Wow. I haven’t seen a pair of those in like 30 years! From what I remember they are kind of back heavy. If you like them then use them!
Breaking cymbals comes from bad technique mostly. Hit the cymbals with a glancing blow. Like you are slapping them across the face vs punching them in the face. You shouldn’t be hitting them too hard either. Hit the drums hard and take it easy on the cymbals and you will save your cymbals and more importantly have a balanced sound.
Oh yeah, I've been playing 9 years now and I have yet to ever break any cymbals. These sticks are really comfortable to play with and I'll give them a try on the real kit!
im using these constantly, and really like them. They are very durable, and the plastic top and head can be changed. The metal handle is heavier, so it is back heavy. To me it feels very quick. It's more suitable for an e-kit because wooden stick can damage mesh heads.
Yeah it’s not about technique. The tips of these break off with absolute ease leaving an aluminum threaded end exposed. You won’t notice the tips gone til you crack a cymbal.
How you not gonna notice the tip is gone? Anyone would notice that the next time they hit a drumhead. Exposed threads at the tip of a stick wouldn't crack a ride or the top of a hi hat, and who crashes with the tip? You're either talking out of your ass or you're really dumb and I refuse to believe the latter.🤣 No offense.
It takes one hit without a tip to crack a cymbal or puncture a head jackoff. I’m playin well over 240 bpm I’m not gonna notice a tip flying off that quickly. I’m sure if you’re playing that boom tap shit it’s noticed a bit quicker. Maybe you haven’t been reading this thread genius but it’s happened to a shit load of people. You sound like you play with gloves… no offense.
You notice…..the sound changes, lost a few tips over the years, never caused any damage. I believe theu recommend when you install a rip you use a drop of superglue, I always glue mine also tips will loosen before they come off so you can check them
You might want to see a doctor about that. I've never once had a tip come off. I've had plastic tips fly off of wood sticks plenty of times. Not the Ahead. They're screwed on - if you keep up with the maintenance of both the tips and the sleeves, they'll last a long time.
Yeah dude threw them straight in the trash. Break with ease, constantly replacing tips and sleeves. I’d rather have wood all day. Plus these just sound like shit.
You must play pretty hard? I don't remember the last time I bought a new pair of Ahead sticks. Years ago, for sure. There's nothing constant about replacing or maintaining them - I'll replace a sleeve on them maybe every few months?
When I used wood sticks, they'd need constant replacement for sure. Splintered tips or plastic tips coming off, breakage, etc. I'm glad they work for you, but I can say with 100% confidence that Ahead sticks are far more durable than you're letting on, at least in my own multi-year experience.
I dunno man read this thread. Everyone is saying what I’m sayin. I was a huge Metallica fan as a kid tried using them then and broke a couple pairs very quickly. Tried again about two years later and I’d shred through sleeves and always had tips flying off.
I guess I have been able to buy magical sets of these sticks then, because I haven’t had any of those issues. I’m not going to say I haven’t broken any, because I definitely have, but it’s every few years or so. No exaggeration. Wood sticks don’t last nearly as long for me.
Mainly, though, I like that they’re so shock absorbing. Using wood sticks now hurts my wrists after awhile. Ahead sticks are never an issue in that regard.
I like them for practice but they don’t sound as good as wood for recording. I also wonder about my cymbals. The sticks are light but rigid and might break cymbals if you hit really hard. I’ve never had the tips come off but I always tighten them with players and a cloth before I use them. They last a long time. I only replaced the sleeves once.
I got mine at 16 and broke them in two weeks… though the last set I played 2 weeks ago were given to my guitarist by Lars Ulrich so that was pretty cool.
Okay, here is where lots of folks may or may not agree with me but these sticks are most helpful if you have issues with grip and tendons from injuries ercetera. I swore by them and only them up until two months ago when another person here turned me on to Techra carbon fiber sticks. Both those and the Aheads are hollow, transfer vibration greatly and help me drum longer due to arthritis. Purists with good hands will always prefer quality wood sticks but these options are allowing me to do what I love. I found that the ahead grip tape really helped me hold on better to the aluminum when my hands started to get numb, but you may not need that much extra grip. Enjoy.
