FOR STARTERS

If your new to the world of drumming and would like to start learning.  It's possible too develop a high level of skill, without actually owning a set of drums.  So you don't have to tush out and buy a kit today.
  To begin with, it's highly recommended you purchase a pair of drum sticks.  There are a number of excellent brands ( ProMark, Vater, Regal Tip  Vic Firth, to name a few), and prices can vary greatly..  Personally for beginners, something middle of the road is going to suite your needs best.  Try out the different brands in the shop, look for a comfortable weight, lengthand diameter,  these are important issues.  The muscles in your wrists / fingers and forearms, probably don't have the conditioning as yet, so it's important not to over strain them with sticks that are too heavy. 
  Most companies rank their sticks with a standardize numbering system.  This helps us easily identify a sticks approximate weight & length characteristics.  Some example models numbers are 5A, 5B,  7A, 7B, 747  & 2B.  This doesn't mean that a 5A stick from Vater & one from ProMark are the same, just similar.  The shaft, Balance, Tip, finish and wood type may vary, giving each stick a unique characteristic and feel. 
  If you don't have a kit or even if you do, there's a lot of great exercises and rhythms you can work on via using a practice pador any hard surface.  A practice pad (pictured top & Bottom Right, ), is a rubber rebound pad, designed to simulate the experience of hitting a drum,  while not producing the volume. Their excellent for indoor or late night practice sessions and are easily transportable.   Further more, you can buy a complete practice kit, which  emulates a full drum set (pictured bellow).  These are excellent !! if volume is a problem..
  So to get started all you really need is a pair of sticks and something to hit on, as your interest develops you can always look more seriously at your options then