This page about sticks is pretty good:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~marcz/Stix.htmlHere's quote from that page about stick sizes:
"The numbers and letters on the sticks were first used for inventory purposes by Ludwig which first mass produced sticks in 1917, using a machine called a V10 Rotary knife made by a company called Goodspeed. 7A meant number 7 "All Purpose" and 2B meant number 2 "Band", 3S meant number 3 "Snare". Not very useful nowadays 'cept as somewhat of a vague reference point. "
Generally a 5a drumstick is around 0.56"-0.58" in diameter and 16" long, 7a is around 0.51"-0.54" and 15"-15.5" long, 2b is 0.63"-0.65" by 16"-16.5" and 5b is 0.6" by 16". Of course, this can vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer.
For example, Vic Firth American Classic 5a is 16" by 0.565" while Regal Tip 5a is 16" by 0.565"
Weights of the stick can vary even more, depending on the type of wood etc. The best advice is to just go out and try as many different types and brands of sticks as you can.