The Vater 5A's are AWESOME sticks, even after half a year on them they sounded brand new.If you want a reliable stick you've found one,if you don't like Vater, try a Zildjian Z4A they are awesome too.

I've got the fatback 3a's. I'm speechless. Been playing the same pair for half a year. Not only is the 3a size perfect, but the sticks are still fine, not cracks. Forget Vic firth. only problem is the head of the stick, it breaks down after a while but still offers a great sound.

Fatback 3a's ROCK! Try them if you haven't. It's a forward weighted stick made to high standards. Heres a tip that will work on any wood tip stick. Coat tips with clear nail polish. Use the cheap stuff (.99 cents) and make sure it's clear. Do at least 2 coats making sure to let dry between each one, no more than 3 coats. The tips will compress after use and get smaller on a maple stick, but won't chip or flake. Neg. The polish will wick off on your heads and ride. You'll see the swipe marks, but it cleans up and your tips will outlast the shoulders of the stick.

I've played drums for 3 years and I have used sticks from Zildjian, Vic Firth, Innovated percussion, Pro Mark, and many more but Vaters are the only sticks I have used that will actually last longer then 6 songs while playing a show, the other sticks break on me so easy.

If you play heavy and need sticks that will last over the course of more than one show, buy Vater sticks.