Vater Eternal Black Power 5B Drumsticks — Nylon Tip, Hickory

• 0.610 in (15.5 mm) grip: the full feel of a 5B
• 16.5 in (41.9 cm): an extra half inch
• Oval nylon tip, full and bright cymbal sound
• Black finish stained into the wood
• High volume and reach at the same time
• An extended version of a proven design

Adding length to a thick size does not have the same effect as adding it to a thin one. With a 15.5 mm grip, the mass is already substantial: the extra shaft mainly acts as additional leverage.

So the stroke comes out louder for the same motion. That is what a drummer needs to fill a large room or hold their own against several amps, without moving to a marching-size stick.

An oval tip puts down a wide contact area, so it sets a large part of the cymbal vibrating: the sound is full, rich in low overtones. The nylon adds a crisp leading edge to the attack.

Combining the two is what lets a cymbal stay audible in a loud band without turning harsh. A small hard tip would cut through but sound thin; a wood oval would have the body without the edge.

• Rock and metal in large venues
• Drummers playing against amps that are not miked
• Heavy playing with cymbals that must stay clear
• On stage under the lights, where a dark finish is wanted
• Drummers coming from a 5B who need more reach

Extended 5B sticks with a hard tip, from other manufacturers:

What does "Power" mean in the name?

Half an inch of length added to the standard size, with no change in diameter. The weight barely changes; reach and leverage increase.

Do nylon tips make cymbals harsh?

Not with an oval. The large contact area brings body; the nylon only adds the leading edge that makes the pattern clear.

Is it too much for a kit at home?

Probably. This size is designed for high volume; in a small room, it will be hard to keep it down.