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Vic Firth The company shtick: The American Classic line combines tradition and Vic Firth style. With bold designs for fuller sound, the Classics are turned from select hickory – a dense wood with little flex for a more pronounced sound. Hickory is also capable of withstanding a great deal of shock, making it highly durable. The wood tips are deeply back-cut for intensified cymbal response. The American Classic eStick is a one-of-a-kind stick designed specifically for today’s electronic drums. Long taper also provides a great touch and sound on acoustic drums and cymbals. Sample tested: eStick Length index: 99 Weight index: 100 Playability: The eStick comes in one size – equivalent to an A5, which puts it at a disadvantage in this review, but also limits its appeal in the market. The stick is also fairly long, but it is elegantly shaped, with a long shaft and sweeping shoulder. Another unique feature is the short, fat tip with straight edges and a small collar. There’s no explanation of the thinking behind the design, and in testing, I didn’t find much evidence that it performs especially well. The stick was comfortable and balanced – if slightly heavy – but certainly did not stand out in terms of rebound, control or accuracy. In fact, I found it to be inferior on all performance aspects to its sibling American Classic 7A which was supplied in wooden-tip version. I know which I’d choose for e-drums.
Zildjian The company shtick: Developed in conjunction with noted vibration authority, Sims Vibration Laboratory, Zildjian AntiVibe Drumsticks contain a patented feature that effectively reduces key vibrations. By reducing the amount of vibration present in the struck stick, the Anti-Vibe drumstick is easier to play and more comfortable for many players than standard sticks. The stick maintains its conventional lacquer finish and appearance, while the vibration absorption technology is contained out of the way, inside the butt-end of the stick. Anti-Vibe is also great for use on rubber electronic drum pads and practice pads due to the vibration caused by these impact surfaces. The stick feels like you are hitting its sweet spot on every stroke. Sample tested: 7A Anti-Vibe Length index: 99 Weight index: 96 Playability: The Zildjian was at the weighty end of 7As, even though it was around a centimetre shorter than average, with the rubber-like filling probably responsible for the added mass. The sticks are good-looking and well-proportioned, with a relatively short shoulder and long shaft. They feel substantial in the hand and well-balanced, with a well-positioned centre of gravity. On the kit, the Anti-Vibes felt natural and lively, with good rebound on all surfaces. I attempted to verify the vibration-absorption claims with some hard thrashing on solid rubber pads, but really can’t say the stick felt any different from anything else tested. On the positive side, unlike the other “custom e-drum” sticks in the review, Zildjian does offer the Anti-Vibes in a range of sizes – something it will perhaps encourage Vic Firth to do now they have merged. 24
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