Stick choices?

I have 2 different sets of sticks, one lighter (vic firth 5A) and one heavy pair, but I have no idea what it is because it's from high school music class which is well over a decade ago (That's all I'm saying about that).

I was normally using the 5A because it felt better in the hand but for some reason I tried out the heavy pair and found the drums all sounded better - especially the extra small and the larger sizes, the 6" and 8" sounded heavier and deeper than with the 5A, and the 16" and 18" sounded less cardboardy....I thought I was on to something UNTIL I hit the closed hat - and heard a muted tin cup instead of a cymbal.

So I grabbed the 5A again, now the hat sounded better but the small and large toms sounded like cardboard.

What are the different types of sticks as far as these sorts of effects are concerned? Please dont' let me go out buying every stick I can find just like I did with the tom heads! I have a graveyard of heads already....

To find a happy balance would I be looking for an in between weight, or a different type of tip, or both, or am I just too damn picky to be a drummer?

i've got sticks in several deferent sizes and tip types, but find myself playing mostly 5b. my go to sticks right now are pro mark 5b nylon tip in jap oak, though i would like to try some hickory.

I use Vic Firth 5ANs (nylon tip). I agree they don't sound as powerful on the toms as a heavier stick, but I think the way my cymbals sound is more important, since I tend to use them more often than my toms. I think no matter what you end up with, it's going to be a compromise. If you're not happy with the 5As, go out and grab some 5Bs.

My two favourite sticks are both by Vater, the "1A" and the "Nightstick".

The Nighstick is a heavy long stick (17.25") which I like because it builds up my chops. It's also feels better for more agressive or heavier styles of playing, 2B sticks feel whimpy after you get used to them.

I used to build up my chops with Nightsticks then move down to 5A sizes for comfort and speed, however I missed the additional length. Now I have the 1A which is a bit longer, not as long as Nightsticks but also much lighter.

To save money though, right now I'm using mostly marching sticks that were rejects so I can buy them cheep, $2 a pair.

Oh, I forgot. The difference in sound is more likely from the shape of the tip. Check out this article:

http://www.vater.com/stickselect/stickselect.html