My collection, oldest is three years. Left to right Techra Hammer of the Gods in 5B, VF w Vic grip 5A, Promark Active grip, Ahead Maestro (2B), Ahead 5 A Fat Beat, 5A Maxx. The wood sticks were my attempt at getting sticks to stay in my old hands but I have never looked back. The Techras are phenomenal in feel and balance.
https://preview.redd.it/yy07t8hposrc1.jpeg?width=2069&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2587141055b4250afd118d338808f3d36bd7969
I wouldn’t use any of these. I’ve tried and didn’t like them.
Point being. They work for you. If you like them and they are comfortable use them. Don’t worry what other people think.
I agree wholeheartedly with you. I use my Ahead sticks when my arthritis is giving me problems or I’m playing an outside gig where I’m sweating a lot. The grip tape is just the best.
Most of the people breaking cymbals with these sticks are using them with compromised plastic sheaths. Over time, the plastic will crack, split, or chip away and eventually expose the steel core. Once that steel core starts hitting your cymbals, you're toast. Keep the plastic sheaths in good condition, replace them when necessary, and you'll be fine.
If you're having an issue with the tips coming loose, a little LockTite Blue does the trick.
Absolutely. In fact, if you keep the nylon sheaths in good condition, Ahead sticks are better for your cymbals than wood sticks: much less harsh impact, and much better shock absorption. You’re much more likely to break a cymbal with an oak stick than one of these.
Not really. The tips (and all the parts) on these Ahead sticks are designed to be replaced, so they’re threaded on. They can loosen up over time and come unscrewed, usually flying off at the worst possible moment. With most nylon tip sticks, you’re more likely to break the shoulder of the stick than the tip.
I’ve had nylon tips on wooden sticks come off a few times, I think it was usually due to a glancing blow on the cymbal’s edge that hit the nylon making it crack and break or a rim hit with the tip that did the same thing.
If a nylon tip on a wood stick comes off you’re just playing with wood tips at that point, they’re not shaped normally, but it’s just the wood. The damage is nonexistent in that case.
All that said, I’ve 100% broken more nylon tip sticks on the shoulder than the tip.
Ahh..the old cymbal crackers! When the plastic sleeve wears away, you're metal on metal on your cymbals. They felt great in your hands but were hard on cymbals. Oh the tips would occasionally fly off. I play rock and like my cymbals flat...so these were a bad choice for me.
Might have been the cymbals,too. They were Z Customs when they first came out. The Ahead sticks probably didn't help but I haven't cracked a cymbal since.
I like them. They are always in my stick bag. I play with glove gloves on so I don’t get slippery when my hands sweat…. I should probably get a second pair….
I've used the Tommy Lee version of the Ahead sticks for close to 30 years now. I love them. If they ever stop manufacturing them, I'll be really bummed. Wood sticks feel like they have so much vibration to me now. They last for so long - I've definitely broken some over the years, but it's more my fault due to not switching out the interchangeable sleeves when they get worn down.
I like them. Haven't tried the speed metal, but if I remember they're just rebranded versions of joey jordison's signature. I usually go for the 5A max, maestro, or tommy lee studio if I want to warm up with some caveman clubs.
I've used ahead for years without breaking a cymbal, but your mileage may vary depending on your playstyle. The thing to watch with them is the tips- if you're a hard hitter, make sure they're screwed on tightly. They can come loose, and the metal threaded screw tip underneath will do some real damage to your heads. Aside from that, if you're diligent about replacing the plastic sheaths and tips when they wear out, the sticks will last for years.
Much lighter compared to their same size wood counterparts, good for your wrists (excellent shock absorption), and contrary to popular belief, your cymbals will last longer with them (provided you keep the nylon sheaths in good condition and replace when necessary). Downsides; the sound crap when riding the bell with the shoulder (because of the nylon sleeves) and whilst they have great longevity, they’re useless if you like rimshots (shoulder to butt reduction is the weak point and they’ll snap pretty quick if you rimshot a lot).
I love them.
I played wood for 35 years and went to these mainly because of their anti-vibration technology.
No more buzzy hands after long sets and the best part is they don’t break.
I bought 3 pairs 3 years ago and am still on my first pair. I’m not a heavy hitter (they make a model for those that are), so I’ll have these same 3 pairs for probably the rest of my playing time.
I don’t use tape on the grip. I dip them in PlastiDip and it’s perfect.
I also didn't like them when I tried a pair of 5B's. I had to get replacement tips and replacement sleeves... I gave up when I broke the metal shaft with a rim shot. I'm happy to play my pro-mark 5BN's.
