{species}DROID Rocks Ahead! (Ahead Drumsticks Lars Ulrich)

Member Name: Ann Droid

Product:	Ahead Drumsticks Lars Ulrich
Date:	05/07/07 (297 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Shock reduction, Economical, Beef's up Sound on acoustic, Less Stress on Digital Playing

Disadvantages: Really can't complain

This is Ann Droid from the group {species}DROID and Ahead Alloy Sticks saved my rocking ass!!! In early 2006 I developed a wretched case of tendonitis in my right wrist. The injury may have stemmed from practicing on a digital kit... serious shock from the striking surface! Either way, the injury caused me to 'def leppard' it on my real kit for shows... not cool!... unless you are rick allen.

I switched to Ahead. These sticks seriously cut down on shock/vibration. (My injury has healed and not returned in about 10 months.) They also result in a heavier sound with less effort. This makes dynamic playing much easier as you have a wider range to play with than wooden sticks will allow. The grip tape is essential, which may make you feel like you've been roped into constantly buying accessories, but not so. Everything lasts so long, you will find that you're saving money and hassel in the long-run. Replacing the parts is not a big deal. But I do reccommend keeping two pairs in your stick bag because you won't have time to swap parts during a performance.

The only down side I have to offer is that when the replacable shaft breaks and/or the tip comes off, you will absolutely shread every head you strike with it. It's quite sharp under all of that plastic and nylon! So, keep an extra pair, and keep an eye on how damaged the cover is. They usually last me about 4 months which is an excellent value.

Summary: The best, most unique product for drumming, sound quality, and longevity of playing.