Favorite Mallet Brand and Why

[DanielPedroza]

I have been an Innovative Percussion guy for the longest time, when it comes to both malles and drumsticks, but my percussion instructor has been recommending Mike Balters to me as of late. So I ask, what are your favorite brands and why? Any comparisons? Recommendations?

[TheKingofNone]

I don't like Balters all that much. I used to be a huge fan of IP, and still love them, but I recently got a few pairs of the Marimba One Double Helix mallets (Medium Hard) and they are like the most amazing thing I've ever used.

[Captain]

I prefer Innovative Percussion and Malletech for most of my mallet needs. Almost everyone has used Innovative mallets so I don't really feel the need to explain it but, I typically use the cedar shaft Zivkovic series, Janis Potter series, and Anders Astrand series. I like the natural feel on the shafts of the Zivkovic series and Potter series; the Astrand series just sounds beautiful to me and is extremely versatile.
Malletech is used quite a bit also. My first set of Malletech mallets were the Stevens series. They're pretty light but they're very versatile dynamically and the shafts feel awesome to me. They feel really "dry"/unpolished, which I like. Unless I'm remembering wrong (which is a possibility), they've never heard of a pair of their Concerto series mallets be returned/retired due to fraying of the yarn, so they're pretty durable. I also really enjoy the "Becker Blues," and really want to try the Natural Rubber series.
But, despite my mallet preferences, Balter makes good vibraphone mallets, but I'm not the biggest fan of their other products. Their marimba mallets feel rudimentary (for lack of a better term I can think of) to me, but I could have just gotten a weird set or something.

[DanielPedroza]

Thanks for the feedback. As far as IP mallets go, I love the Zivkovic series. I've tried the Astrand models and also the Dan Moore vibe mallets, but im not all that impressed by them, that's why my instructor recommended the Balter Pro Vibe series.

As far as the Marimba One mallets go, what are some reasons you like them? How's the weight, shaft diameter, length, etc.?

[TheKingofNone]

Thanks for the feedback. As far as IP mallets go, I love the Zivkovic series. I've tried the Astrand models and also the Dan Moore vibe mallets, but im not all that impressed by them, that's why my instructor recommended the Balter Pro Vibe series.

As far as the Marimba One mallets go, what are some reasons you like them? How's the weight, shaft diameter, length, etc.?

Keep in mind, I have very limited mallet experience- at least, compared to most mallet players. The length is great, about the same as IP-240s. They aren't all that heavy, with an unfinished shaft (prolly 3/16ths of an inch). The reason I love them is the feel and the sound. They are very, lively, I guess- they kind of have a bounce. I really don't know how to describe it, but they don't feel ''Dead'' on the keys like Balters do. I have the medium-hards, and they sound great in every register, though they are a bit harsh on the lower octave and have little ''cut'''on the highest octave. They have a great, booming sound but can be very melodic with less effort than some others I've used. All in all, I doubt I'd pay the full $50 for a pair, but if you can catch a sale on Steve Weiss (which usually only last a day or two) I'd definitely spring on a few pairs. My favorite mallets I've gotten the chance to use- next on my list are the Malletech Stevens.

[NGPercussion]

My first marimba mallets were IP 300s. They were a great set of four mallets and lasted forever and a day on the synthetic marimba I was playing on all of the time, and still have life in them. That said, my Malletech Wave Wraps are fantastic and I would definitely recommend those as well, though the price tag is high. I know what you guys are saying about the Balters, but I've used chime hammers and brass/plastic glockenspiel mallets from them in the past, and prefer those to the IP ones I bought recently.

Long story short, all of the brands have pros and cons. There aren't many terrible sticks or mallets out there from the major brands.

[ribull]

I really like Innovative Percussion. Their Casella Line is really really nice. IP1001s last literally for an eternity, but are pretty soft. IP1002s are my favorite because they can produce an awesome range of sound and still last a really long time. Vic Firths are usually lighter and easier to grip, but less well made. I really like Pro-Mark as well as their mallets tend to last forever.

[gloriousgoo]

Marimba One user here for concert stuff. The weight, sound profile, and minimal impact sound to volume ratio is incredible. The ideal mallet.

[hurt-a]

There are a lot of great mallets from all companies. Try not to fall for brand loyalty too much.