These Hickory sticks are truly magnificent. The price is very good in relation to great quality. Recommend without doubt the own brand of Thomann. While you play rimshots it takes a lot to dent them, letting the stick live through more than one intense show. These sticks help provide that crisp sound that every good snare drummer loves. They are very well balanced and the pitch is excellent. We play traditional and I was worried that the particular weight of the stick would slow me down, it gave no have problem, I'd recommend this stick to any serious snare player or band director.