Since I purchased my first Drum kit off Thomann, I purchased a pair of Vic Firth American Classic Hickory 7AN sticks they were relatively good but they snapped after a while. A short while after that I purchased the Pro Mark TX7AN Hickory Nylon tip. Honestly they really did justice in fact they were perfect, they were very durable considering I am a very heavy hitter on the kit. I noticed myself becoming an even more versitile and swift, fast drummer. Just yesterday they split but I wasn't surprised its been months since i purchased them, they really served me well.
I recommend these sticks to anyone who is thinking of trying a new drumsticks or just starting off.