Vater or Zildjian?

[MetalToDeath]

I've heard good things about both, but which one would suit more of a metal style?

[bonzo49]

Erm not sure, don't play metal, but I use Pro-Mark, and occasionally Vic Firth. From what I have heard on this forum, Vater are better than Zildjian.

[fijjibo]

Really its personal opinion - which maker makes the stick that fits...

but in my opinion, having used both in my career, Vater is more durable, and just makes real good sticks....

also they are more enviromentally considerate than zildjian sticks.

but im in love with their cymbals anyway....

[Drumms]

Whatever sticks you buy, don't buy Zildjian - they make some of the worst sticks out there.

[bighaibigdrums]

Ive had good experiences with both. Try a pair of each and see which you like best.

[denver_nuggs_15]

go down to a store and try some out. zildjians artist series are pretty sweet. i am not too familiar with metal drumming but it is loud and fast from what i understand. mike mangini (By Zildjian) are heavy, long, and are hard to break. (They are laminated birch with a wood tip) they do the work for you. just try pairs out and see which YOU like. all preference

[maddrummr]

Luckily sticks are cheap so you can buy both pairs and compare.

Personally I liked Vic Firths SD1 generals on the set. But now theyre made way too heavy. Untill they break...i'm sticken with VF

[PreppieNerd]

The size of a stick has more of an effect on whether it's good for a certain type of music. Brand doesn't. In general Vater is accepted as higher quality than Zildjian.

[cjl71178]

Whatever sticks you buy, don't buy Zildjian - they make some of the worst sticks out there.

I have to disagree. I've been using the Z4A wood tip hickory sticks for over 6 years now, and I've never had a bad stick or any problems at all. Before them I've used Promark, Vic Firth, & Regal Tips and they are all good sticks, but I think Zildjians are much better (IMO).

But to answer your question MetalToDeath, I have only tried a pair of Vaters once (I believe they were the manhattan ones) and they were nice. I don't play metal, but I had a friend who plays heavier music and swears by the Vic Firth CM (metal) sticks.

I would definately hit a music store and try a couple out. Best of luck.

[rendezvous_drummer]

You heard good things about Zildjian sticks? That's a first. I hate Zildjian sticks with a passion because they break WAHAYY too easily. Vater is the number one choice for me, second is Regal Tip followed by Los Cabos and Ayotte. For Metal, definitely check out Vater; the most durable stick on the market that i've tried.

[kung_f00]

I think a lot depends on your preferred stick size. I could suggest Vater 2Bs, or Zildjian Mangini Sigs, but if they're not a comfortable size, then it doesn't matter.

As far as durability though, I'd have to side with Vater. Zildjian 5A's break like nobody's business, and while I still dig my Travis Barker sigs, I've cracked one of them at the shoulder, so I'm wary of playing with them much more.

[BellsOfRhymney]

Get Ludwig sitcks ..it worked for Bonham.

[Skitch]

Vater!


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

[Paiste 2002]

Vater no question. I picked up (literally) some new Vic Firth American Classic 5B's at NAMM and I really like the feel of them. But for me Vater Pro Rock is still the one.

[fourstringdrums]

Vater no doubt. Zildjians are terrible. I've never had a pair that lasted me a decent amount of time, and I just don't like the feel. The wood feel and the balance always feels off to me. Vater though has great durability, flawless construction and more models that fit me personally that you'd expect from most companies. Usually I can only play a specific weight and size and feel comfortable but not with Vater, so I feel like I have more options.

The stick model itself lends itself to the kind of music you play not the brand name.

[cjl71178]

I am so surprised that alot of people on here think Zildjian sticks are terrible. Has anyone tried thier Z4A model? Before I started using Zildjians, I was going through at least a pair or two of sticks every show, sometimes more. When I switched, a pair was lasting me for a couple shows...no joking. And I'm not a "light" player either. I don't think I could ever go back to another brand.

[AveyTare]

DON'T buy zildjian. respect your money.

[Class A Drummer]

There is no Stick company better for any genre of music, it is all opinion. I personally would play a vic firth stick just because there are so many choices that you can find exactly what you are looking for.

[fijjibo]

As I said earlier, go with what fits........

and I didnt mean to say zildjian sticks are bad quality, just that I have found vater better for me.

[bonzo49]

Get Ludwig sitcks ..it worked for Bonham.

I thought yhe used pastie sticks?

[Shaneth]

If you have to choose between Vater or Zildjian, pick Vater. You usually hit a lot of cymbals in metal music, therefore you want more durable sticks. Zildjian has some of the worst sticks around while Vater is much more durable.

Personally, ProMark Japanese Oak sticks are the best for metalcore because that last extremely long and don't chip much.

[ludwig guy]

I use pro-mark 707's with a nylon tip, they are pretty light and durable.

But between Vater and Zildjian, definitely go with Vater. I tried out a pair of Vater Rock sticks and they were great, the only problem with them was they were to heavy. They were extremely durable, and still dont have a chip in them.

I personally would go with pro-mark for metal, but there really isn't a certain pair of sticks for a type of music, you need to find what is right for you in terms of weight, length, and durability.

[ammarolli]

Vater 8A Hickory is great for metal, try them and their are very durable

[PineyplayParadiddles]

I love Vater Fusion sticks, they are perfect for rock, pop, and the taper feels really good

[Mr. Pasquini]

Vaters are tougher, hands down. I'd go with the 5B, Brann Dailor uses them as do many others. (not Jason B., I was wrong)

[PineyplayParadiddles]

I thought Jason Bittner used Pro-Mark 5B nylon tips

[Mr. Pasquini]

Yea, I just checked Vater's site, I was wrong about Jason B. Either way, many metal artists use any number of drum sticks. It's a personal thing. Oshiro from Static X uses Vater Rock... There are just a lot of examples

[Vinnysimmo]

I only use vicfirth. Althogh ive heard that vater are far better then zildjan.

[Drumowner]

I would give the Zildjian "Rock" stick a go, good legnth, great tip shape (I'm talking about the wood tip) durable (was for me anyways) lots of power without having to put your all into the stroke.

[KLittle123]

I thought yhe used pastie sticks?

Um no, they were actually custom made by someone, I forget who. IT wasn't a major company though.

But I'd pick Vater, Zildjians were crap, i hated those things.

[gretsch223]

if you only want vater or zildjian.....i'd go with Vater if you play metal.
Zildjians aren't very durable and have more choices for jazz.