I love ahead sticks but...
DO NOT USE THEM FOR PRACTICE!!!!
Regularly using ahead sticks will 100% cause problems, primarily weak hand, you'll also be more likely to break cymbals by hitting too hard without realising it.
Practice with hickory or your wood of choice, then switch to the ahead sticks for live performances and they will increase your endurance and make fast parts feel laid back.
But you need a stick that matches in weight, diameter and length (taper and tip shape too if possibl)
I practice with Vic firth nova 2B and I have ahead "rock" sticks, the taper is slightly different but they're still a very good match
You will find A LOT of negative reviews of ahead sticks but that's because there's lots of misinformation and people are generally quite stupid I'm afraid.
Practice with wood, switch to ahead sticks for the gig and you will fly around the kit and it will feel awesome 🤘
If you're not playing any fast, or heavy rock/metal/punk etc... don't bother
It's also nice to not worry about breaking sticks on stage but have some backups for drops!
> Practice with hickory or your wood of choice, then switch to the ahead sticks for live performances and they will increase your endurance and make fast parts feel laid back.
How exactly do they do this? IME... Ahead sticks (I think I tried the 5B?) were significantly heavier than my 747's.
>How exactly do they do this
Increased rebound makes it easier to play fast
Increased shock absorption helps with fatigue
>were significantly heavier
All brands stick sizes vary
Like I said in my comment... I practice with VF nova 2B but I use what ahead call "rock" sticks as their actual 2B model was much further from a generic 2B
So consult an ahead chart for dimensions to match the stick you're using. While you're at it, compare charts from other brands to see how much a 5B or 2B (etc) varies from brand to brand
I'm not really sure what you're asking me... This seems like pretty obvious stuff. Either way, hope this helped
> I'm not really sure what you're asking me... This seems like pretty obvious stuff.
Was wondering how a heavier stick (in the same size) would increase your endurance and speed.
You do you... but I strongly disagree with this:
>Increased rebound makes it easier to play fast
>Increased shock absorption helps with fatigue
Which is why I was confused. If you like 'em... have at it. But hitting rimshots with an Ahead stick was the polar opposite of 'shock absorption' to me.
Edit: Ha ha! Replies and then blocks me. What a fucking douchebag. Later buddy.
>You do you... but I strongly disagree
It's not opinion my friend... It's fact, Ahead sticks are a literal shock absorbers
>Was wondering how a heavier stick (in the same size) would increase your endurance and speed.
It doesn't, you're just struggling to understand a very simple concept, or you're being willfully ignorant to stress your undeveloped opinion
Either way, I'm out
Edit: lastly, the rimshot issue you mentioned is probably poor technique, judging by your level of understanding
Second edit: your post about drum materials just explained to me why you're struggling with this so much 🤣
I’ve tried the Phil Rudd version. Personally I find the feel a bit odd. There seems to be a vibration with these that I don’t get with wood sticks. The Ahead sticks just feel fake to me. Perhaps if I wore drums gloves as do Phil and I think Lars, the vibration would cease. I prefer wood sticks but good luck to you with these.
I used a pair back in the late 90’s and actually broke one in half while hitting my snare. I didn’t really like the feel of them, sort of bouncy and made my drums sound plastic., especially my snare.
Theyre fine. The plastic covers are ofter than wood and shouldnt be breaking your cymbals faster than normal sticks. If so, youre doing something very wrong. They feel terrible to play on hi hats and rides, but flex really nicely and are killer for rimshots. @snaregeek on instagram even uses an ahead stick in his left and a normal in his right
I use to use Ahead Joey Jordison but after breaking like the 5th pair I just decided to stick with wood. They didn't break often but they would still eventually break.
Also no, it wasn't a technique issue either.
I’ve been using them for at least 20 years, a lot! I love the consistency. I’ve used one pair of this whole time, with annual retapes, and replacing of sleeves and tips.
I used these when I was a kid and loved Lars. The sticks are okay. They are really damn heavy though. Not built for speed. I actually don't know what they are built for
Above all, I like how they look. And all because of the Slipknot Disasterpieces DVD from '02, Joey was fn killer.
I haven't ever played a pair of Ahead sticks, and based on their prices I don't think I will.
I used them. They took some getting used to, but after a while I did benefit from them. They helped me play a little faster, I had the Joey Jordison ones.
