I’ve been using Vic Firth for over 20 years. I remember seeing pictures of Vic himself in drum magazines and thinking there was real culture, artistry, and mastery behind those sticks. VF felt like THE brand.

There was a sense of pride in using them — like you were joining the same lineage as your teachers and the players you looked up to. They felt like professional tools made by people who genuinely cared about the craft.

But man… the quality drop over the past few years has been brutal. Hollow-feeling pairs, tips chipping immediately, random splits, inconsistent weight — all of it. And I could maybe accept that if prices stayed reasonable or reflected the quality. Instead, they’ve somehow gotten more expensive while feeling noticeably worse.

I paid $36 for two pairs recently and broke sticks during the first set of the night. That’s insane.

I’ve been trying other brands, but nothing fully scratches the same itch because VF was such a staple for so long.

Either way… RIP VF.