I've been using Vater Sugar Maple sticks for a few months now and am really starting to like them. I thought I'd never use anything but hickory, but I actually prefer maple these days. They feel and sound better and I feel like I'm doing less damage to my equipment with maple sticks.

IMO, the particular variety of maple Vater uses is the best. It's the most dense and durable and best-feeling maple I've ever tried. They don't hold up quite as long as hickory, but it's only a small difference for me. (Obviously, different playing techniques may affect this aspect.)

I got the itch to try maple after finding out at a clinic that Todd S. plays maple. He's definitely a power player, but I don't think he broke a single stick the entire night. (He's got a new signature model from Pro-Mark.)

I have tried Vic Firth maple sticks in the past (usually the SD-9), but their maple feels a bit "brittle" and was not very durable for me.

I've been using the Vater Concert and Blazer models, but those are on the bigger end of the spectrum. Off the top of my head, you might want to try the Maple Recording, 8A, or 7A models to compare to the SD4.

Too bad there isn't a better variety of good maple sticks available!!