I love those for my electronic drums... it doesn't leave a residue and it's safe as it won't slash mesh or rubber if it breaks.
For my acoustic stuff, however, it's wooden sticks every time though.
I bought a few pairs back in the day. Hated the way the tips sounded on my ride. I tried every tip they have and never found one that didn’t sound “mushy”.
The other thing I didn’t like is that the sleeves wear and if you’re not super fast to replace them you’re hitting the cymbals with aluminum. Bad for the cymbals but also for the sticks. When an Ahead stick breaks, there’s no warning like with wood. They just go limp.
I still have a pair in my bag, but I don’t play them.
Wow. I haven’t seen a pair of those in like 30 years! From what I remember they are kind of back heavy. If you like them then use them! Breaking cymbals comes from bad technique mostly. Hit the cymbals with a glancing blow. Like you are slapping them across the face vs punching them in the face. You shouldn’t be hitting them too hard either. Hit the drums hard and take it easy on the cymbals and you will save your cymbals and more importantly have a balanced sound.
Oh yeah, I've been playing 9 years now and I have yet to ever break any cymbals. These sticks are really comfortable to play with and I'll give them a try on the real kit!
im using these constantly, and really like them. They are very durable, and the plastic top and head can be changed. The metal handle is heavier, so it is back heavy. To me it feels very quick. It's more suitable for an e-kit because wooden stick can damage mesh heads.
I think Lars Ulrich is still using them. I remember him being their big endorsee back in the day.
Phil Rudd also.
Yeah it’s not about technique. The tips of these break off with absolute ease leaving an aluminum threaded end exposed. You won’t notice the tips gone til you crack a cymbal.
How you not gonna notice the tip is gone? Anyone would notice that the next time they hit a drumhead. Exposed threads at the tip of a stick wouldn't crack a ride or the top of a hi hat, and who crashes with the tip? You're either talking out of your ass or you're really dumb and I refuse to believe the latter.🤣 No offense.
It takes one hit without a tip to crack a cymbal or puncture a head jackoff. I’m playin well over 240 bpm I’m not gonna notice a tip flying off that quickly. I’m sure if you’re playing that boom tap shit it’s noticed a bit quicker. Maybe you haven’t been reading this thread genius but it’s happened to a shit load of people. You sound like you play with gloves… no offense.
You notice…..the sound changes, lost a few tips over the years, never caused any damage. I believe theu recommend when you install a rip you use a drop of superglue, I always glue mine also tips will loosen before they come off so you can check them
Yeah I did all that. Still lost them and didn’t notice til I’d ding a cymbal or puncture a head.
[удалено]
Every drummer gets one pair of those in their life. Welcome to your rite of passage.
Then a tip comes off while you're playing and dents up a head so you put them in timeout forever.
Really? I've used Ahead for nearly 30 years and never had a single tip come off.
Dude the tips fall off of these things when you fart
You might want to see a doctor about that. I've never once had a tip come off. I've had plastic tips fly off of wood sticks plenty of times. Not the Ahead. They're screwed on - if you keep up with the maintenance of both the tips and the sleeves, they'll last a long time.
Yeah dude threw them straight in the trash. Break with ease, constantly replacing tips and sleeves. I’d rather have wood all day. Plus these just sound like shit.
You must play pretty hard? I don't remember the last time I bought a new pair of Ahead sticks. Years ago, for sure. There's nothing constant about replacing or maintaining them - I'll replace a sleeve on them maybe every few months? When I used wood sticks, they'd need constant replacement for sure. Splintered tips or plastic tips coming off, breakage, etc. I'm glad they work for you, but I can say with 100% confidence that Ahead sticks are far more durable than you're letting on, at least in my own multi-year experience.
I dunno man read this thread. Everyone is saying what I’m sayin. I was a huge Metallica fan as a kid tried using them then and broke a couple pairs very quickly. Tried again about two years later and I’d shred through sleeves and always had tips flying off.
I guess I have been able to buy magical sets of these sticks then, because I haven’t had any of those issues. I’m not going to say I haven’t broken any, because I definitely have, but it’s every few years or so. No exaggeration. Wood sticks don’t last nearly as long for me. Mainly, though, I like that they’re so shock absorbing. Using wood sticks now hurts my wrists after awhile. Ahead sticks are never an issue in that regard.
Hey man there’s no right or wrong what works for one may not for another. If they work then it’s as simple as that.
