Vater 7A Manhattan Sticks Wood

I mostly play hard rock and metal and I'm a somewhat heavy hitter. 5Bs and even 2Bs are my weapons of choice, and they don't usually last too long, although Vater have proved more resistant than others. Occasionally I do play something lighter, a balad or similar and like to switch to lighter sticks that allow for much softer dynamics. Other 7As have not fared well on those occasions with me, but I was completely impressed by these. I even started using them on heavier songs that required more finesse in playing and they held up heroically. I also really like the barrel head which gives off a great cymbal sound. They are thin (as 7As shpuld be), but they don't feel like toothpicks in my hands. I would definitely recommend these for great feel, durability and sound.

These are, toghether with Vater's Sweet Ride stick and Vic Firth Peter Erskine signature, my favourite drumsticks. The balance is better than all 5A, 5B and other brand 7A sticks I've ever tried, being a bit lower towards the base for center balance means that I can get a little bit more reach with them. They are quite light but breaks very seldom for me, much less that e.g. most Vic Firth or Zildjian sticks I've tried.
The finish on them is very natural and will not start to be sticky or gummed up with dirt over time, which has been my experience especially with Vic Firth. The top is almost round and quite small, giving a very sweet, not "clonky" ride sound with definition, but less overtones than I get with e.g a more teardrop shaped Vic Firth 7A. Hihat sound played with tip is defined and light as well.