I've had it!

[That Guy]

I'm so sick of buying sticks! Vic Firth's 5A's have become complete junk in my opinon. I just bought this pair a few hours ago and they have already snapped. They have had to switch quality of wood or thier production standards lately... because they snap so much easier than ever before. Granted, I am a hard hitter, but I have never gone through as many sticks in my lifetime as I have gone through in the last 2 years.

I am actually considering switching to Ahead's. The thought of that really eats me alive! But, I am getting to that point. I am seriously beginning to think it would be better to sacrafice the sound of my Hi-Hat and Cymbals then to buy another pair of sticks. Yes, I use 5B's too.

Pro-mark seems to be a bit more consistent, but not enough for my taste. I really hate to think of actually buying Ahead's, but I'm just so sick of paying 10 bucks every 3 days for a pair of sticks!

I'm sorry if this offends... but I need to rant.

[fourstringdrums]

Have you tried Vater or Trueline yet? I've played both (I'm playing Trueline PowerGrip's exclusively now) and they're the most durable sticks that I've played.

I've heard of Aheads snapping too, so that may not solve your problem. A drummer on my site used to use them and he said they were horrible in his experience with them.

[That Guy]

Have you tried Vater or Trueline yet? I've played both (I'm playing Trueline PowerGrip's exclusively now) and they're the most durable sticks that I've played.

I've heard of Aheads snapping too, so that may not solve your problem. A drummer on my site used to use them and he said they were horrible in his experience with them.

No, I haven't tried Vater or Trueline.. I have actually never even heard of them before. Looks like its time to check into them. You have heard of Ahead's snapping? I thought they were pretty much unbreakable since they were made of aluminum etc.

EDIT: I guess aluminum can break after prolonged exposure to a beating like I would give them. This just sucks... am I going to end up paying more for sticks in a year compared buying a nice custom DW?... it sure seems like it.. haha.

[Mendozart]

Promark oak sticks, they will do the job.

[That Guy]

Promark oak sticks, they will do the job.

Pro-mark seems to be a bit more consistent, but not enough for my taste. ... I already gave my opinon on Pro-Mark.

[Michael G]

Maybe it isn't the sticks....

[That Guy]

Maybe it isn't the sticks....

Can you please elaborate on your comment my friend? I have already stated the fact that I am a hard hitter, and I have been since about 1984. Anyone who has been playing for my length of time will notice a change in stick consistency whether its for the better or worse. All I can speak from is 23 years of stick experience.

Please elaborate on your comment because its extremely vague concerning my technique and playing style, which you did assume was the cause.

[rockitman]

Heavy hitter or not you should not be shredding sticks that easily.
I'll go ahead and assume that you are indeed a rim shot backbeat guy. No ?
With that I will tell you that you are indeed using a stick far to inferior for your style of play.
I would suggest moving up in diameter with your stick choice. I liek to grip a stick that is about the same diameter as my index finger, and about as long as me elbow to the tip of my pinky. That works for me. I have been using Vater Fatbacks, which I believe are a 3a hickory. These are similar to Promark 707, with less weight to them. The finish is not as thick on the Vater.
Lets think about your technique. The tip of your sticks should be the primary playing surface. Yes, of course you get more volume from the shoulder and shaft. But we are not discussing how to get more volume.

[That Guy]

Heavy hitter or not you should not be shredding sticks that easily.
I'll go ahead and assume that you are indeed a rim shot backbeat guy. No ?
With that I will tell you that you are indeed using a stick far to inferior for your style of play.
I would suggest moving up in diameter with your stick choice. I liek to grip a stick that is about the same diameter as my index finger, and about as long as me elbow to the tip of my pinky. That works for me. I have been using Vater Fatbacks, which I believe are a 3a hickory. These are similar to Promark 707, with less weight to them. The finish is not as thick on the Vater.
Lets think about your technique. The tip of your sticks should be the primary playing surface. Yes, of course you get more volume from the shoulder and shaft. But we are not discussing how to get more volume.