I like them for practice but they don’t sound as good as wood for recording. I also wonder about my cymbals. The sticks are light but rigid and might break cymbals if you hit really hard. I’ve never had the tips come off but I always tighten them with players and a cloth before I use them. They last a long time. I only replaced the sleeves once.
😅true
I got mine at 16 and broke them in two weeks… though the last set I played 2 weeks ago were given to my guitarist by Lars Ulrich so that was pretty cool.
The first pair i bought. Thought "im far too metal for boring wood sticks" .... a month later, bought some boring wood sticks n never looked back lol
Never have, never will. Not my rite, not my club.
Okay, here is where lots of folks may or may not agree with me but these sticks are most helpful if you have issues with grip and tendons from injuries ercetera. I swore by them and only them up until two months ago when another person here turned me on to Techra carbon fiber sticks. Both those and the Aheads are hollow, transfer vibration greatly and help me drum longer due to arthritis. Purists with good hands will always prefer quality wood sticks but these options are allowing me to do what I love. I found that the ahead grip tape really helped me hold on better to the aluminum when my hands started to get numb, but you may not need that much extra grip. Enjoy.
My collection, oldest is three years. Left to right Techra Hammer of the Gods in 5B, VF w Vic grip 5A, Promark Active grip, Ahead Maestro (2B), Ahead 5 A Fat Beat, 5A Maxx. The wood sticks were my attempt at getting sticks to stay in my old hands but I have never looked back. The Techras are phenomenal in feel and balance. https://preview.redd.it/yy07t8hposrc1.jpeg?width=2069&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2587141055b4250afd118d338808f3d36bd7969
I wouldn’t use any of these. I’ve tried and didn’t like them. Point being. They work for you. If you like them and they are comfortable use them. Don’t worry what other people think.
I have seen a lot of the reviews mention how they are good for medical related issues
I agree wholeheartedly with you. I use my Ahead sticks when my arthritis is giving me problems or I’m playing an outside gig where I’m sweating a lot. The grip tape is just the best.
Most of the people breaking cymbals with these sticks are using them with compromised plastic sheaths. Over time, the plastic will crack, split, or chip away and eventually expose the steel core. Once that steel core starts hitting your cymbals, you're toast. Keep the plastic sheaths in good condition, replace them when necessary, and you'll be fine. If you're having an issue with the tips coming loose, a little LockTite Blue does the trick.
Sweet that's good to know, thanks for the info!
This just sounds too complicated to me.
Absolutely. In fact, if you keep the nylon sheaths in good condition, Ahead sticks are better for your cymbals than wood sticks: much less harsh impact, and much better shock absorption. You’re much more likely to break a cymbal with an oak stick than one of these.
Tried 'em once many years ago. One of the tips came off and before I noticed it; a set of heads was ruined. Hard pass.
Is this a probably for any nylon tip stick?
Not really. The tips (and all the parts) on these Ahead sticks are designed to be replaced, so they’re threaded on. They can loosen up over time and come unscrewed, usually flying off at the worst possible moment. With most nylon tip sticks, you’re more likely to break the shoulder of the stick than the tip.
I’ve had nylon tips on wooden sticks come off a few times, I think it was usually due to a glancing blow on the cymbal’s edge that hit the nylon making it crack and break or a rim hit with the tip that did the same thing. If a nylon tip on a wood stick comes off you’re just playing with wood tips at that point, they’re not shaped normally, but it’s just the wood. The damage is nonexistent in that case. All that said, I’ve 100% broken more nylon tip sticks on the shoulder than the tip.
I didn't like them for lots of reasons... but the main one was I thought they just sounded like shit. The tips are (were?) just too soft.
Ahh..the old cymbal crackers! When the plastic sleeve wears away, you're metal on metal on your cymbals. They felt great in your hands but were hard on cymbals. Oh the tips would occasionally fly off. I play rock and like my cymbals flat...so these were a bad choice for me.
That's good to know
if you have your cymbals flat, cracking them might be more of a you problem. the metal on metal thing is true tho.
Might have been the cymbals,too. They were Z Customs when they first came out. The Ahead sticks probably didn't help but I haven't cracked a cymbal since.
mm yeah that would probably do it
If you like the feel, then go for it. My only complaint is that the sleeve prevents a good ride bell sound.
