Vic Firth VFAH5a American Heritage 5a Tear Drop Wood Tip Drumsticks

I have tried loads of sticks over the years, different makes and models, from Wincent to Vater, ProMark & Vic Firth, 5a and 7a mainly, but try as I might, nothing actually felt 100% from the moment I tried them, (VF 7a’s were my go to stick) until now. These sticks have the weight of a 7a, nice and light, but the feel of a 5a, durable and reliable. The Maple wood gives it a different feel to the normal Hickory, and for me it was what I had been looking for. So thank you to the Non Glamorous Drummer on YouTube for recommending them.

First time trying this stick and now have gigged it 4 times and am very impressed. I previously used Vater sugar maple 5a as my go to stick for shuffle work like a Texas shuffle when both hands are almost doing the same rhythm at the same time. I found these to be more defined with a better cymbal action and sound.You need to know what you are buying when you choose a maple stick as they are a lot lighter and springier than hickory (as other reviewers have stated here). My main hickory stick is a Vic Firth 8d. Which is a longer 7a and the weight in the hand is very similar to the maple 5a. So my advice is experiment with how the stick feels in the hand e.g. if you usually play a hickory 5a then maybe try the maple 5b and see if the weight is similar. But I'm very happy with this product.

Super lightweight for 5A sticks, lose grain which meant the sticks didn’t last. I went through 2 pairs in one set.

Great product

Not fit for purpose. Split after 6 weeks of moderate practice.