Nice response rockitman! Your exactly right... I'm a rimshot fool. As I mentioned previously... I do use 5B's pretty frequently. I have used a number of different brands... but I still find the same issue. As Rob mentioned previously, along with your comment... Vater sticks were mentioned. I will definately check into them. The thing is... I don't like fatty sticks.

My technique is not as if I am giving a foot or so stick distance from the snare. I have just always had a quick snap/down stroke. That is probably my stregth/weakness rolled into one. What do you think of the Aheads? Keep in mind... I don't like fat sticks. 5A's is my ultimate choice.

[rockitman]

I don't agree with the feel of the synthetics. It's all wrong for me.

[Budiesel]

Why not try some 5B's? They're not that much thicker compared to 5A's. ( But this is also Pro-Mark I'm talking about, and I just remembered you said you dont really like them) Or just try a different wood.

[Velimor]

Why not try some 5B's?
Yes, I use 5B's too.


20202020202020202020

[brittc89]

Like some other guys were saying, I would check into Vater. I mostly play jazz though now a days, but I use their Manhattan 7As and I have never ha d problem, but Im normally play fairly lightly. I think it might be a regional issue though. I live in Colorado and I do not have a quality control issue for vic firth.

[kung_f00]

Vater 2Bs. It'll take your hands a little getting used to at .635 diameter, but they're very resilient sticks, from what I've heard. You may not like 'fatty' sticks, but if you're going to play heavy like that, you're going to have to compensate by playing with a thicker stick. Other than that, my only suggestion is to be sparser with the rimshots, if at all possible.

[drumtechdad]

I used to love the Vics (5As) until they started breaking all the time and chipping tips almost instantly. Unlike you I've had much better luck with the ProMarks in both regards, even though they're slightly thinner. Plus I like the sound of their tips on cymbals much better and they have a better cross-stick sound.

I say try the Vaters, many people say they're very durable. If you do, let us know what your results are.

The guy in my local drum shop--a very experienced and knowledgable guy--swears by Regal Tip wood-tips. They might be worth a look, too.

[That Guy]

Thanks for all your posts and suggestions.

My biggest beef is... I have used the same sticks for many years, and they keep weakening in strength consistency. I guess I really can't expect anything different from a cooperation that is based on the (bottom line.)

I am going to look into Vater and Ahead sticks. I can't afford 20 dollars a week in sticks anymore.

[Budiesel]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Budiesel
Why not try some 5B's?

Quote:
Originally Posted by That Guy
Yes, I use 5B's too.


Sorry :) must have read over that one part.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Vater gets it done best in my opinion. I play Vater 7A's and I don't hit like a sissy; they've never snapped.

[Mapex589]

I had the same problem with Vic Firth 5A's and 5B's. I switched to Pro Mark and have been very satisfied.

[brittc89]

I just dont like ahead sticks. They dont feel right to play with, but thats just my opinion.

[tomtom]

I´ve been using the VF 5B´s for years, I chew ´em up in a few hours. Not sure if they´ll last any longer than 5A´s. Ahead sticks SOUND just horrible on my drums and especially the cymbals. And yes, they do break in the end. I´ve also been using Pro-Mark´s SD-9 maple sticks, they seem to last a bit longer than the Firths. Beefy sticks but light-weight.

[IDDrummer]

I was pretty skeptical about the Vaters being that much better, but so far they have proven much more durable than the Vic Firths. Their 5As feel a bit more weight-forward than the Firths, and that took some getting used to, but they really do last. Plus, you can often get them for $20-$25 per 4-pack.

I'd suggest trying the Vaters before resorting to the Ahead sticks. I tried the Aheads in the store and they felt horrible - very unnatural response, and they seemed to absorb a lot of the rebound energy.

[konaboy]

I used to play the Aheads and just didn't care for the sound of them especially on the ride and hi hats.

