The church where I play on Sundays doesn't mic my drums and the sound really carries, so I needed an alternative to standard sticks or I would wash everyone out. Plastic brushes weren't loud enough and wire brushes didn't sound like sticks. I bought a pair of the Vic Firth Rutes and I've not been disappointed since. I can control the "hardness" of the brushes with the movable band (I even play the cymbals with the band for a softer impact and a different sound), so I get a lot of different textures out of the brushes. I can play fairly hard and not drown out the rest of the band and that's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Turn the left one around for excellent cross-stick sound. I've been playing with the same pair all year and I'm only just now buying another pair to replace those, although honestly I can probably get a few more months out of them. I play every week exclusively with the Rutes so I'd have to say they're durable, they sound great, and they are an excellent value.

These sticks are great for soft playing. I do not suggest crashing with these because they are fragile. Overall great value.

I use these brushes to play all types of music. from jazz to pop to soft rock. You will be happy with these, trust me.

I was playing at church in a smaller chapel, so I bought these sticks for that reason. They broke apart within the second song. Yet another reason to not buy Vic Firth.