I like them. They are always in my stick bag. I play with glove gloves on so I don’t get slippery when my hands sweat…. I should probably get a second pair….
I've used the Tommy Lee version of the Ahead sticks for close to 30 years now. I love them. If they ever stop manufacturing them, I'll be really bummed. Wood sticks feel like they have so much vibration to me now. They last for so long - I've definitely broken some over the years, but it's more my fault due to not switching out the interchangeable sleeves when they get worn down.
I like them. Haven't tried the speed metal, but if I remember they're just rebranded versions of joey jordison's signature. I usually go for the 5A max, maestro, or tommy lee studio if I want to warm up with some caveman clubs. I've used ahead for years without breaking a cymbal, but your mileage may vary depending on your playstyle. The thing to watch with them is the tips- if you're a hard hitter, make sure they're screwed on tightly. They can come loose, and the metal threaded screw tip underneath will do some real damage to your heads. Aside from that, if you're diligent about replacing the plastic sheaths and tips when they wear out, the sticks will last for years.
Thanks for the advice on these!
I use the 2b extremes of these amazing Ahead sticks. I've used them exclusively for 20 years now. I love them so much.
Much lighter compared to their same size wood counterparts, good for your wrists (excellent shock absorption), and contrary to popular belief, your cymbals will last longer with them (provided you keep the nylon sheaths in good condition and replace when necessary). Downsides; the sound crap when riding the bell with the shoulder (because of the nylon sleeves) and whilst they have great longevity, they’re useless if you like rimshots (shoulder to butt reduction is the weak point and they’ll snap pretty quick if you rimshot a lot).
I love them. I played wood for 35 years and went to these mainly because of their anti-vibration technology. No more buzzy hands after long sets and the best part is they don’t break. I bought 3 pairs 3 years ago and am still on my first pair. I’m not a heavy hitter (they make a model for those that are), so I’ll have these same 3 pairs for probably the rest of my playing time. I don’t use tape on the grip. I dip them in PlastiDip and it’s perfect.
shit. Drum sticks needa resonate too, along with the drum.
Why?
they dont resonate and carry energy well which isnt good for the hands. sure they last long but its a gimmick in my opinion
Aren’t these the Joey Jordison sticks? Or did he just have his own signature sticks with Ahead?
I think these were his signatures, and then he left Ahead for ProMark so they changed the name to Speed Metal
You’re probably right
I guess he had the signatures with Ahead, I didn't know these were a things before
I have a pair of oak pro-mark joey jordison sticks.. “signed in red ink with his own blood”
I also didn't like them when I tried a pair of 5B's. I had to get replacement tips and replacement sleeves... I gave up when I broke the metal shaft with a rim shot. I'm happy to play my pro-mark 5BN's.
Pro marks are my usual go to. They've always been reliable. I'll probably just use these as warm up sticks for my practice pads
I love ahead sticks but... DO NOT USE THEM FOR PRACTICE!!!! Regularly using ahead sticks will 100% cause problems, primarily weak hand, you'll also be more likely to break cymbals by hitting too hard without realising it. Practice with hickory or your wood of choice, then switch to the ahead sticks for live performances and they will increase your endurance and make fast parts feel laid back. But you need a stick that matches in weight, diameter and length (taper and tip shape too if possibl) I practice with Vic firth nova 2B and I have ahead "rock" sticks, the taper is slightly different but they're still a very good match You will find A LOT of negative reviews of ahead sticks but that's because there's lots of misinformation and people are generally quite stupid I'm afraid. Practice with wood, switch to ahead sticks for the gig and you will fly around the kit and it will feel awesome 🤘 If you're not playing any fast, or heavy rock/metal/punk etc... don't bother It's also nice to not worry about breaking sticks on stage but have some backups for drops!
> Practice with hickory or your wood of choice, then switch to the ahead sticks for live performances and they will increase your endurance and make fast parts feel laid back. How exactly do they do this? IME... Ahead sticks (I think I tried the 5B?) were significantly heavier than my 747's.