One other solution you might try is going to a stick made of a harder wood like oak.

[fijjibo]

Vater Power 5B my friend....

Try some - they will feel good to your 5B playing hands, and they are very durable.

[Odranaz]

From what ive heard...Vater is known for there durability

[That Guy]

Sheeesh! None of the stores around here carry Vater sticks. Whats up wit dat? One store said they could order them, but I would have to pay extra. (no thanks). The Guitar Center in West Palm Beach said they have them, but thats an hour and a half drive south. (not looking forward to paying that much in fuel for some sticks.)

.... and the search continues.

[baz]

...This may not be of much help, but I have seen terminal stick snappers using seconds, or house brands that far outlasted their big name stick of choice.

Barry

[fourstringdrums]

Sheeesh! None of the stores around here carry Vater sticks. Whats up wit dat? One store said they could order them, but I would have to pay extra. (no thanks). The Guitar Center in West Palm Beach said they have them, but thats an hour and a half drive south. (not looking forward to paying that much in fuel for some sticks.)

.... and the search continues.

Just order them online. I usually get mine through Musicians Friend or Midwest Percussion. After you factor in shipping, you're almost paying the same price as you would in person. Stores around here don't carry them either. I use Trueline now but stores here don't carry those either...the one store that did went out of business a long time a go. So I have to either order directly through Trueline or from the DDA (Disabled Drummers Assocation). Either way I can get them for $5 a pair + shipping because the discounts they have in place for disabled drummers.

[That Guy]

Ok, I will check that out Rob.

[fijjibo]

Ok, I will check that out Rob.

Be sure to let us know how you find the Vaters.......

[bighaibigdrums]

Start buying the bulk blocks of sticks at GC and the like. They have 12prs for $20.

[fourstringdrums]

Start buying the bulk blocks of sticks at GC and the like. They have 12prs for $20.

Well if the sticks that he's using aren't working out for him, he's probably not going to want to keep buying them, even if he can get them in bulk for cheaper. If they all break as quickly as he's experienced, the savings wouldn't be worth it any more.

I had a problem years back when I used Pro-Mark 808 Nylons. I loved those sticks, but the tips ALWAYS cracked and fell off. Pro-Mark has a guaranteed replacement warranty if I just sent the defects back. I never took them up on it because I knew that even though I'd get replacements, they'd all just break like the others.

[bighaibigdrums]

Well if the sticks that he's using aren't working out for him, he's probably not going to want to keep buying them, even if he can get them in bulk for cheaper. If they all break as quickly as he's experienced, the savings wouldn't be worth it any more.

I had a problem years back when I used Pro-Mark 808 Nylons. I loved those sticks, but the tips ALWAYS cracked and fell off. Pro-Mark has a guaranteed replacement warranty if I just sent the defects back. I never took them up on it because I knew that even though I'd get replacements, they'd all just break like the others.

Sure it would. If he's breaking two pairs a week at $20, he'll get six weeks out of a bundle for the same cost.

[fourstringdrums]

Sure it would. If he's breaking two pairs a week at $20, he'll get six weeks out of a bundle for the same cost.

Oh yes true...they have blocks of the sticks he's using? $20 for a 12 pack, that works out to $1.50 a stick. I can see a no-name brand being that much but not Vater. I think a 12 pack would be more than that.

Even the price aside, you want to play something that's reliable. I'd rather pay $7.50 a pair and have them last me at least a month, vs. paying $3 a pair and having them only last a week.

[ethanos]

Instead of trying to find a stick to mask the issue, why not get rid of the problem at the source. Learn proper technique. There is no 5a size stick that will hold up for a long time to heavy bashing. Face it. The thing you must realize is that the way to get volume from a drum is not through physical strength, but through stick height and stick control created from proper playing technique. More efficient, less physical strain, wider dynamic and volume range, longer lasting sticks. A drum can only reach a certain level of loudness and playing extremely hard past this point just chokes the drum.

ethanos

[That Guy]

First... I think I am going to go with Musicians Friend. Thanks for the info Rob, I see that being the best deal. After shipping I am paying normal price, and they will be delivered in 3 days. Thats still a long time to wait.. but I am willing to wait in order to take a suggestion from my friends here at DrummerWorld. Thankyou everyone for your suggestions.

