Detail 01
5B
Thicker than a 5A. More mass per stroke means more volume and more durability, at the cost of speed.
Product detailSKU #1290447864363
Vic FirthAmerican Classic Extreme Drum Sticks With Vic Grip 5B Wood
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Vic Firth 5B hickory sticks with Vic Grip coating. A step up in thickness from 5A, for louder playing and hands that need extra hold.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Loud rock, metal and hard-hitting live sets
- Drummers who lose sticks mid-song from sweat
- Building hand strength during practice
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Fast, light playing where stick weight slows you down
- Jazz, brushes-and-sticks gigs and quiet rooms
- Players who dislike any tacky coating in the hand
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Vic Grip coating
A tacky surface treatment that holds when hands are wet. Feels different from bare wood on the first session.
Detail 03
Wood tip
Rounder, warmer cymbal tone than nylon. Chips over time, especially on bells and rims.
Detail 04
Hickory
Dense and stiff, so more of your stroke reaches the drum instead of flexing away in the shaft.
Detail 05
Extreme length
The longer shaft adds reach and leverage across a wide kit, and shifts the balance slightly.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01One pair per package. Hard hitters go through these faster than 5As.
- 02The coating changes the feel; give it a session before deciding.
- 03Heavier sticks tire your hands faster if you are used to 5A.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is 5B much heavier than 5A?
Noticeably. 5B is thicker in the shaft, so it hits harder and lasts longer, but fast passages take more effort. Most drummers own both.
02Does the grip coating wear off?
It wears with heavy use and handling. How fast depends on how much you play and how much your hands sweat.
03Are these good for beginners?
Yes, especially if you have trouble holding onto sticks. The extra thickness also survives rough technique better than a thin stick.
04Will the coating leave residue on my hands?
It is a surface treatment on the shaft, meant to add grip rather than transfer. Wash your hands after long sessions if buildup bothers you.
