Segment drums are similar in price to staves, but are stronger due to having more joins than stave drums.  Segment drums are also higher in pitch. I would suggest a stave drum over a segment unless the durability of the instrument is a deciding factor.  Stave drums are not inherently fragile, but can be broken if abused, where a ply drum or segment would likely survive with just surface damage.

• Staves have a vertical Grain structure while on the Segment Drums it runs horizontally
• Stave drums have a more uniform appearance while Segments look more irregular
• Staves have less joins and therefore less glue than segment drums
• The main advantage of a segment over stave is durability-they are inherently stronger due to the number of joins
• Stave drums and Segment drums have similar sounds and are offered in similar thicknesses