Next...

Instead of trying to find a stick to mask the issue, why not get rid of the problem at the source. Learn proper technique.

I appreciate your attack on my technique ethanos. Its amazing how you can draw such a conclusion even though I have been playing for the better half of 24 years. That might be longer than you have been alive for all I know. You didn't place your age or any info on your profile, so I can't really tell. I will just chalk that one up to ignorance. Also, did you notice that I am not the only one with the same issue? Are you saying that everyone who has my issue has improper technique, cuz it sure appears to be that way.

I am actually amazed that you would say something about my technique when.. #1, I have never posted a video of my playing, or #2, posted any type of sound file of my playing. Do you see where I am going with this?

Sorry if I seem perturbed my friends, but that comment did get to me. I'm only human.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.. I will keep you all informed on my little stick journey here.. lol.

[xopethx]

First... I think I am going to go with Musicians Friend. Thanks for the info Rob, I see that being the best deal. After shipping I am paying normal price, and they will be delivered in 3 days. Thats still a long time to wait.. but I am willing to wait in order to take a suggestion from my friends here at DrummerWorld. Thankyou everyone for your suggestions.

Next...



I appreciate your attack on my technique ethanos. Its amazing how you can draw such a conclusion even though I have been playing for the better half of 24 years. That might be longer than you have been alive for all I know. You didn't place your age or any info on your profile, so I can't really tell. I will just chalk that one up to ignorance. Also, did you notice that I am not the only one with the same issue? Are you saying that everyone who has my issue has improper technique, cuz it sure appears to be that way.

I am actually amazed that you would say something about my technique when.. #1, I have never posted a video of my playing, or #2, posted any type of sound file of my playing. Do you see where I am going with this?

Sorry if I seem perturbed my friends, but that comment did get to me. I'm only human.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.. I will keep you all informed on my little stick journey here.. lol.


nothing like a drummer's ego :-D
i don't know, my friend....i use the Vic Firth 5B (nylons), i've had a 6-pack of the sticks that have lasted me since before christmas.....
i've broken 3 sticks so far, due to my snare rimshots just fraying the stick beyond playability....i've never had one just snap off and go flying...i just have to stop using the stick, because its integrity (and sound) is compromised...

i play a fair mix of music, from rock, progressive rock, metal, jazz-rock fusion, etc.., so i'm wondering what on earth you're playing that consumes these sticks (and deflates your wallet) so quickly!

i'm certainly not questioning your playing technique or past experience, but i'm curious as to what kind of forces are involved in destroying that much wood :-)

take care

[Les Ismore]

With Ahead's, unless you play on the tips of the sticks exclusively, your going to be buying Ahead's covers almost as frequently as wood sticks and thos are about $3 a pair.

This may not be of much help, but I have seen terminal stick snappers using seconds, or house brands that far outlasted their big name stick of choice.

Barry
__________________
...if you can't keep it civil, at least make it funny

These store sticks (has the store logo etc) are going to be from Vic Firth, PM or Vater, all of which produce and sell 'seconds'. Guitar Center sticks are a good example. With a little research (ask) you can find out who made the stick. If you pick through a bunch of seconds, you can get some matched pairs, well... close enough for shredding while practicing anyway.

[drum.lad]

Vater Power 5B my friend....

