The "rod" drum stick is a relatively new idea to modern drumming, though it's actually been around since the dawn of drumming. I found the concept interesting - after trying them out I was hooked! Not a stick and not a brush, but a drum stick that offers the best of both worlds. I doubt they'll impress heavy hitters, but for drummer with an appreciation of more finessed styles, these are a great idea- mine are even better!

Voodoo Rods Promo Movie

After a few years of using Pro-Mark's 'Rods I became quite familiar with them. First I found them to be pricey for their lack of reasonable durability - I like to think I'm a seasoned, even tempered drummer - that is to say I'm not a wild swinging heavy neanderthal hitter. The rods start to snap fairly quickly, especially with abundant hi-hat and cymbal play. The problem as I see it is hardwoods and plastics are too hard, snapping dowels like a cheap toothpicks, especially coming up against that common stick nemesis, the hi-hat and cymbals!

Thinner dowels tend to last longer due to their flexible characteristics, but they loose their attack and ability to cut through a mix when desired. What's needed is a durable yet forgiving thicker wood dowel with a diameter still around 1/8th inch. Plastic and hardwood rods are pretty expensive at $15+ a pair for a product that doesn't last as long as I feel they should.

A corporate conspiracy to sell more product? Hardwood seems a logical choice, but upon logical observed scrutiny in prolonged use, this proved not to be the case. You'd think the big corporate guys would have tested this issue, being a major concern to the consumer drummer, no?

* A distinct and controllable attack
* Balanced design delivers a stick like feel
* All wood construction w/vinyl band wraps.
* 16" overall length
* 5/8" Diam X 6" L wood handle (5A)
* 14 3/32" dowel rod shaft (11"L)