A lengthy, but comfortable, stick that features a very fast taper for some added weight up top. This allows for a powerful "throw" and solid impact that is perfect for an aggressive drumming style. American Hickory dowels have to meet very strict quality characteristics to be made into a Vater drumstick. Vater's Hickory is stress released which is done by slowly raising the temperature at the end of the drying cycle for 8 hours. This relieves the stress in the wood and produces straight sticks that stay straight.