Try some - they will feel good to your 5B playing hands, and they are very durable.

hell yeah vater are amazing i love them i use the power 5b and there good but if you want an unbreakable stick go for the chad smith funk blasters i love them i worship them.also i wont waste your time with aheads i was checking out my friends cymbals the other day and there destroyed by his aheads.also ebay is good for sticks and there cheap with quick delivery. let us know what you think of the vaters they just are great

[That Guy]

I'm going with Vater Xtreme's. We shall see how they work.

[Legacyrik]

I appreciate your attack on my technique ethanos. Its amazing how you can draw such a conclusion even though I have been playing for the better half of 24 years. That might be longer than you have been alive for all I know. You didn't place your age or any info on your profile, so I can't really tell. I will just chalk that one up to ignorance. Also, did you notice that I am not the only one with the same issue? Are you saying that everyone who has my issue has improper technique, cuz it sure appears to be that way.

I am actually amazed that you would say something about my technique when.. #1, I have never posted a video of my playing, or #2, posted any type of sound file of my playing. Do you see where I am going with this?

Sorry if I seem perturbed my friends, but that comment did get to me. I'm only human.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.. I will keep you all informed on my little stick journey here.. lol.


Yeah keep that open mind, hope it serves you well..

Next..

what attack, you come on here talking about needing iron sticks and he suggested you look at your technique. sounds logical, I believe most people think you are nuts busting sticks like you say you do. 24 years of poor technique it would appear....

You have many years on me but I don't care, the only time I busted a newish stick was trying to do "High Moller" after watching Dom do it on his video... Even then I busted it because of bad technique. Try letting the stick rebound and quit your bitching...

Sorry that last comment really got to me.

[That Guy]

Yeah keep that open mind, hope it serves you well..

Next..

what attack, you come on here talking about needing iron sticks and he suggested you look at your technique. sounds logical, I believe most people think you are nuts busting sticks like you say you do. 24 years of poor technique it would appear....

You have many years on me but I don't care, the only time I busted a newish stick was trying to do "High Moller" after watching Dom do it on his video... Even then I busted it because of bad technique. Try letting the stick rebound and quit your bitching...

Sorry that last comment really got to me.

Ya, I kinda took offense for no good reason.. it happens. Sorry ethanos. As I stated previously in the thread.. the reason for my sticks breaking so much is because I constantly rimshot on my snare. It's my style and its what I like. I love the loud THWACK it gives. Vic Firth 5A's never used to break this much until the last 2 years or so. I just love my rimshots.

[Sirwill]

Well I must say I have been using Pro-Mark 727 wood tips since 1982 or so and they last so long I usually break them in two after months of playing just because they loss a little weight after light wood shedding. Make sure you are NOT hitting the stick directly on the cymbal "Sharp Edge" and you should be fine...

[ethanos]

I can play rimshots all day on my snare without breaking a pair of vic firth 5a's. The fact that you play rimshots on your snare is no excuse for breaking multiple pairs of sticks a week. If you played with proper technique, rimshots included, you wouldnt have this issue. I remember when i first started playing drumset, before i had had any lessons at all, and had a total of 0 technique. Needless to say i played very very hard, with frequent rimshots. However even in this specific case, i only replaced my sticks about once a month. In my opinion, it would actually take effort, especially for a such an experienced drummer like yourself who has been playing for 24 years, to break sticks that often whilst playing with proper technique. Thus leading me to my previous conclusion.

If you are breaking sticks as often as you say you are, are indeed a heavy hitter like you yourself mentioned previously, your technique is inherently bad in those specific respects. Keep in mind that this is merely my own personal opinion, and that my two posts were merely constructive theoretical criticism based on the information you provided about your own playing, and from your description of the problem. I cannot stress enough that volume comes from stick height, not from physical strength. Yes... even rimshots.

ethanos

[That Guy]

. I cannot stress enough that volume comes from stick height, not from physical strength. Yes... even rimshots.

ethanos

The funny thing is... I really don't try to hit hard. I don't exert myself in any way that I know of. My stick height at its max when playing can't be more than 6 to 8 inches... so I think.

