Vater American Hickory 55AA Drumsticks — Acorn Tip
The 55AA is a 16.5 in hickory drumstick with a 0.570 in grip and a classic acorn tip. It answers a request drummers kept making: keep the exact grip of a 5A while gaining half an inch of reach around the kit.
What sets it apart
- 16.5 in (41.9 cm): half an inch longer than a standard 5A
- Grip unchanged at 0.570 in (14.5 mm)
- More reach without any noticeable added weight
- Acorn tip, articulate and warm
- Same grip as a 5A
- A direct answer to a request from drummers
Half an inch, and why you feel it
Half an inch seems negligible until you set up a second cymbal on the right. At that point, the difference is not measured in centimetres but in how far your shoulder has to open — and the shoulder is what tires first.
The 55AA adds that margin without changing the grip. You get the exact feel of your 5A in your hand, and your motion no longer has to compensate.
Longer without heavier: the compromise avoided
You can always gain reach by moving to a thicker size, but then you pick up mass you did not want: the rebound slows, quiet dynamics get harder to control, and your hand has to relearn.
By keeping the diameter at 14.5 mm, this model separates the two factors. Reach goes up, inertia barely moves, and the acorn tip keeps the articulation you expect from a versatile size.
Specifications
| Length | 16.5 in (41.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Grip diameter | 0.570 in (14.5 mm) |
| Wood species | Hickory |
| Tip shape | Acorn |
| Reference point | 5A grip, longer length |
What it is for
- A kit expanded with an extra cymbal or tom
- Loyal 5A players who need more reach
- Cover bands, varied repertoire
- Playing standing up or on a high throne
- A gradual move toward a longer size
Compare with other manufacturers
Longer sticks with a 5A grip at other manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Comparable model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Firth | American Classic 55A | The company's own tip design and taper profile |
| Promark | Rebound 5A long | Balance designed for rebound above all |
| Zildjian | Super 5A | Length AND thickness increased together |
| Los Cabos | 5A hickory | Standard length, no stretched version |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference from the 5A Stretch?
- Length. The 55AA adds half an inch, the 5A Stretch three quarters of an inch. The same 0.570 in grip in both cases.
- Does it change the weight in my hand?
- Very little. Most of the mass comes from the diameter, which does not change here. What changes is the balance, shifted very slightly back.
- Does an acorn tip suit every style?
- It covers a lot: articulate enough for a clean ride pattern, warm enough for full-sounding toms. It is the most versatile tip in the lineup.
Avis clients
Just a little short of reach on your right-hand cymbal?
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