Zildjian 5B Black Dip Hickory Sticks

I started using these since I love black coloured drum sticks, but found that fully black ones look a bit weird once you start using them and the black coating starts chipping off (unless you are using some carbon sticks).

Pros:

1. Price: in comparison to other fully/semi-coated drumsticks, these ones are about 2-4 € cheaper. Basically the same price as your regular hickorys.

2. Comfortable: I have comparatively larger hands, and sometimes even 5B felt slightly thin. These ones fit snugly in my palms, and feel like an optimum size without any issues of controlling with the fingers.

3. Grip: the black coating makes it resistant to slipping, even if your hands are sweaty. This is - hands down - the best thing about these sticks! I have always felt nervous of sticks slipping out of my hand in the middle of song, but these ones ease that concern out.

4. Appearance: the fact that it is only half-coated means that the coating doesn't chip off on playing (unless you play with your sticks upside down), which means that they don't give the ugly look of having been gnawed off after some time

Cons:

1. The coating can sometimes look a bit old and the company's name on the coat in golden letters a little faded. Additionally, in one case, the coat started coming from where my thumbs and fingers hold the sticks, implying that it is not glued/attached to the wood as rigorously as some might prefer.

Overall, a good purchase for the price if you are looking for some grippy and stylish-looking sticks!