I guess I just need to have an instructor check me out.

[LayinDown]

I guess I just need to have an instructor check me out.

That may be a really good idea. My favorite thing about old-timers is that they always know they have more to learn.

I personally play VF 5AN's and they hold up fairly well for me; I'm not much of a hard hitter, however.

I like the fact that you want to keep your rimshots - sacrafice nothing! You might find out that the Vaters are perfect for you - good luck, pal!

[Cymbalrider]

I have a pair of Vic Firth 5As from the 1990s and they are worn out, never broken but I still have them sitting around. I have a new pair of a few months and they are doing just fine. I think the new 5As are a bit heavier than the old ones so I would say they are more durable. I play anything from rock and roll to big band jazz, and play with a 5 person jazz combo so I have a large range of dynamics. My 5As are mainly used for practicing in which I essentially put on head phones and pretend to be Buddy Rich :) I can get pretty loud or fast but never hard. You can get the same sound/volume from a nice simple wrist motion as you can with a full arm power strike. One just damages stuff the other doesn't. The only sticks I've had to break were: a pair of Zildjian Dip 5As (which broke on my Roland TD6 rubber pad kit which I figure was a defective stick), the tip of a pair of Innovative Percussion Ed Soph models, and marching snare sticks on a marching snare drum. I have a pair of SD5 Echos the lightest thinnest stick on the market and they have never broken yet after a few years. If you break sticks continually, there is a problem with you most likely. I do believe in the occasional bad stick or accident but breaking anything heavier than a 7A on a regular basis is not good.

[jazzin']

Hey That Guy, if your problem persists even with the Vaters, which I think are great sticks, check out this thing for hard hitters that like their rimshots. I can't remember what it's called but I believe it's a wooden thing that covers about a quarter of your rim on the snare to protect the metal rim from fraying and/or snapping your stick. Try doing some research on the net to see if you can find them. They could be terrible or they could be worth a look. Check out a heavier stick as well. If you're used to the 5A's, playing lighter with a larger stick will still give the volume you're after while doing less damage. It won't take that long to get used to.

[Legacyrik]

Have you tried using a heavier stick like a 2b? Maybe not even that big, but bigger... I'm sure you have, it just seems like you are trying to force these smaller sticks to play a big stick role..

I'm currently using a 2b, I like the 5b extremes also...


Good luck,

Rik

[That Guy]

Hey jazzin'.. yes, I know what you are talking about and I never thought of that. Thats definately a suggestion that I will keep in mind. I'm going to have an instructor check out my playing and see if I need a correction in my technique first. If I do have a problem, the last thing I wanna do is mask it. We shall see.


Legacyrik... yes I have tried many different sizes. I only use 5B's becuase they last longer, and truthfully, thats the only reason. I'm not a fan of thicker sticks, my hands are a little small for them. Even with playing 5B's for an extended period of time they still feel big in my hands and seem a little too heavy for my taste.

[Creothcean]

In my opinion Pro-mark is the way to go. I started using them last year and have been hooked ever since.

I use the maple Ed Shaughnessy 707 series, which is, in my humble opinion, the most perfect stick ever made.

[brennenlesser]

I'm so sick of buying sticks! Vic Firth's 5A's have become complete junk in my opinon. I just bought this pair a few hours ago and they have already snapped. They have had to switch quality of wood or thier production standards lately... because they snap so much easier than ever before. Granted, I am a hard hitter, but I have never gone through as many sticks in my lifetime as I have gone through in the last 2 years.

I am actually considering switching to Ahead's. The thought of that really eats me alive! But, I am getting to that point. I am seriously beginning to think it would be better to sacrafice the sound of my Hi-Hat and Cymbals then to buy another pair of sticks. Yes, I use 5B's too.

Pro-mark seems to be a bit more consistent, but not enough for my taste. I really hate to think of actually buying Ahead's, but I'm just so sick of paying 10 bucks every 3 days for a pair of sticks!

