Vater Buy 3 Pair Mike Johnston 2451 Hickory Sticks Get 1 Maple Pair Free  

These sticks are some of the best I've ever played with.  There really isn't a thing wrong with them.  The barell tip is the best in terms of a balance of good stick definition, and surface area to provide good attack on the drums.  They also have a great feel in your hand.  The stick tapers off toward the end, so the stick isn't top heavy like Vater's LA 5A, and isn't bulky like the standard 5B.  This stick comfortably sits a lit larger in grip then then a 5A, but since the shoulder isn't so weighted, the stick definitely is much faster.  The durabilty is also to be expected.  To this day I haven't broken a Vater stick, and I've broken Vic Firth (which I don't like), and less often I broken ProMark (which I do like).  You'll also find that the Sugar Maple stick is great too.  Personally, I've looked for light sticks over the years with great durabilty, and the 2451 is great because the hickory and the maple are great due to this.  The maple I can see to be a great stick for playing lighter material, but I've decided to keep them on my church's electronic kit.  Vater really hit the nail on the head here, thanks Vater, thanks Mike Johnston, and thanks Musician's Friend!

These sticks are amazing simply put. I use the hickory for playing on my kit and the maple on my practice pad. I go through a lot of sticks and these have held up the best. Get them hard hitter approved.