My favorites used to be LA Specials 5A, Hickory Wood tip. They were the flaws from Promark, and you were able to scoop the 12 pair bricks on the cheap. Since they are no longer available, I really like the Goodwood hickory 5As. Occasionally GC will run a sale, and they are inexpensive. I gig about 6-8 shows a months, so I need plenty of spare sticks. Those Goodwood sticks are slightly longer than I would like but they held up under rimshots(on a diecast snare hoop) surprisingly well. Other than that, Promark Oak 5a or 747s were my all time favorites. $10 per pair just doesn't cut it, though.