I'm sorry if this offends... but I need to rant.


ur signature is so true haha

[brennenlesser]

i only buy sticks that are VERY VERY grainy

[Wavelength]

That's funny. I've pretty much always used Vic Firth 7As, and it seems they're getting more and more durable. Or maybe it's just me growing softer...

[Big_Philly]

I rarely break a pair of VF 5A's. When I do it's because they're months (!) old and weakened from all the beating. I am a medium hitter.
But when you play a rimshot maybe you should try to change the angle of your stik so the most stress is where the stick hits the head rather than the hoop. If you really press your stick into the hoop when you do a rim shot it's really not good for your stick.
And use a whipping motion so that the volume comes from the momentum of your stick rather than the force of your wrists. So when you hit the rim and head your muscles should be as relaxed as possible.

Hope it helps.

[That Guy]

Wow.. I forgot I made this thread. Just to let everyone know, the "Vater Xtreme 5A's" have been a blessing. They hold up well and I'm still using the same pair.

Thats my new stick of choice!

[Salicete]

I read this thread with some interest; a lot of good suggestions were provided, but the obvious was not mentioned.

To a great degree, broken sticks are the cost of doing business for drummers, especially heavy hitters, and those who ride the rims a lot.
It is not that most drummers are doing anything wrong with regard to technique, (ok, except brand new players), it is just the nature of the beast.

Metal hoops are harder than wood, the outcome is obvious. A couple of folks mentioned buying bricks of sticks, and that is just what many drummers do. Granted, some stick manufacturers produce a superior product, and their sticks may last longer.

It sounds like you found what you were looking for with the Vaters, that’s great! Personally, I use Pro*mark 747B Super Rocks, and have found them to be quite durable. If they fail, it is usually at the tip, as opposed to splitting along the grain like many sticks.

Sticks to drummers are like strings to guitar players; they just wear out eventually. I'm glad you found some that better suit your needs. Just out of curiosity, how long do you get our of a pair of the Vater sticks on average?

[That Guy]

Just out of curiosity, how long do you get our of a pair of the Vater sticks on average?

Hey there Salicete! I have only had the Vaters for about a month now, so I can't really give you an answer. What I do know is that the Vaters have much less damage compared to the Vic's considering the time frame. They still have great form, no splitting, and the varnish is still in-tact as if they have only been used a few times.

It appears that the Vaters have more of a protective varnish than Vic's. If thats the key... then I tell Vater... "run with it" cuz it works.

[dizkneelande]

Promark oak sticks, they will do the job.


I had the same problem with vf's. then I switched to the promark japanese oak and haven't broke one yet. I had the same pair for at least 10 gigs but then some guy in the audience payed me 20$ for em so they had to go lol. They'll probably last him as long as I had them. I'm very impressed with these sticks. I went from breaking two pairs a gig to none at all.

[YamahaDrummerAus]

Same here. I used to use VF 5A's. They would snap easily and the tips would chip very quickly.

I know use Pro Mark Japanese Oak 747 Nylon tipped sticks. They last for ages! They are thin, but the weight is perfect for me. I dont like the Hickory version of the same stick, they are too light and hurt my hands. But the 747N is perfect :)

Either my technique has improved, or its the stick.


Tom

[masonni]

I have played Vater, Vic, Pro Mark, Zildjian and Regal Tip.... Switched over to Ahead full time and never looked back. Mostly because of my wrists though. I have pain in my left hand while playing wood sticks from the natural vibrations, Ahead takes the pain away with the Anti-Vib system inside them. It kills the rebound in the sticks, but that just makes you work a little harder on rolls, no big deal.
As for breaking them, yeah... it happens, but not as much as wood. I did a little money study on sticks once. An avarage pair of sticks will cost you around $7 per pair. Ahead cost $30. In an avarage year I break $90 worth of Ahead sticks and over $7,000 of wood...

I think I have made my point.