Vic FirthAmerican Classic® Extreme Drumsticks X5B - American Hickory - Wood Tip

My son wants to play drums well. He keeps using these sticks each day to belt out a rhythm and keep the household working to his beat. Just need a drum set now so he'll stop beating me and his mum.

I’ve been playing the drums for 20+ years, and have tried many a different drum stick in this time.The Extreme 55A do seem to be incredibly well balanced, durable and nicely finished. I tried some regular 55A’s and liked those too, but having used Vic Firth SD9’s or Vater Blazers for a long time, prefer the extra length of the Extreme version.

The extra length of these sticks makes the x5a a great buy. Especially if you are already used to the regular 5a. I opened these and used them straight away, only to notice that there was a small indent at the top shoulder of the taper on the stick. Normally I would have overlooked this as cheap sticks are not always matched or finished that well. Vic Firth charges a premium price and relies on endorsers and repeat custom and supposedly prides itself on the flawless manufacture of their product, if you go by their website and advertising, so I was surprised to find this. I don't accept that I could have been unlucky, as VF say they are stringent regarding their output. I rule out Amazon here as they were perfectly packed with care, boxed with adequate insulation as all of the other products I have received from them in the past.Also I noticed the lighter colour finish on these sticks, and not the usual high quality laquer finish associated with the nice grip that VF has had in the past. I checked these drumsticks with two other pairs to confirm the difference. Maybe this is an improvement in manufacture? However, all in all a good purchase, considering price and free delivery. As with all drumsticks manufacturers differ the product even within the same spec, so a 5a from say Vater may not be the same as a 5a from another company.I thought I would share this experience for future buyers, as I was a bit disappointed when they arrived. My advice (which again is no reflection on Amazon) is to see these at a store if possible as and check the different finish on these sticks, together with the practice of rolling these sticks to see if they are not bowed, to see if manufacture quality is still good. In conclusion, the weight and size of the X5a works well.*********************************************************************************************************************************************************UPDATE at 06th September 2014An update on these sticks. Had them a long time now and this particular pair has stood the test of time. However I do stress that these reviews on Amazon should reflect each buyers experience of each single product received online.I like Vic Firth drumsticks, having purchased several pairs through Amazon, but have written my experience on this particular transaction, rather than any product loyalty or fanboy type review. They have served me well, but the original sticks were definately sub standard and replaced.Other VF sticks in my reviews have not given any problems. Therefore as always, examine each product and do the usual pitch and rolling before accepting products based on any manufacturers reputations.

I’ve always used Vic Firth 5an and I’ve been drumming 40 years. The last two batches I’ve bought have not been up to standard. Some sticks lasting one gig and I’m not a hard hitter. The wood is inferior to what it used to be. Even the hi hat is denting the stick with very little force. I won’t be using Vic Firth until they get the quality right. Yea

Really happy with these. Lasted longer than expected.

Quality sticks at a fair price.I would recommend these sticks to anyone.

I am an experienced drummer who has been using vic firth sticks for over a decade. I have also been playing 5b / 5b extreme sticks for years. These sticks immediately felt odd in my hands. They are extremely light and the wood is very, very soft. After a few minutes of use the sticks were practically un-useable.They are also a completely different diameter to genuine VF sticks (I have compared the two and these are more like 55a diameter.I am returning mine asap, avoid.

Great sturdy sticks for a heavy hitter