To get a Regal type feel with VF, you'd want to try their double-glaze option.ĭepnding on your grip, especially if you play matched, you may notice a difference with the in-hand feel between most stick brands that round off the butt of a stick, versus those with a straight cut that's slightly chamfered like Vater and Innovative Percussion. It's their standard finishing process, but Vic Firth's standard is less tacky. Taking your Regal Tip example, their lacquer seems to be unique and proprietary and many, many players swear by it. If I recall correctly, Vic Firth states that their sticks are sorted into three or four weight batches within approximately 10 grams for each model, and then each brick of that model gets some of each weight group.Īnother consideration that affects feel is how sticks are finished. Also, keep in mind that most companies are pitch matching now, but the weights still fluctuate within a single model. For instance, Vater dries to a higher moisture content than other manufacturers, which leads to a dense, heavier feeling stick, so their 8A is going to play dfferently than Promark's. That would be an excellent resource if it's out there.Īs far as the standard models, I think you'll find the specs to be close throughout the different companies, though the feel is going to differ based on production methods.