Just returned surfing at the public library. Having had problems with this page on the resident IE6 I decided to load FF3.5 onto my memory stick. A lot of silly surveilance problems seem to be locking-up the pC with Multimap and this thread. FF seems to be OK.

Now - Bodhran beaters.
I use one mostly that suits my physiology, however I hold it between my index and next finger. All have a feature in the middle (three or four pointed) that the inside of the knuckle sits against, allowing a fairly loose grip. Tripples are not easy or natural, I don't.
But it puts my wrist joint straight which is less tiring. I arrived at the most preferred (?correct?) "flick" by accident, which is a rotation of the forarm between elbow and wrist. The wrist does not move appreciably.
The control the method confers allows for faster play compensating for lack of tripples but it allows fast response to stop or start, change, rim, etc IMHO.
It also allows me to hold three beaters in one hand - if I really wanted to show off. Rim shots are then more interesting (tripples?).

My principle brush (ignoring the washing-up brush!) is as long as a normal beater but mostly bristles. As a beater it has whip, which is very effective if anticipated. But mostly I use it as a snare and it is not that difficult to control - I lift or apply as the mood takes me, even for one beat or A to B music. little and next finger controls the bend on the bristles and hence the snare effect.
I bought it from a stall at Beverley FF who were resident in "something" on Soar in the UK. Can't find them now. Will try at Towersey & or Sidmouth. But would like to purchase a back-up - any ideas anyone.