Vic Firth Drumsticks (TW4)

Bought for my daughter who plays drums at our church. She says it does what it’s supposed to. If needed would buy again.

A lot has already been said about these on Amazon, so I won't rehash too much, but I have a few points to add. While I love these for what they are - light, almost brushlike but w/ more sound and oomph, an interesting, shimmering sound on hi-hats + rides, great for not wanting to sound too loud, etc - It's what they're not that irks me.They sound completely dead + have no bounceback on toms, the bamboo isn't top shelf, so that they breakdown, splinter, fray on rims very easily, but the major annoyance is that the rods come out of the PVC almost immediately + constantly have to be pushed back in - a thin strip of gaffers tape where the 2 PVC pieces are helps tremendously, but doesn't eradicate the problem entirely. Because then the inner rods start to come forward and they too have to be pushed back in place. It's a design flaw that you don't need a scientist to solve, just better proactive design. Anyone heard of glue? A dollop at the bottom would work wonders...And if you dig in w/ them at all, the foam core comes out, so these multiple issues make them great but frustrating at the same time.I play match grip, so I'm hitting the rims more than a traditional grip player would, so the quick deterioration of the bamboo may have something to do w/ that. Maybe not. The Hotrods I've used last considerably longer, but I'm not a huge fan of them either for my own reasons.So as long as you're prepared to deal w/ these issues + plan on keeping several pairs around due to their limited lifespan, these are a sweet alternative to sticks or brushes 'cause they sorta straddle the line between both - it's the best + worst of both worlds.But, as in any relationship, it's the give + take that counts, right?(If you're looking for something a bit beefier that sounds more like sticks but still not too loud and very controllable, and something that takes a beating - pun intended - and lasts longer + thus far hasn't come apart like the Tala Wand - and again, I'm a fan, sorta - try the Vic Firth Rute. It's more steroidal in thickness, sound attack and construction, sounds much better on toms and I've beat them like red-headed stepchildren w/o any issues - yet).

I have used a variety of this kind of rod stick for those many times when a soft touch is needed and regular sticks would be too loud. I play semi-professionally and am either gigging, rehearsing, or practicing almost every day. So far, I have found four major variables: durability, volume, response, and balance. Simply stated, the birch dowels start to break very quickly if you hit cymbals, and before long, they become useless. Whereas a pair of hickory drumsticks last me for years, birch rods don't make it for more than a month of regular use, and that can get expensive. I had one pair of birch-with-nylon, and before long one of the nylon rods separated from the birch and kept inching forward (they were also wider and too loud). The bamboos are far more durable, and I've yet to have any breakage, although they do begin to fray at the tips. As for volume, rod-type sticks seem to come in three main weights: heavy, medium, and light (although there's no common system as to how the manufacturer will label them, so it pays to read the measurements or ask in advance). I find the mediums and heavies to be so heavy as to defeat the purpose; and for me lights are the only way to go (but that, of course, is just my personal preference). As far as responsiveness, these Tala Wands are the only ones I have tried that will actually roll, and so almost anything I would do with sticks can be done with them - not so with all the others, where the same level of response just isn't there. Balance is the last issue. If you only play occasionally, you might never notice, but if you play with these for an extended period of time, you may find that some are weighted too far rearward and lead to strain after a while or are just not comfortable. These are excellent in that regard. The only thing stopping me from five stars is the durability issue. As I mentioned, these do start to fray at the tips (but not break), and the center foam core starts to creep forward a pinch. Neither of these are a big deal. So, until I find something even better (not sure I ever will), a pairs of Tala Wands will always be in my bag.

These have a nicer rebound than other products such as the Vic Firth 505 Rute. They are even quieter than the Rutes although they have better definition. Sound like a quiet stick. I have questions about their durability after only a few short night practices with them. First a couple of the bamboo sticks are beginning to split and I am anything but a heavy hitter. Second, the sticks are not secured in the handles and are pulling out up to a half inch or more. This does not happen in the Rutes. After only one use in a four minute song, they have to be shoved back into the handle. They need to have secured them with caulk or plastic hot glue before putting on the handles. I will probably keep them even though they are inconvenient in these respects. I doubt I will buy another pair without improvement.

These come in different colors, which represent their material and durability. I started with the red ones but little bits of stick came flying off every time I played with them. I moved to these and they lasted 2-3 months through 3 hour weekly rehearsals. I haven’t found anything that matches up in terms of sound and quality. I currently play about 80% with regular sticks and 20% with these.

The tala wands are my favorite of all the dowels. The foam core really makes a difference in giving it more bounce, thus having a stick-like feel. That being said, buy the birch. I've used it more, and it has held up best over time. My least favourite is the slats. I've used it the least, and its already started to fray.

Much quieter than my normal drumsticks (Vic Firth 5A) but starting to look a little worn already. Pleased with them but not sure how long they will last.

These are lovely sticks to use. Great feel.

Bought these because I needed the bounce of a stick but with less volume for acoustic gigs. These are ideal for that purpose.

These are excellent quality.

Great stick, do not use these for hard playing, that is not their intention.Perfect for light playing or groove playing.