I agree - finally a stick that delivers situations - perfect weight and size for me (I have smallish hands, I might add)- natural feel - they cut through heaviness for example if you contend with down tuned distorted bass/guitar.....! Great for detailed precise play too.. - I don't use anything else now...

I agree - finally a stick that delivers situations - perfect weight and size for me (I have smallish hands, I might add)- natural feel - they cut through heaviness for example if you contend with down tuned distorted bass/guitar.....! Great for detailed precise play too.. - I don't use anything else now...

I've been playing a very long time, and have tried pretty much every model from every manufacturer. Over the years, my favorites have changed in quality or in manufacturing process, or have been discontinued. That's what led me, eventually, to Vater. Over the last 8 years or so I've tried most of their sticks and have finally settled on the Stewart Copeland models. They have enough "girth" to handle heavy rock and Cobham-style work without splintering. I also like a more rounded tip, as it never made sense to me why a stick's tip would come to a point (dents the heads, etc.). These tips aren't quite as round as Vater's Manhattan 7A, but it's a much beefier stick (I'll still use Manhattans for low volume or jazz work).

After going through several dozen pair over the last 3 years, I only have 2 negative comments, but they're minor: First, you catch enough cymbals with the tip and you're bound to shave it down some (but that's true with any wood tip); and second, eventually they break, although it is eventually, not on the same session. (I was using graphite-based sticks for awhile, and of course they don't break, but the response is different, and they pass more of the impact into your hand than wood, which seems to be more fatiguing. So I'm back to wood.)

For the record, I have to say I think stick industry quality standards are much lower than they were 30 years ago. But Vater is doing better than any of the others IMHO; their sticks wear better and longer. And I swear I don't care whose name is on it; but these Stweart Copeland models are just right for me, especially playing complex rock (not an oxymoron) or anything where I need speed and volume together. I'm "sticking" with them!

A touring friend of mine received a pair of these sticks as a gift, and they've led him to consider switching his endorsement to Vater. He let me try them for myself, and they have a good, heavy yet balanced feel to them -- the result of a shorter shoulder.

Since I don't own them, I can't speak for their durability...but they seem awful sturdy. Stewart will hit a few rimshots, so his sticks have to stand up.

I bought these sticks two weeks ago, and they still haven't broke. I practice at least an hour and a half everyday! They are amazingly durable for such a light stick. They are thin and very versatile. These sticks are GREAT!!!