Vater American Hickory Shedder Drumsticks — Heavy Practice Stick, Wood Tip
The Shedder is the thickest drumstick in this group: 0.650 in at the grip, 16.25 in long. It is not made for the Saturday night show, but for the hours of work that come before it.
What sets it apart
- 0.650 in grip — the largest size in the lineup
- 16 1/4 in long
- Large round barrel tip, in wood
- High mass: a warm-up and strength-building tool
- American hickory, chosen by Vater for its durability
- Going back to your usual size feels much easier after a session
Why practise with something heavier than your usual size
Working for a few minutes with a much heavier stick makes the forearm muscles produce more for the same motion. When you pick up your usual size again, the stick feels light and your control improves.
This method has a limit, and it is worth saying: too long a session with an unusual weight hurts the wrist. A few minutes at the start of a session, not an entire evening.
A pad, a heavy pair, and nothing else
On a practice pad, a heavy stick exaggerates every flaw: a poorly controlled rebound is heard immediately, and uneven sticking becomes impossible to ignore. That is precisely what you want from a practice tool.
The large rounded barrel also lets you use it on a full kit for very hard-hitting rock, without the attack turning harsh.
Specifications
| Diameter | 0.650 in |
|---|---|
| Length | 16 1/4 in |
| Tip | Large round barrel, wood |
| Wood species | American hickory |
| Purpose | Practice, warm-up, very hard playing |
What it is for
- Warming up before a show or a recording session
- Rudiment work on a pad, to build forearm strength
- Very hard-hitting rock on thick heads
- A drummer who wants to improve rebound control
- Practice sessions in a soundproofed rehearsal room
Compare with other manufacturers
Practice sticks and heavy sizes from other manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Model in the same family | What changes in the hand |
|---|---|---|
| Vic Firth | American Classic 3A | Slightly thinner, meant for playing rather than practice |
| Promark | Rebound 2B | Weight spread along the whole shaft, balance toward the hand |
| Zildjian | Super 5B | Designed for loud playing, smaller tip |
| Regal Tip | 2B Wood | Longer neck profile, more flex |
Frequently asked questions
- How long should I practise with heavy sticks?
- A few minutes at the start of a session is enough. Beyond that, fatigue breaks down your technique instead of building it, and your wrist pays for it.
- Can I play a whole gig with this size?
- Technically yes, but that is not what it is for. Finesse disappears, and the stamina it demands is that of a workout, not a concert.
- Do heavy sticks damage drumheads?
- On a pad, there is no risk. On a kit, a single-ply head sags faster under this weight: choose a two-ply head.
- Is it suitable for a beginner drummer?
- As an occasional practice tool, yes, with supervision. As a main stick, no: it hides flaws in technique.
Avis clients
Do you use them for warming up or for playing? Tell us.
Aucun avis pour le moment. Soyez le premier à partager votre expérience après votre achat.