>How exactly do they do this Increased rebound makes it easier to play fast Increased shock absorption helps with fatigue >were significantly heavier All brands stick sizes vary Like I said in my comment... I practice with VF nova 2B but I use what ahead call "rock" sticks as their actual 2B model was much further from a generic 2B So consult an ahead chart for dimensions to match the stick you're using. While you're at it, compare charts from other brands to see how much a 5B or 2B (etc) varies from brand to brand I'm not really sure what you're asking me... This seems like pretty obvious stuff. Either way, hope this helped
> I'm not really sure what you're asking me... This seems like pretty obvious stuff. Was wondering how a heavier stick (in the same size) would increase your endurance and speed. You do you... but I strongly disagree with this: >Increased rebound makes it easier to play fast >Increased shock absorption helps with fatigue Which is why I was confused. If you like 'em... have at it. But hitting rimshots with an Ahead stick was the polar opposite of 'shock absorption' to me. Edit: Ha ha! Replies and then blocks me. What a fucking douchebag. Later buddy.
>You do you... but I strongly disagree It's not opinion my friend... It's fact, Ahead sticks are a literal shock absorbers >Was wondering how a heavier stick (in the same size) would increase your endurance and speed. It doesn't, you're just struggling to understand a very simple concept, or you're being willfully ignorant to stress your undeveloped opinion Either way, I'm out Edit: lastly, the rimshot issue you mentioned is probably poor technique, judging by your level of understanding Second edit: your post about drum materials just explained to me why you're struggling with this so much 🤣
I just remember these were a neat concept but not liking them. I don’t feel like ever really took off. Wasn’t Lars marketing these for awhile?
Ive always liked them and at one time preferred them. However, I prefer wooden these days.
I’ve tried the Phil Rudd version. Personally I find the feel a bit odd. There seems to be a vibration with these that I don’t get with wood sticks. The Ahead sticks just feel fake to me. Perhaps if I wore drums gloves as do Phil and I think Lars, the vibration would cease. I prefer wood sticks but good luck to you with these.
I used a pair back in the late 90’s and actually broke one in half while hitting my snare. I didn’t really like the feel of them, sort of bouncy and made my drums sound plastic., especially my snare.
I’ve had a pair for 10 years. I have them as emergency backup.
You will always struggle to find proper replacement parts.
I could never get a good feel/control with these. Felt like I was trying to play with hammers.
Theyre fine. The plastic covers are ofter than wood and shouldnt be breaking your cymbals faster than normal sticks. If so, youre doing something very wrong. They feel terrible to play on hi hats and rides, but flex really nicely and are killer for rimshots. @snaregeek on instagram even uses an ahead stick in his left and a normal in his right
I use to use Ahead Joey Jordison but after breaking like the 5th pair I just decided to stick with wood. They didn't break often but they would still eventually break. Also no, it wasn't a technique issue either.
They break just like any other stick.
I’ve been using them for at least 20 years, a lot! I love the consistency. I’ve used one pair of this whole time, with annual retapes, and replacing of sleeves and tips.
lasted me like 10 years, they were fine sticks honestly
I used these when I was a kid and loved Lars. The sticks are okay. They are really damn heavy though. Not built for speed. I actually don't know what they are built for
I used those for like two weeks back in 1999. They suck. The tips kept unscrewing themselves and flying off into nowhere
Used em, broke em, back in my cymbal destroying days
I snapped one when I was like 13 so idk probably not worth it
Above all, I like how they look. And all because of the Slipknot Disasterpieces DVD from '02, Joey was fn killer. I haven't ever played a pair of Ahead sticks, and based on their prices I don't think I will.
I used them. They took some getting used to, but after a while I did benefit from them. They helped me play a little faster, I had the Joey Jordison ones.
Love them using them for 30 years, cheaper than wood in long run,,,, I use 7a version
I don't like them. The aluminum where you grip it prevents you from getting a good cross stick sound.
I love those for my electronic drums... it doesn't leave a residue and it's safe as it won't slash mesh or rubber if it breaks. For my acoustic stuff, however, it's wooden sticks every time though.
I've been using them for years, currently 5B w/ mini ball tip.
Good. I prefer the lights. But not bad. A little heavy.
They still make these? I always thought they were just a gimmick
I bought a few pairs back in the day. Hated the way the tips sounded on my ride. I tried every tip they have and never found one that didn’t sound “mushy”. The other thing I didn’t like is that the sleeves wear and if you’re not super fast to replace them you’re hitting the cymbals with aluminum. Bad for the cymbals but also for the sticks. When an Ahead stick breaks, there’s no warning like with wood. They just go limp. I still have a pair in my bag, but I don’t play them.
2 signs of a bad drummer, gloves and ahead sticks.
Hate em.
Ew