Vater American Hickory Power 3A Drumsticks — Nylon Barrel Tip
The Power 3A with nylon tip is a nylon tip drumstick made from American hickory, 16 5/8 in by 0.600 in, whose barrel tip is moulded rather than turned from the wood. There is a single goal behind this change: a clean, bright cymbal, even when the stick hits hard.
What sets it apart
- Nylon barrel tip, with a short face and a hard material
- 16 5/8 in (42.2 cm) length, identical to the wood version
- 0.600 in (15.2 mm) diameter
- Clear cymbal tone that stays consistent over time
- The reach of a long stick
- American hickory
Two ways to gain definition, combined
The barrel shrinks and stabilizes the contact area; nylon hardens the material that strikes. Separately, each one makes the attack clearer. Together, they give a cymbal with a sharply cut sound.
On a stick this heavy, that is a useful counterweight: without it, 0.600 in over 16 5/8 in would easily make a ride wash out at the slightest pressure.
Consistency, a stage argument
A drummer who plays several nights in a row with the same mic setup wants the same balance every night. A wood tip that gradually flattens gets in the way: the cymbal softens even though nothing was changed.
Nylon locks that variable down. It is less spectacular than a difference in tone, but it is often what wins over touring drummers.
The case of electronic pads
On an electronic kit, wood tips chip and the roughened surface wears into mesh heads. A smooth nylon piece does not have that problem.
With its generous length, this model works just as well for silent rehearsals as for the stage.
Specifications
| Wood | American hickory |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 16 5/8 in (42.2 cm) |
| Grip diameter | 0.600 in (15.2 mm) |
| Tip shape | Barrel, nylon |
| Place in the lineup | Extended version of the 3A |
| Sister model | Same model with a wood barrel tip |
What it is for
- Touring with a sound to reproduce every night
- Amplified bands where the cymbal has to cut through
- Electronic drums and rubber pads
- Large kits that call for reach
- Studio work where the cymbal attack is miked up close
Compare with other manufacturers
Long sticks with a nylon tip from other manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Comparable model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Regal Tip | 5B nylon | Standard length, the maker that originated the process |
| Vic Firth | Extreme 5B nylon | Teardrop tip rather than barrel |
| Promark | Classic Forward 5B nylon | Shorter profile, forward balance |
| Zildjian | Super 5A nylon | Smaller size, different tip shape |
Frequently asked questions
- Why combine a barrel tip and nylon?
- Because both act on the same thing: how clean the attack is. On a heavy stick, that counterweight keeps the cymbal from washing out.
- Is the body identical to the wood tip version?
- Yes. Only the tip changes; length, diameter and profile are the same.
- Can nylon make the sound harsh?
- On very bright cymbals, it can. On dark cymbals or in a loud band, it is what makes them audible.
- Is it the right choice for electronic drums?
- Yes: the smooth surface is gentler on mesh heads than a chipped wood tip.
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