Vater American Hickory 5A Stretch Drumsticks — Wood Tip
The 5A Stretch is a 16.75 in hickory drumstick whose grip stays at 0.570 in: a longer shaft on a thin grip. The small acorn tip at the end keeps cymbals warm, and the extra length lets you reach distant pieces without stretching your arm.
What sets it apart
- 16.75 in (42.5 cm) on a 5A grip
- 0.570 in (14.5 mm): no added mass
- Small acorn tip, for round-sounding cymbals
- Higher tip speed for the same motion
- Versatility kept despite the length
- American hickory, straight and even shaft
What length does to tip speed
With the same wrist rotation, a longer shaft makes its end travel farther in the same amount of time. The tip therefore reaches the head faster, and the stroke comes out louder without pushing any harder.
That is the main effect of the three quarters of an inch added here. The extra reach comes with it, but many drummers choose this model for the gain in energy at constant effort, not for the distance.
Why a small acorn tip on a fast stick
A tip that arrives fast excites strongly. On a cymbal, that can quickly turn aggressive: the top of the spectrum rises and the sound hardens.
The small acorn tip tempers that tendency. It stays articulate, but its compact profile and wood material give a warm sound where a hard tip would have been bright. The whole package therefore holds both power and roundness — a rare combination on a stick of this diameter.
A size that covers almost everything
Neither heavy nor tiny, long without being unwieldy: this stick moves through rock, jazz-rock, pit work and studio sessions without ever being truly out of place. For a drummer who wants only one pair in the stick bag, it is a serious candidate.
Specifications
| Overall length | 16.75 in — 42.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Grip diameter | 0.570 in — 14.5 mm |
| Wood | Hickory |
| Tip | Small acorn |
What it is for
- Spread-out kit with distant cymbals
- Drummers who want volume without going thicker
- Varied repertoire within the same night
- Jazz-rock and fusion
- A single pair for the gig bag
Compare with other manufacturers
Stretched 5A sticks offered elsewhere, and what sets them apart:
| Brand | Comparable model | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Firth | Extreme 5A | Comparable extra length, the company's own tip design |
| Promark | Rebound 5A | Balance designed for rebound rather than reach |
| Zildjian | Super 5A | Thickness increased on top of length |
| Regal Tip | 5A hickory | Classic length, no stretched version |
Frequently asked questions
- Are longer drumsticks more tiring?
- Not necessarily. They weigh barely more, and the speed gained often lets you ease off. What changes is the balance, shifted a little back.
- 55AA or 5A Stretch?
- Half an inch versus three quarters. The 55AA is the minimal adjustment, the Stretch goes further for truly spread-out kits.
- Is it suited to finger technique?
- Yes, with one caveat: the rearward balance takes a short adjustment period. The thin grip, for its part, lends itself well to this technique.
Avis clients
Want more sound without moving to a thicker stick?
Aucun avis pour le moment. Soyez le premier à partager votre expérience après votre achat.