standard 7A or a maple stick would offer more dynamic range at low volumes. No single stick covers every genre, and this model is purpose built for heavy backbeats.

Verdict

The Promark Classic Attack 747B Shira Kashi is a focused, durable rock stick with published dimensions that support its intended use. The .590 inch diameter and 16 3/4 inch length put it in the larger end of the drumstick spectrum, while the dense Japanese oak and oval tip promise a dark, warm tone and long life. The listing does not publish a weight or finish, so buyers who need that level of detail may have to accept some variation.

For heavy hitters, the 747B offers a sensible upgrade from smaller sticks, with extra reach and a solid feel that suits loud backbeats and strong cymbal work. It is less versatile for low volume styles, but that is a tradeoff the product description makes clear. In a budget price tier and with US manufacturing, this model earns a solid rating of 81 out of 100. The score reflects strong durability and focused sound, balanced by the lack of published finish and weight information and its suitability for a narrower range of playing.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Meinl WJC1

Cajon players who want a quick mounted castanet and steel jingle accent without changing their primary setup.

Read the Meinl WJC1 review →

Meinl MTT1415BK Marathon Series Turbo Timbale

Players seeking a black steel deep shell timbale pair from a known percussion brand without needing published accessory details.

Read the Meinl MTT1415BK Marathon Series Turbo Timbale review →

Questions Buyers Ask